Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! These Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Cookies are the perfect answer. These soft, chewy cookies are elevated to another level with a tangy, rich cream cheese frosting that's utterly irresistible. Perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale, or even just a little self-indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the delightful combination of buttery cookie and creamy frosting!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Cookies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in Vanilla & Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Cookies:
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Soften Ingredients Properly: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened for optimal creaming.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delicious twist.
- Different Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different extracts, like almond or peppermint, in the frosting. A touch of lemon zest also complements the cream cheese beautifully.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the frosting for extra festive flair.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Cookies are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The soft, chewy cookies provide the perfect base for the creamy, tangy frosting, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious homemade cookies!