Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These cream cheese sugar cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion – from casual weeknight baking to a special holiday gathering. Their tender crumb and subtly tangy flavor make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious dish that's both simple and satisfying. Get ready to experience the magic of these easy recipes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture; make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened for best results.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon for variations.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
Step 6: Baking Time
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: Ensure both are at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents spreading and ensures thicker cookies.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary; start checking for doneness at 8 minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Glazed Cookies: Drizzle melted white chocolate or a simple icing over the cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle Fun: Add sprinkles to the dough before baking for extra color and festivity.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and added ingredients)
These cream cheese sugar cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. They are quick dinner ideas made easy and are a perfect example of healthy meals when enjoyed in moderation. These best recipes offer a delicious and satisfying experience. Enjoy baking these simple and delicious cookies, perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting their baking journey.