5 Delicious Reasons These Are the Best Cream Cheese Cookies

If you’re searching for the best cream cheese cookies, look no further. These soft, tender cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a creamy richness that sets them apart from every other cookie on the tray. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, preparing cookie gifts, or simply looking for a foolproof soft cookie recipe, this one checks every box.

Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies come out pillowy soft with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. Plus, the dough is easy to work with, doesn’t require hours of chilling, and delivers bakery-quality results right from your home oven. Once you bake a batch, you’ll see why these truly are the best cream cheese cookies to keep in your rotation.

Save

What Makes These the Best Cream Cheese Cookies?

The magic of these cream cheese cookies is all in the texture. They’re not overly dense like some soft cookies, nor are they dry. Instead, they stay plush in the center with lightly crisped edges—just enough structure to hold their shape while keeping a tender bite.

These cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can flavor them with vanilla, almond, lemon, or even a hint of orange zest to suit different seasons. Plus, they’re ideal for icing, dipping, or decorating, making them one of the most adaptable Christmas treats with cream cheese or sweet year-round favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best cream cheese cookies, you only need a handful of simple baking staples:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: powdered sugar for rolling, or colored sugar for festive flair

These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, and they come together to create one of the soft cookie recipes easy enough for beginners but satisfying for seasoned bakers too.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Cream Cheese Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the sugar and beat again until lightened in color. Mix in the egg and vanilla.
4. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Optionally, roll in powdered sugar or colored sugar for a festive finish.
6. Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
7. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the centers are set.
8. Cool completely before decorating or storing.

These cookies pair well with holiday spreads like raspberry swirl shortbread cookies or banana cream hand pies.

Save

Why Cream Cheese Makes Cookies Irresistibly Soft

Cream cheese acts as both a fat and a moisture enhancer in cookie dough. It tenderizes the dough while also adding structure, which helps the cookies retain softness even days after baking.

In fact, recipes with cream cheese often stay fresher longer than butter-only cookies. This is why so many sweet recipes with cream cheese have a signature texture that’s hard to resist—and why you’ll find cream cheese in some of the Sally’s Baking Addiction Christmas Cookies too.

Tips for Getting Bakery-Style Cookies at Home

For truly bakery-style results when baking the best cream cheese cookies, keep these tips in mind:

• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the smoothest dough.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added; this prevents tough cookies.
• Chill the dough for 20 minutes if your kitchen is warm to help the cookies hold their shape.
• Scoop evenly for uniform baking. A cookie scoop ensures consistency.
• Don’t overbake—the cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when pulled from the oven.

Like these cheesecake-stuffed baked apples, the best cookies rely on balancing creaminess with just the right structure.

Variations: Italian Cream Cheese Cookies and More

These cookies serve as a great base for other variations, including:

• Italian Cream Cheese Cookies: Add a splash of almond extract and glaze with icing, then top with rainbow sprinkles.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies: Stir in lemon zest and glaze with lemon icing.
• Chocolate-Dipped Cream Cheese Cookies: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and top with crushed nuts or crushed peppermint.
• Holiday Spice Cream Cheese Cookies: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of clove for festive flavor.

You can even shape the dough into thumbprint cookies and fill with jam for a colorful presentation at cookie exchanges.

How to Decorate for Christmas

Turn your best cream cheese cookies into stunning easy soft Christmas cookies with a few finishing touches:

• Powdered sugar dusting for a snowball effect
• Drizzled icing with holiday sprinkles
• Cream cheese frosting piped on top for extra richness
• Sandwich-style with jam or frosting between two cookies

Pair them with a holiday drink and a platter of air fryer apple pie bombs for a crowd-pleasing Christmas dessert board.

Sweet Recipes With Cream Cheese Beyond Cookies

If you find yourself with leftover cream cheese, don’t let it go to waste. Try these sweet recipes with cream cheese:

• Lemon blueberry trifle
• Cheesecake-stuffed French toast
• Cream cheese cinnamon rolls
• No-bake cheesecake cups with fruit

Cream cheese is a baker’s best friend, and it’s not just for frosting anymore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Cream Cheese Cookies

Want to avoid dry or flat cookies? Watch out for these missteps:

• Too much flour: Always spoon and level—don’t scoop from the bag.
• Skipping softening: Cold cream cheese doesn’t mix well and may leave lumps.
• Under-creaming butter and sugar: You want a fluffy texture for light cookies.
• Overbaking: These cookies continue to cook as they cool—take them out early.
• Crowding the pan: Give cookies space to spread slightly and bake evenly.

How to Store and Freeze These Cookies

Store your best cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze:

• Before baking: Scoop the dough, flash-freeze on a tray, and store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
• After baking: Let cool completely and freeze in layers with parchment between cookies.

These are perfect make-ahead cookies for busy baking seasons—just like spaghetti crust pie is for weeknight dinners.

Pairing Ideas: Drinks and Holiday Platters

These cookies pair beautifully with:

• Hot chocolate or peppermint mocha
• Herbal or chai tea
• Light sparkling juices
• Cheese and fruit boards for contrast

Serve them as part of a Christmas cookie platter with raspberry crumble cookies or pink cheesecake bars for a stunning mix of flavor and color.

Cookies for Every Occasion

While these cookies are a hit during the holidays, they’re also great for:

• Birthdays
• Bridal showers
• Potlucks and school events
• Thank-you gifts
• Just because baking days

They’re just as comforting as cheeseburger mac and cheese, only sweeter!

Save

FAQ – Best Cream Cheese Cookies

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat gives the richest flavor and softest texture.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessarily, but chilling helps if your dough is very soft.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Portion and freeze in balls for up to 2 months.

Are these cookies sweet or tangy?
A little of both—the cream cheese adds a subtle tang to balance the sugar.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

There’s a reason these are considered the best cream cheese cookies—they’re soft, simple, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are the kind you’ll want to bake again and again.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it and subscribe to recipesize.com for more cozy desserts, creative cookie ideas, and everything you need to bake with confidence.

Print