I can still picture it so clearly: my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the warm, comforting aroma of baking, and all of us grandkids gathered around the counter, eager to help. She always made the most delicious holiday treats, but the Cream Cheese Cookies- Easy Holiday Treat were my absolute favorite. They were so soft, so tangy, and just melted in your mouth. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Cream Cheese Cookies- Easy Holiday Treat you’ll ever make!
Unlocking the Magic of Cream Cheese Cookies
Okay, friend, let’s talk about cookies. Specifically, we’re diving headfirst into the wonderful world of Cream Cheese Cookies! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re melt-in-your-mouth, slightly tangy, incredibly addictive delights that are perfect for any occasion, but especially shine as an easy holiday treat. I know, you might be thinking, “Cream cheese in cookies? Is that going to work?” And my answer is a resounding YES! The cream cheese adds a richness and tenderness that you just can’t get any other way. Trust me on this one – you’re going to love these.
Why Cream Cheese Makes All the Difference
So, what’s the deal with the cream cheese? Well, it’s not just about adding flavor (although it does give a subtle, delicious tang). The real magic lies in the texture. Cream cheese softens the dough, creating a cookie that is incredibly tender and almost cake-like. It also helps to keep the cookies moist, so they stay soft and chewy for days. Seriously, if you’re tired of dry, crumbly cookies, cream cheese is your new best friend. Plus, the slight tang from the cream cheese balances out the sweetness of the sugar, making for a perfectly balanced cookie. It’s a win-win!
The Ultimate Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s get down to business! I’m going to walk you through my foolproof recipe for Cream Cheese Cookies. Don’t worry, it’s super simple, even if you’re a beginner baker. I promise you can do this! Let’s get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step – you want everything to be well combined!
- Add Sugar and Egg: Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to cream until light and airy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want these to be tender and soft. The dough will be slightly sticky, and that’s perfectly okay!
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps to develop the flavors. You can chill it for longer if you need to – even overnight!
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your best friend when it comes to easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still look soft, but that’s okay – they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies
Now that you have the recipe, let’s go over some tips and tricks to ensure your cookies are a smashing success. These are the little things that can take your cookies from good to AMAZING!
Softening Your Ingredients: A Key to Success
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened. I can’t stress this enough! If they’re too cold, they won’t cream together properly, and you’ll end up with lumpy dough. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you start baking. The butter should be soft enough to make a slight indentation when you press it with your finger, but not so soft that it’s greasy. The cream cheese should also be soft and pliable.
Chilling is Essential: Don’t Skip This Step!
I know it can be tempting to skip the chilling step, especially when you’re impatient to get those cookies in the oven. But trust me, chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin and helps the flavors meld together. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 30 minutes, but I recommend chilling it for at least an hour, or even overnight, for the best results.
Baking Time: Keep a Close Eye
Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on your cookies. You want them to be lightly golden brown around the edges, but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake them! Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking rather than overbaking.
Variations and Add-Ins to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about these cookies is that they’re so versatile! You can easily customize them to your liking by adding different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, for some added crunch.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor. Perfect for the holidays!
- Frosting: Once the cookies are cooled, you can frost them with your favorite frosting. Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, but vanilla buttercream or even a simple glaze would also be delicious.
- Sprinkles: Decorate the cookies with festive sprinkles for a fun and colorful touch.
Serving and Storing Your Cream Cheese Cookies
Now that you’ve baked these beauties, let’s talk about serving and storing them.
Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Baking Skills
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of ice cream. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple afternoon treat. You can also package them up in cute little boxes or bags to give as gifts. Your friends and family will be so impressed!
Storing Tips: Keep the Freshness Alive
To keep your Cream Cheese Cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Other Delicious Treats You Might Enjoy
If you loved making these Cream Cheese Cookies, here are a few other recipes that I think you’ll absolutely adore! They’re all easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit.
- If you are looking for another sweet and decadent dessert, you could try my CHURRO CHEESECAKE DREAM. It combines the flavors of churros and cheesecake for a truly irresistible treat.
- For a fall-inspired treat, try my PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIE PERFECTION. They are so soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin spice flavor.
- If you’re in the mood for something with apples, my COZY APPLE CRISP is a must-try! It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for a chilly evening. Alternatively, you might enjoy the CRUNCHY APPLE CRISP, with a delightful textural contrast.
- And don’t forget my CHEWY PUMPKIN COOKIES! They are simply the best way to use up some leftover pumpkin.
- For a fun and unexpected twist, you can try my PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CHEESECAKE BITES. They’re bite-sized and bursting with flavor!
Final Thoughts: Bake On!
So there you have it! My ultimate guide to making the most delicious Cream Cheese Cookies- Easy Holiday Treat. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how amazing these cookies are. Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things. Happy baking, my friend! I know you’re going to create some magic in your kitchen.
Why is cream cheese used in these cookies?
Cream cheese softens the dough, creating a tender and almost cake-like cookie. It also helps to keep the cookies moist and adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough is a crucial step! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps to develop the flavors. If you’re short on time, chill for at least 30 minutes, but an hour or even overnight is recommended for the best results.
How should I store these cream cheese cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag.
What are some variations I can add to the cream cheese cookie recipe?
You can customize the cookies by adding lemon zest, chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. You can also frost them with cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or a simple glaze, and decorate them with sprinkles.
Easiest Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to cream until light and airy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still look soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
