Soft, tender sugar cookies made extra-rich with cream cheese. These cookies are slightly tangy, buttery, and perfect rolled in sugar for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
8ouncecream cheese, softenedFull-fat, room temperature
1.5cupgranulated sugar
1largeeggRoom temperature
2teaspoonvanilla extract
0.5cupadditional granulated sugar (for rolling)Optional for coating
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Do not overmix.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll dough into 1.0-inch to 1.25-inch balls. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar, if using, and place on prepared baking sheets about 2.0 inches apart.
Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden. Centers may appear slightly soft.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and room-temperature butter. Dough can be chilled for 30 minutes if too soft to handle.