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Delightfully Soft and Creamy Cream Cheese Cookies

Soft, tender cream cheese cookies that melt in your mouth, perfect for gifting, celebrations, or an everyday sweet treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Baking, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 0.5 lb butter softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • food coloring optional
For the Frosting
  • 3 tbsp butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk
  • food coloring optional

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Cookie Press or Baking Sheet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes on medium speed.
  2. Step 2: Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract; mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add all-purpose flour and mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Step 4: Fold in food coloring if using to personalize the dough.
  5. Step 5: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm it up.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Use cool, ungreased baking sheets for best results.
  7. Step 7: Shape the cookies using a cookie press or form small balls and flatten slightly if you don’t have a press.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 4–6 minutes, or until bottoms just start to turn light golden. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
  9. Step 9: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely to preserve their soft texture.
  10. Step 10: While cookies cool, beat softened butter, powdered sugar, and milk to make frosting. Add food coloring if desired.
  11. Step 11: Frost and decorate cookies once fully cooled. Use sprinkles, edible glitter, or candies for a festive touch.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Refrigerate if frosting is cream cheese-based. Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months and frost after thawing. Customize frosting with extracts or zest for unique flavors.