Let’s talk dreamy cookies: these 30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies are pure cookie joy in every bite! Imagine a batch of pillowy-soft, vanilla-kissed cookies with a gentle, creamy tang—done in just half an hour from start to finish. The delicate exterior sparkles with sugar, while the inside stays melt-in-your-mouth tender, thanks to a generous swirl of cream cheese in the dough. If you need an effortless cookie recipe that never fails to make everyone smile, this is it—your new go-to for both everyday treats and special occasions.

30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You know a recipe is keeper material when it relies on classic, humble ingredients to deliver bakery-level results. Each item in these 30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies plays a crucial role in creating their signature softness, rich flavor, and irresistible bite.

Unsalted butter (185g): Room-temperature butter ensures the cookies turn out beautifully moist and tender, with that nostalgic, buttery finish.
Full fat cream cheese (65g): Cream cheese might seem like a surprise, but it’s the secret to the cookies’ pillowy texture and subtle tang.
Granulated sugar (300g): This sweetens the dough and gives those sugary, sparkly edges everyone loves after rolling.
Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (1 tsp): Vanilla brings warmth and fragrance—bean paste adds tiny specks for an extra special touch.
1 large egg (50g): Eggs help bind the dough, giving structure without sacrificing softness.
All-purpose flour, sifted (320g): Sifting prevents lumps and keeps the dough delicate and light, perfect for that soft-baked magic.
Kosher salt (1 tsp/3g): A little salt makes the vanilla pop and balances the sweetness (halve if using table salt).
Baking soda (½ tsp): Provides a gentle lift, resulting in cookies that are thick and fluffy.
Granulated sugar for rolling: A simple coating turns every cookie into a sparkling, irresistible delight.

How to Make 30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Trays

Start by preheating your oven to 330°F (165°C). This slightly lower temperature is why these cookies bake up so cushiony and pale—no risk of burnt bottoms here! Line two or three baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick, and be ready to rotate pans if your oven is on the smaller side.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, Sugar, and Vanilla

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer), blend together the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Let it whip up on high speed until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and a bit aerated—don’t forget to scrape down the bowl at least once. This creaming step is where a lot of the cookie’s signature tenderness begins!

Step 3: Add the Egg

Once your butter, sugar, and cream cheese base is fluffy, mix in the egg. Blend well, making sure the egg is fully incorporated but don’t overmix—just until smooth and creamy is perfect.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step guarantees an even, clump-free dough. Add the dry mix to your creamy base and mix on low just until no streaks of flour remain. Resist the urge to overwork the dough so your cookies stay impossibly soft.

Step 5: Sugar Time!

Pour some granulated sugar into a small bowl—you’ll use this to give each cookie a lovely, sparkly coating that beautifully contrasts their tender interiors. It’s one of the secrets to those irresistible edges.

Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Sugar-Coat

Using a #40 cookie scoop (around 35g per scoop), portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets—8 cookies per sheet is ideal for even baking. Roll each scoop gently in your hands to form balls, then tumble them around in your bowl of sugar until completely coated. Only scoop what you’re about to bake; the rest can stay cozily in the bowl until your tray is ready.

Step 7: Bake to Puffiness

Bake the cookies for 15 to 16 minutes. You’re seeking a cookie that’s puffy, set at the edges, and still light in color. They don’t need to brown to be fully baked—the middles will finish setting as they cool, keeping them dreamy-soft.

Step 8: Tap and Shape

As soon as you pull them from the oven, gently tap your baking sheet against the counter. This simple trick helps them settle and creates gorgeous crinkles. If you crave perfectly round cookies, a large round cutter swirled around the hot cookies can tidy up their shape flawlessly.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Let your fresh cookies chill out on the pan for about 10 minutes—the residual heat will finish setting their centers. Then, move them to a wire rack so they don’t become soggy underneath. Once cooled, they’re ready for taste testing (and sharing, if you’re so inclined)!

How to Serve 30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies

Garnishes

For extra sparkle and glam, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar, or go for an extra sprinkle of vanilla sugar for a touch more fragrance and shine. A tiny pinch of sea salt flakes on top right after baking can also make those flavors sing and add a subtle crunch!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with hot drinks—think vanilla latte, rich hot cocoa, or a tall glass of cold milk. Bring out a plate of 30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies alongside bowls of fresh berries or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream for a seriously indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate a simple platter with a mix of cookie shapes using an ice cream scoop or even playful cookie cutters for themed gatherings. Turn a batch into elegant sandwich cookies with a swipe of raspberry or lemon buttercream between two cookies, or wrap stacks in cellophane with a ribbon for the sweetest edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining 30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—this keeps them ultra-soft for up to a week. A slice of bread added to the container can help maintain their pillowy texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze like a dream! You can freeze baked cookies (let them cool fully) in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Or, freeze the dough balls—just roll in sugar right before baking straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Need to revive a day-old (or frozen) cookie? A quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave brings back their just-baked softness. For larger batches, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes until perfectly tender and fragrant again.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While full-fat cream cheese gives the most luxurious texture, you can use low-fat in a pinch. The cookies will still be good, but a little less rich and tender.

Why bake at 330°F instead of 350°F?

Baking at a lower temperature keeps the cookies super soft and light in color, without crispy edges or over-browning. It’s the secret behind that cloud-like, soft-baked finish!

Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Scoop and shape the dough, then freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They can go straight from freezer to oven—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

What’s the best sugar for rolling?

Plain granulated sugar works perfectly. For extra sparkle, try sanding sugar or even vanilla sugar to double down on the fragrant vanilla flavor.

Why are my cookies flat or spreading too much?

Usually, this happens if the butter or cream cheese is too warm, or if the flour measurement is off. Chill shaped dough balls for 5–10 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm, and always measure flour by weight for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like pulling a batch of 30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies out of the oven—the scent alone is an instant pick-me-up! These cookies are wonderfully easy, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews from friends and family. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become the most requested sweet in your kitchen.

30 Minute Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 30-31 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Soft-Baked Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the classic flavor of vanilla. They are tender, slightly chewy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

185g unsalted butter, at room temperature
65g full fat cream cheese, at room temperature
300g granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1 large egg (50g not including the shell), at room temperature
320g all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp (3g) kosher salt (if you are measuring by tsp and use table salt, use half the amount)
½ tsp baking soda
Granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 330°F / 165°C. Line 2-3 sheet pans with parchment paper.
Mix the dough: In a stand mixer, combine butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda; add to the mixer and mix until just combined.
Shape and bake: Scoop dough into balls, roll in granulated sugar, and place on sheet pans. Bake for 15-16 minutes until set around the edges.
Cool and store: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

You can customize these cookies by adding in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are all at room temperature for the best cookie texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-16 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American