Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 1 h 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 6 oz (170g) full fat cream cheese, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp cream of tartar; 3 1/2 cups (450g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for dusting; 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 oz full fat cream cheese, room temperature; 2 cups (220g) powdered sugar, spooned and leveled; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Gel food coloring (optional); Sprinkles, for decorating

Ingredients

1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature

6 oz (170g) full fat cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

3 1/2 cups (450g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for dusting

1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)

2 oz full fat cream cheese, room temperature (for frosting)

2 cups (220g) powdered sugar, spooned and leveled (for frosting)

1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Gel food coloring (optional)

Sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to mix the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Scrape down the bowl. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Scrape down the bowl again, then add salt, baking powder, and cream of tartar. Mix until combined.

Step 4: Gradually add the flour. When the mixer struggles with the thick dough, remove the bowl and use a rubber spatula to fully incorporate the flour. The dough will be very thick and sticky.

Step 5: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured sheet of plastic wrap. Coat your hands in flour and pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Wrap tightly and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness for thick, tender cookies.

Step 8: Cut out cookies and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Store any leftover cut dough or cookies in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Step 9: Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, aiming for around 9 minutes. They should look dry on the surface but just barely set in the middle.

Step 10: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 1 minute, then transfer to a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining dough and cookies.

Step 11: For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

Step 12: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until thick and smooth. Add gel food coloring if desired.

Step 13: Spread frosting on cooled cookies. Immediately add sprinkles, working one cookie at a time so the sprinkles stick well.

Step 14: Enjoy your beautifully frosted cream cheese sugar cookies!

Tips & Variations

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.

Chilling the dough is essential for easier rolling and cleaner cookie shapes.

Add lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for a different flavor twist.

Use gel food coloring in the frosting to keep it vibrant without thinning the frosting.

FAQs

Can I skip the cream of tartar in the cookie dough?

Yes, cream of tartar helps with texture and stability, but if you don’t have it, the cookies will still turn out delicious without it.

What makes these cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

The addition of cream cheese in the dough adds a tender, slightly tangy flavor and a soft texture that sets these cookies apart from traditional sugar cookies.