10 Best Cream Cheese Cookies You’ll Love This Holiday

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday cookie recipe that’s soft, sweet, and packed with rich flavor, these Best Cream Cheese Cookies are the answer. With a delicate texture and just the right amount of tang, they deliver on both taste and visual appeal.

Cream cheese in cookies might not be new, but this recipe takes it to the next level. The cookies are pillowy, tender, and incredibly easy to decorate or customize.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, building a cookie tray, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe fits the bill. It’s no surprise these cookies are a favorite among bakers who love sweet recipes with cream cheese and easy soft Christmas cookies.

Why These Are the Best Cream Cheese Cookies You’ll Ever Bake

First of all, let’s talk about the texture. These cookies are irresistibly soft—thanks to the cream cheese—and have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them unforgettable.

The slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese balances the sweetness beautifully. It’s the kind of bite that keeps you coming back for more.

They also bake into perfectly thick rounds that don’t spread too much, which makes them ideal for decorating. You can keep them plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or dress them up with icing and sprinkles.

Because the recipe is simple, it’s great for beginners. And with so many ways to make them your own, it’s also a dream for experienced bakers who like to get creative with Christmas treats with cream cheese.

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Ingredients Needed for the Best Cream Cheese Cookies

To create these sweet, soft cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 oz (85g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: festive sprinkles, sanding sugar, or icing for decorating

These everyday ingredients come together to make what are undoubtedly the best cream cheese cookies you’ll ever make. You can easily find them in any kitchen, which makes this a great last-minute baking option too.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Checklist

Before getting started, it helps to have all your tools ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Optional: cookie scoop for uniform cookies

Having the right tools ready makes the entire baking process smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable. Even if you’re a beginner, this setup will help ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Best Cream Cheese Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and cream cheese together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the granulated sugar and beat again until well incorporated. Then mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it for about 15–20 minutes, although it’s usually ready to use right away.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. You can gently press the tops with your fingers or a glass bottom for a flatter shape, or leave them round for a more puffed cookie. Decorate with sprinkles now if you’re baking them for the holidays.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Do not overbake—they should be soft and pale in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The result will be tender, soft, and flavorful cookies that truly live up to the title of the best cream cheese cookies.

Tips to Make the Best Soft and Chewy Cream Cheese Cookies

If you want the softest texture possible, make sure both your butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients won’t blend well and could result in dense or uneven dough. In addition, always cream your butter and sugar properly. This step incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies stay light and fluffy.

Don’t skip the egg yolk either—it adds richness and helps bind the ingredients. If you prefer a slightly chewier texture, you can even swap one tablespoon of flour with cornstarch. And always avoid overbaking. These cookies are meant to be soft, so it’s okay if they look a little underdone when you pull them from the oven.

Flavor Variations and Creative Add-Ins

What makes this recipe so appealing is its versatility. Want to add a festive flair? Mix in red and green holiday sprinkles before baking. For a citrusy twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or white chocolate chunks for added texture and flavor.

If you enjoy Italian cream cheese cookies, consider adding a touch of almond extract in place of some vanilla and top them with a glaze of powdered sugar and milk. The result is sweet, aromatic, and perfect for gift boxes or cookie trays. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a cream cheese frosting for a rich, bakery-style treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Cream Cheese Cookies

Although this recipe is quite forgiving, a few common errors can impact your final results. One of the biggest mistakes is overbaking. Because these cookies are pale by design, many bakers mistakenly leave them in the oven too long. Always remove them when the edges are just slightly golden.

Another issue is using cold butter or cream cheese, which results in uneven dough and hard-to-incorporate ingredients. Additionally, be cautious with substitutions—using low-fat cream cheese or margarine may change the consistency and flavor significantly. Stick to full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.

Lastly, avoid overmixing once the flour is added. Overworked dough can create tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined, and then stop.

How to Serve and Present Cream Cheese Cookies

These cookies are beautiful in their simplicity, but you can dress them up in countless ways. For a clean and elegant look, dust them with powdered sugar once cooled. If you’re including them in a Christmas treats with cream cheese spread, roll the dough in festive sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.

You can also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and top with crushed peppermint or chopped nuts. For parties, arrange them on a tiered tray alongside other sweet recipes with cream cheese, like cheesecake bars or whoopie pies. They also make great gifts when packaged in clear bags with ribbons or in holiday tins.

How to Store and Freeze Cream Cheese Cookies Properly

Once cooled, store your cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to stay soft longer, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps retain moisture.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. You can also freeze the dough and bake cookies as needed—perfect for last-minute guests or cookie cravings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is best for this recipe. Low-fat versions may alter the texture and moisture level.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessarily, but if your dough feels too soft or sticky, a short chill in the fridge can make it easier to work with.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute should work, though texture may vary slightly.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. These cookies are perfect for gifting or holiday parties, so feel free to scale up.

Can I frost them?
Yes! A simple glaze or cream cheese frosting adds extra decadence. Just be sure cookies are fully cooled before frosting.

Conclusion

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday cookie swap, planning your dessert tray, or just craving something sweet, these best cream cheese cookies are a must-bake. Soft, rich, and beautifully simple, they deliver the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Plus, they’re endlessly adaptable, making them ideal for Christmas, birthdays, or everyday indulgence. Once you try them, they’ll become a cherished part of your recipe collection. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe for more soft cookie recipes easy and festive favorites!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Serves: 24 cookies
Estimated Calories per Cookie: 120–140 kcal

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