Soft, tender, and lightly sweet, these Cream Cheese Cookies are a classic treat with a bakery-style finish. The cream cheese adds richness and a delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the simple buttercream frosting makes them perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday indulgence. Easy to customize with colors, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
🕒 Servings & Timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Info (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Protein: ~2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~24 g
- Fat: ~12 g
(Values may vary depending on frosting amount and coloring used.)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ½ lb butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass or flat-bottomed cup
- Spatula or piping bag
⭐ How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set aside an ungreased baking sheet.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Flour
Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. If using food coloring, divide the dough and mix in color as desired.
4. Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
5. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
7. Frost the Cookies
Spread or pipe frosting onto fully cooled cookies.
🎨 Variations & Substitutions
- Flavor boost: Add lemon zest or almond extract to the dough
- Holiday style: Tint frosting for seasonal colors
- Sandwich cookies: Frost and sandwich two cookies together
- Lighter frosting: Use less frosting or dust cookies with powdered sugar
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading
- Use fully softened butter and cream cheese for a smooth dough
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting
🧊 Storage
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
🧁 Conclusion
Cream Cheese Cookies are a simple yet elegant dessert with a soft crumb and creamy finish. Whether decorated with colorful frosting or kept classic and plain, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing—or savoring one by one.
