Looking to add a delightful touch to your holiday baking? These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a must-try. This recipe captures the essence of Christmas with its sweet, tender, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re decorating them intricately or keeping it simple, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies:
- Rich Flavor: The addition of cream cheese gives these cookies a unique richness that sets them apart.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies are easy to make.
- Versatile Decorations: Whether you prefer a basic glaze or get creative with buttercream frosting, the decorating options are endless.
- Perfect Holiday Treat: These cookies are a delightful addition to your Christmas baking lineup, offering a deliciously festive touch.
Ingredients :
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Butter (softened): 1 cup
- Cream Cheese (softened): 3 oz (Avoid using low-fat versions for best results)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Almond Extract: 1/2 tsp
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 tsp
- Egg Yolk: 1
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
How to Make Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies ?
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together sugar, softened butter, softened cream cheese, salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and egg yolk.
Step 2: Blend Well
Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Step 3: Add Flour
Gradually stir in the flour until well combined.
Step 4: Chill Dough
Shape the dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Decorate
Once cooled, frost and decorate the cookies as desired.
Storage Options :
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage—simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Lemon Zest: Add some fresh lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Colored Sugar: Sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking for a festive look.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped nuts into the dough for added texture.
What to Serve With Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies:
- Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of hot cocoa for the perfect winter treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert.
- Fruit Salad: Enjoy a refreshing fruit salad alongside these rich and buttery cookies.
- Holiday Eggnog: Sip on some holiday eggnog while savoring these festive cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions :
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before rolling and cutting. - Can I use different cookie cutters?
Absolutely! Get creative and use various cookie cutters to make unique shapes. - Can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. - How long do the decorated cookies last?
Decorated cookies should be consumed within a week for the best taste and texture.
After making these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, expect a delightful blend of buttery, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors in every bite. The tender texture and rich taste of these cookies will evoke warm holiday memories that you’ll want to recreate year after year.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3 oz cream cheese softened (Avoid low-fat versions)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and egg yolk.
- Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Gradually stir in the flour until well combined.
- Shape the dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Once cooled, frost and decorate the cookies as desired.