Decadent Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
These Decadent Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the epitome of festive baking, combining a rich cream cheese base with a touch of vanilla and almond for an irresistible taste. They are delightfully soft and tender, making them perfect for intricate cutouts or simple rounds. The dough holds its shape beautifully, allowing for the creation of both charming shapes and detailed designs, which can be beautifully decorated or left plain for a classic look. Ideal for holidays, parties, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe yields 4-5 dozen cookies that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Remember to give the dough plenty of time to chill for the best results!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
egg
1 (beaten)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
flour
3 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2
Add in the sugar and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
3
Crack in the egg and introduce the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until smooth.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until well combined.
5
Gradually add the flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until just combined and the dough forms.
6
Divide the dough in half, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 1/2 hours until firm.
7
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch, depending on your preference.
9
Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. For a festive touch, consider sprinkling colored sugars before baking.
10
Arrange the cutout shapes on ungreased cookie sheets, ensuring they are spaced apart for even baking.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just slightly golden.
12
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks for complete cooling.
13
Once cooled, feel free to decorate with icing or glaze for an added touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies?
They are festive cookies featuring a rich cream cheese base, flavored with vanilla and almond, known for being soft and tender.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 5 dozen cookies depending on the size of your cutters.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, the dough must be divided in half, wrapped in plastic, and refrigerated for at least 1 1/2 hours until firm.
What is the baking temperature for these cookies?
The cookies should be baked in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just slightly golden.
What are the main ingredients in the dough?
The ingredients include butter, cream cheese, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, flour, and baking powder.
Can I use cookie cutters with this recipe?
Yes, the dough holds its shape beautifully, making it perfect for intricate cutouts and detailed designs.
How thick should I roll the dough?
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Should the cookie sheets be greased?
No, you should arrange the cutout shapes on ungreased cookie sheets.
What is the best way to cool the cookies?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks for complete cooling.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What type of extract provides the unique flavor?
The recipe uses a combination of both vanilla extract and almond extract for an irresistible taste.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 1 cup of softened butter.
Can I decorate these sugar cookies?
Yes, once cooled, you can decorate them with icing, glaze, or sprinkles, or leave them plain for a classic look.
When should I add colored sugar?
You can sprinkle colored sugars onto the cutout shapes before placing them in the oven to bake.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe specifies 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is there a leavening agent in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
How many eggs are in the dough?
The recipe requires one beaten egg.
How much sugar is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
How should the dry ingredients be prepared?
Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet mixture.
What is the texture of the finished cookies?
These cookies are described as being exceptionally soft and tender.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday parties?
Absolutely, they are ideal for holidays, parties, or as a cozy afternoon treat.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking during rolling?
Make sure to roll the dough on a lightly floured surface and ensure it is properly chilled and firm.
What should the edges of the cookies look like when done?
The edges should be just slightly golden when you remove them from the oven.
Does the dough hold its shape during baking?
Yes, the dough is formulated to hold its shape beautifully, which is why it is great for cutouts.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How much almond extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract.
Can I use this recipe for simple round cookies?
Yes, while great for cutouts, the dough also works perfectly for simple round shapes.
How should I store the dough while it is chilling?
Divide the dough in half and wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.