Cut out sugar cookies with cream cheese: 1 best secret

I still remember the first time I made these cut out sugar cookies with cream cheese. It was years ago during a crazy holiday rush and I was flouring every surface in my kitchen. I wanted something better than those store bought cookies that taste like dry cardboard. When I pulled these out of the oven and finally took a bite I knew I had found something special. They are so soft and they literally melt in your mouth. They became an instant family tradition and now I make them for every single birthday and holiday. You are going to love how they stay tender for days unlike those standard sugar cookies that get hard after an hour.

Why You Will Love These Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

The real secret here is the cream cheese. It adds a very subtle tang that balances the sweetness and it keeps the cookies incredibly soft. If you are tired of cookies that spread out into one big giant blob on the baking sheet then this is the recipe for you. These cookies hold their shape perfectly so your stars actually look like stars and your hearts actually look like hearts. It is the best dough for using all those fun cookie cutters you have sitting in your drawer because the edges stay sharp and clean after baking.

Essential Ingredients for Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

You will need some basic pantry staples but the quality makes a big difference. Grab two sticks of softened butter and a block of room temperature cream cheese. Make sure they are actually soft before you start because cold lumps are the enemy of a smooth dough. You will also need granulated sugar and one large egg. For the flavor I love using vanilla bean paste or a nice vanilla flavoring. I avoid anything with alcohol in it to keep the flavor pure and simple. Then you just need all purpose flour and a little bit of baking powder and salt. Using room temperature ingredients is the best way to make sure everything creams together into a beautiful fluffy mixture without any chunks.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

First you want to cream your butter and cream cheese together with the sugar until it looks light and airy. Mix in your egg and your vanilla bean paste. Slowly add your flour and baking powder and salt until a soft dough forms. Now here is the part where you have to be patient. You must chill this dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours. If you try to roll it out right away it will be a sticky mess and you will be very frustrated. Once it is cold roll it out on a floured surface to about a quarter inch thickness. Cut out your shapes and put them on a parchment lined tray. Bake them at 350 degrees for about 8 to 10 minutes.

The Importance of Chilling Your Dough

I cannot stress this enough because the high fat content from the butter and cream cheese makes the dough very soft. If the dough is warm when it hits the oven the fat melts too fast and your cookies will spread. Refrigeration is mandatory for those clean edges we all want. Cold dough is your best friend for success and it makes the cutting process so much easier.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

One trick I learned is to roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This way you do not have to keep adding extra flour which can make the cookies tough. Also try to use the best quality butter you can find because it really carries the flavor of the whole cookie. If the dough gets too soft while you are cutting shapes just pop it back in the fridge for ten minutes to firm up again. This keeps the shapes from stretching when you move them to the baking sheet.

How to Decorate Your Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

For the icing I keep it very simple. Mix together some powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of milk until it is smooth. Add a splash of fresh orange juice or lemon juice for a bright flavor instead of using extracts. It makes a lovely glaze that sets up nice and firm. You can use natural food colorings made from plants if you want to make them look festive for a party. Just drizzle the icing on or dip the tops of the cookies right into the bowl for a smooth finish.

Storing and Freezing Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about five days. You can also keep them in the fridge if you like them a little chilled. If you want to get ahead of the game you can freeze the raw dough. Just wrap the dough discs tightly in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. When you are ready to bake just thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and you are ready to roll and cut. This is a huge time saver during busy seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

People always ask me how thick the dough should be. I usually go for about a quarter inch because it keeps them soft and chewy. Also do not wait for the edges to turn brown. These cookies should look pale and just set when you take them out. If they turn brown they will lose that signature melt in your mouth texture. Just trust the timer and let them cool on the pan for a few minutes to firm up before moving them to a rack.

Nutritional Estimate for Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

These numbers are estimates based on standard ingredient sizes for one cookie.

• Calories: 145 kcal
• Total Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 2g

Print