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Cream Cheese Cookies are a holiday staple in my kitchen, filling the air with warmth and nostalgia. These Easy Holiday Cookies offer a soft, meltaway texture with a subtle tang, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy coffee breaks. With simple ingredients and no fancy equipment, they’re a stress-free treat that disappears fast from any dessert plate.

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Cookies

Cream Cheese Cookies are standout Easy Holiday Cookies:

Meltaway Texture: Soft, airy bites with a delicate tang.
Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients, no special tools needed.
Make-Ahead Magic: Stay tender for days, ideal for holiday planning.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by all ages at any festive spread.
I bake these Easy Holiday Cookies every holiday season, and they’re always the first to go!

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need for Cream Cheese Cookies (makes ~24 cookies):

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Ingredient Tips:

Butter/Cream Cheese: Room temperature for smooth creaming; avoid cold or melted.
Sugar: Granulated for structure; powdered for a snowy finish.
Flour: All-purpose for balance; measure accurately to avoid dense cookies.
Egg: Room temperature for better emulsification.
Vanilla: Pure extract for warm flavor; avoid imitation for best results.

Directions for Cream Cheese Cookies

Let’s bake these delightful Cream Cheese Cookies!

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a medium bowl, I beat ½ cup softened butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until creamy and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.

Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

I gradually add ¾ cup granulated sugar, mixing until fully blended. Then, I add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is light and creamy.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, I whisk 1 ½ cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. I add these to the wet ingredients in small portions, mixing on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Chill Dough

I cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up, preventing excess spreading during baking time.

Scoop and Bake

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, I roll the chilled dough into balls, spacing them 2 inches apart. I bake for about 10 minutes until the tops are set with light cracking, keeping them pale.

Cool and Dust

I let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, I dust with ¼ cup powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 27 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: ~79 kcal per cookie
Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 1g protein, 6g fat, 0g fiber

Variations for Cream Cheese Cookies

Try these twists on for Cream Cheese Cookies:

Jam Thumbprints: Press a thumbprint before baking and fill with jam for a fruity Easy Holiday Cookies twist.
Sandwich Cookies: Pair with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
Citrus Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest to the dough for brightness.
Nutty Crunch: Roll dough balls in crushed pecans before baking.
Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for indulgence.

Serving Ideas:

Serve with Layla Cooks’ Pistachio Cookies for a festive cookie tray.
Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for cozy Easy Holiday Cookies moments.
Arrange on a platter with a snowy powdered sugar dusting for holiday charm.
Gift in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade present.

Storage

I store Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days, keeping them tender. For longer storage, I freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature before serving. For make-ahead, I chill the dough up to 2 days in advance or freeze shaped dough balls, baking fresh as needed.

FAQs About Cream Cheese Cookies

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Full-fat cream cheese is best for rich flavor and tender texture, but low-fat can work in a pinch. Avoid fat-free, as it may alter the texture and taste.

Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling for at least 1 hour prevents spreading and enhances texture. Skipping this step may result in flatter, less tender cookies.

Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the time.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Use softened (not melted) butter, chill the dough thoroughly, and space cookies evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they hold their shape.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Yes, fold in small amounts of mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts after mixing the dry ingredients, keeping the dough’s soft texture intact.

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Conclusion

Cream Cheese Cookies are a holiday must-have, bringing warmth and simplicity to any dessert table. These Easy Holiday Cookies combine a soft, tangy bite with effortless prep, making them perfect for busy festive seasons. I love how they pair with coffee and vanish quickly from plates, leaving smiles all around. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it’ll become your go-to for holiday baking joy!