Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookies: Your New Favorite Recipe!

Prepare to fall in love with these extraordinary Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookies. Far from your average sugar cookie, this recipe elevates the classic treat to a whole new level of deliciousness. Each cookie boasts a delightful balance of a crispy edge and a wonderfully chewy center, generously crowned with a thick, luscious, and slightly tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re planning for holidays, a special event, or simply need a quick, impressive dessert, these cookies are the perfect choice that will vanish from the plate in no time!

What makes these cookies truly remarkable is their incredible ease and speed. From start to finish – including preparation, baking, cooling, and frosting – the entire process takes just about 30 minutes. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and quick, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners. You’ll even notice a charming subtle crackle on their surface as they bake, adding to their rustic appeal even before the decadent frosting is applied.

Why These Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try

These aren’t just any sugar cookies; they’re a revelation. The addition of cream cheese frosting transforms a simple cookie into a gourmet experience. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

Perfect Texture: Achieve the best of both worlds – a slightly crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth chewy interior.
Rich Flavor Profile: The classic sweetness of sugar cookies is beautifully complemented by the rich, tangy notes of homemade cream cheese frosting, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor.
Quick & Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests. No chilling required for the dough!
Versatile for Any Occasion: From festive holiday platters to everyday snacking, these cookies fit seamlessly into any event or moment that calls for a sweet treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of familiar flavors with an elevated twist ensures these cookies are loved by all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients beforehand is key to a smooth baking process. Ensure all dairy ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are softened to room temperature for the best results.

For the Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour: Properly measured (spooned and leveled) for the right texture.
1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps with lift and tenderness.
1 tsp baking soda: Reacts with the brown sugar to create a tender, chewy cookie.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
2 sticks (1 cup) softened unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams beautifully for a light dough.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: For sweetness and crispness.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and contributes to the chewiness and depth of flavor.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
1 tbsp vanilla extract: Essential for that classic, warm cookie flavor.

For the Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz. block softened cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich, stable frosting.
1 stick (1/2 cup) softened unsalted butter: Also at room temperature, for a smooth consistency.
3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sifted if clumpy, for a silky-smooth frosting. You might need a little more or less depending on desired thickness.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Pinch of salt: A small amount to cut through the sweetness and balance the flavors.

Essential Equipment for Baking Success

Having the right tools ready will make your cookie-making experience even more enjoyable and efficient.

Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and for whipping the frosting to perfection.
Large Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking.
Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients.
Cookie Sheets: Light-colored baking sheets are often preferred for even baking.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Highly recommended to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Cooling Rack: For proper air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms.
Small Disher or Scoop (optional): For consistently sized cookie dough balls.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookies

Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect batch of cream cheese frosted sugar cookies.

1. Making the Sugar Cookies

Preheat Oven & Prep Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray your cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray, or for best results, line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set it aside.
Soften Butter (If Needed): Ensure your 2 sticks of butter are softened. If you forgot to take them out, you can quickly soften them by cutting them into smaller pieces and microwaving them for 10-15 seconds at a time until soft but not melted.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth – this usually takes 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together and forms a thick ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly firm, not sticky.
Form Cookie Balls: Take about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll the dough into 24 large, even balls. While they don’t have to be absolutely perfect, try to keep them similar in size for consistent baking.
Flatten Slightly: Place the dough balls onto your prepared cookie sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Gently press each ball down slightly with the palm of your hand, but do not completely flatten them. This helps them spread beautifully while retaining a chewy center.
Bake: Place the cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 9-10 minutes. The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the centers may still look a little soft. This indicates a chewy interior.
Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 4-5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you transfer them. Then, carefully move them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting. This is a crucial step to prevent the frosting from melting.

2. Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

Soften Ingredients: Ensure your 8 oz. block of cream cheese and 1 stick of butter are both softened to room temperature.
Cream Cheese & Butter: In a clean large mixing bowl, using your stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed to medium-high. Beat until the frosting is thick, smooth, and creamy. You can add up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar if you prefer an even thicker frosting.
Add Flavor: Beat in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully combined. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, you can frost them. For a rustic look, spread the frosting generously onto each cookie with a knife or small offset spatula, similar to spreading butter on toast. For a more elegant presentation, you can pipe the frosting using a pastry bag fitted with your favorite tip.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easy with a few simple tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For both cookies and frosting, ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened. This allows them to cream together properly, incorporating air and creating a smooth, emulsified mixture.
Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry and dense. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level off the top with a straight edge.
Do Not Overmix the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Sugar cookies can go from perfectly chewy to hard and dry very quickly. Watch for lightly golden edges and centers that look slightly set but still soft. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot cookie sheet.
Cool Cookies Completely: Resist the urge to frost warm cookies! The cream cheese frosting will melt and slide right off. Ensure cookies are entirely cool before frosting.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream (1/2 teaspoon at a time) until desired consistency is reached.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: It prevents sticking, helps cookies bake evenly, and makes cleanup a breeze.

Variations and Customizations

These cream cheese frosted sugar cookies are fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative and customize them!

Flavor Extracts: Swap out or add different extracts to the cookie dough or frosting. Almond extract, lemon extract, or even a hint of mint can create unique flavor profiles.
Holiday Themes: Add food coloring to the frosting to match any holiday. Use green and red for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or red, white, and blue for patriotic celebrations.
Sprinkles and Toppings: Immediately after frosting, add your favorite sprinkles, edible glitter, or finely chopped nuts for extra texture and visual appeal.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to either the cookie dough or the frosting for a bright, refreshing zing.

Storage Instructions

To keep your delicious cookies fresh and tasty:

Room Temperature: Frosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, consider refrigerating.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, or if your frosting contains a lot of fresh dairy, store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Unfrosted Cookies: Baked, unfrosted sugar cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Freezing Frosting: Leftover cream cheese frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator, then re-whip before using.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking, as it will be quite firm.

Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?

A: Several factors can cause cookies to spread: butter that’s too soft or melted, an oven that isn’t preheated properly, or too little flour. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and measure your flour accurately.

Q: How do I get my frosting perfectly smooth?

A: Start with truly softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together until completely lump-free before adding powdered sugar. Sifting your powdered sugar can also help prevent lumps.

Q: Can I use cold butter and cream cheese?

A: While technically possible, it’s highly recommended to use softened ingredients. Cold butter and cream cheese will not cream properly, resulting in a lumpy frosting and a denser cookie dough with a less desirable texture.

Q: What if I don’t have brown sugar?

A: While brown sugar adds a wonderful chewiness and depth, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar. However, your cookies might be slightly crispier and less chewy.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookies are truly a standout dessert, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will delight anyone lucky enough to try them. Their simplicity and speed make them an ideal choice for any occasion, proving that sometimes, the most impressive treats are also the easiest to create. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to bake a batch of cookies that will earn you rave reviews. Happy baking!

Yield: 24 Cookies

Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookies

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Additional Time
10 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Ingredients

Sugar Cookies

3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 sticks softened unsalted butter (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz. block softened cream cheese
1 stick softened unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray your cookie sheet lightly with nonstick spray and set aside.
For the cookies, whick your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In your mixing bowl, cream your butter and sugars until completely combined, then add in your egg and vanilla. Slowly add in your dry ingredients until you have a thick dough.
Take about 1 1\/2 tbsp of the cookie dough and roll into a boll and place on the cookie sheet. Softly press the palm of your hand on each ball of dough to flatten it a little bit. Place into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Once done, let cool on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.
For the frosting, cream the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla and salt and beat on low for a few seconds then switch to high and beat for 2 minutes.
To frost the cookies, you and either pipe them onto the cookies or spread them on to the cookies with a spatula or knife.