Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies (Ultra Soft)

Yields: ~24 cookies
Bake: 9–11 min at 350°F / 175°C

Ingredients

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)

½ cup (115 g) cream cheese, softened (room temperature)

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 tsp vanilla extract

2¼ cups (290 g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

Steps with Extra Detail

Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for even baking and easy cleanup.

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (~2–3 minutes).

This ensures your cookies will be tender and not greasy.

Beat in granulated sugar until mixture is light and fluffy (~2 minutes).

Tip: Scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to fully incorporate ingredients.

Add egg and vanilla extract, beating just until combined.

Overmixing here can make cookies tough, so stop once the mixture is uniform.

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding until just combined. Do not overmix.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion 1.5 tbsp of dough per cookie.

Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving ~2 inches between each cookie.

Slightly flatten the tops with your fingers or a spatula—these cookies spread minimally.

Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are just set and centers still look soft.

Do not overbake—they will firm up as they cool.

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

They stay soft for several days when stored in an airtight container.

Tips for Ultra-Soft Cookies

Room temperature ingredients: Butter, cream cheese, and egg should be soft but not melted.

Do not overmix flour: Keeps cookies tender.

Slightly underbake: Centers should look a bit wet; they firm up as they cool.

Chill dough (optional): 30–60 min in fridge makes cookies thicker and easier to shape.

Variations

Sugar coating: Roll dough balls in granulated or colored sugar before baking.

Add-ins: Mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or finely chopped nuts.

Flavor twist: Substitute 1 tsp almond extract for half the vanilla for a nutty flavor.