Cream Cheese Cookies: A Soft and Delicious Treat

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cookies

Gather Supplies: Before you start, gather all your ingredients and supplies. You will need a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a spatula, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Soften the Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This will help them blend together smoothly and create a creamy texture.

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Sugars: Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mixture, continuing to beat until well combined and fluffy.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Add Mix-Ins: If you’re using chocolate chips or other mix-ins, fold them into the dough using a spatula until evenly distributed.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the cookies.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Add Sprinkles: If you’re making these cookies for a special occasion, consider adding colorful sprinkles or decorative sugar on top before baking for a festive touch.

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your cream cheese cookies by adding different flavors. You can incorporate lemon zest, almond extract, or even spices like cinnamon for a unique twist.
Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They also make a great addition to dessert platters for parties or gatherings.