Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves. Their soft texture and subtle flavor make them perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive holidays. These cookies are not only fun to make, but you can also customize them with different shapes and decorations. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, this recipe is easy to follow and offers great results.

How to Make Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• Frosting, optional for decorating
• Sprinkles and seasonal nonpareils for decorating

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and nutmeg.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, cream cheese, and extracts for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually mix in the granulated sugar and beat for an additional 2 minutes until fully combined and creamy.
4. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating for about 2 minutes after each addition until the mixture is light yellow and fluffy.
5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Divide the dough in half and shape into discs. Wrap in plastic wrap, then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅓-inch thickness. Use floured cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes.
9. Transfer the cut cookies onto the prepared sheets, leaving 1½ inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
10. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting and decorating.

How to Serve Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own or with a simple frosting. You can decorate them with colorful sprinkles or seasonal nonpareils to make them extra special. Serve them at parties, as gifts, or enjoy them with a cup of tea or milk.

How to Store Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips to Make Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are well-softened for the best texture.
• Chill the dough thoroughly; this helps the cookies to hold their shape when baking.
• Use different cookie cutters for various occasions, from holidays to birthdays.
• Experiment with flavors by adding citrus zest or different extracts to the dough.

Variation

For a chocolate twist, you can replace some of the flour with cocoa powder to create chocolate cream cheese sugar cookies. You can also add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use any frosting you prefer. Cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even store-bought frosting works great.

2. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Just make sure they are completely cooled and stored in an airtight container.

3. How can I make these cookies decorated for different holidays?
You can change the colors of the frosting and use holiday-themed cookie cutters or sprinkles to match the occasion.

Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

These delightful cut-out cream cheese sugar cookies are incredibly soft, chewy, and hold their shape beautifully. Perfect for decorating, they're a festive treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 36 cookies

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• plastic wrap
• Rolling Pin
• cookie cutters
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack

Method

 

Cookie Preparation

1. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Place cut-out cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the dough. Chilling the dough is crucial for easy rolling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. These cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or simple glaze once completely cooled.