Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by softening your cream cheese and butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure smooth mixing. This step is vital for achieving a creamy dough with no lumps.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until silky and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until the mixture lightens in color and is fully combined.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract, which will infuse the dough with a warm, inviting aroma that complements the creamy tang of the cheese.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution before slowly adding it to the wet ingredients.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so keep a gentle hand.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures your mixture blends evenly, preventing lumps.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to firm up as they cool; slightly underbaking keeps them tender.
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, chilling helps control spreading for thicker cookies.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: For optimal rise and fluff, make sure your leavening agent is fresh.
- Mix Just Until Combined: Prevents tough cookies by limiting gluten development.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Cookies, Soft Cookies, Easy Cookie Recipe, Buttery Cookies, Tangy Cookies, Vanilla Cookies