Cream Cheese Cookies

Name: Cream Cheese Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24 - 30
Ingredients: 2 c. all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 1 c. (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature; 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature; 3/4 c. granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

The perfect little sweet treat!

By Ree DrummondUpdated: Dec 18, 2025

3.8

5 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's cream cheese cookies recipe

C.W. Newell

Yields:

24 - 30

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Cream cheese cookies may seem a little plain Jane, but don't let the name fool you. After one bite, you'll see there's nothing plain about these melt-in-your-mouth, dreamy little delights.

One of my favorite things about these cookies is that they're made with only pantry and fridge staples. Of course, you will need cream cheese. But if you have some leftover from making cream cheese dips for holiday parties, you're in luck—all you need is half a block! You also don't have to fuss with rolling and cutting out the dough or slathering frosting on top. Plus they're easy to dress up for festive Christmas treats! What I'm saying is that next time your dear beloved child informs you of tomorrow's holiday bake sale at the last possible minute, you'll know the perfect homemade Christmas cookies to bring.

Does cream cheese cookie dough need to be chilled before baking?

Nope! That’s part of what makes this recipe so speedy. The cream cheese gives the dough enough structure to hold its shape, so the cookies bake up soft and puffy without spreading too much, no chilling required.

How do you decorate cream cheese cookies?

I love topping them with a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar, but for a fun, festive treat, you can add some holiday sprinkles (here's a roundup of some of the best Christmas sprinkles!) or sparkling sugar on top of the scooped cookies before baking. You can even use a cookie press (like one of these cookie presses) if you want to punch out different cookie shapes!

Do cream cheese cookies need to be refrigerated?

No, you can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Can you freeze cream cheese cookies?

Yes, you can! Store the cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature for one hour before serving.

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt; set aside.
3. Step 3In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined, about 1 minute. Give it a final stir with a rubber spatula to make sure there are no visible traces of flour.
4. Step 4Using a 1 ½-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the scoops about 1 inch apart. Bake the cookies 1 pan at a time, rotating the pan halfway through, until just set on top and beginning to lightly brown on the bottom, 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Step 5Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar, if you like.