Posted by Are you on the hunt for the ultimate sugar cookie recipe that holds its shape, tastes divine, and is perfect for every holiday? Look no further! These Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. Paired with a rich Vanilla Bean Frosting, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking with the kids or whipping up a festive treat for a party, this is the only cut-out cookie recipe you’ll ever need.
Ingredients That Make These Cookies Special
For the Sugar Cookies:
- Unsalted Butter: Always choose unsalted butter for baking to control the saltiness of your cookies.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to these cookies’ soft texture and rich taste lies in cream cheese.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Almond Extract: This gives a hint of nuttiness. Feel free to substitute with vanilla or lemon extract for variety.
- Lemon Zest: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh, zesty kick. Pro tip: Use freshly grated lemon zest for the best aroma.
- Kosher Salt and Baking Powder: These ensure the perfect rise and balance of flavors.
- Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the dough its form and stability.
For the Vanilla Bean Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter: Whipped until pale and fluffy for the ultimate creamy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet base.
- Milk: Adjusts the consistency to your liking.
- Vanilla Beans: Elevates the flavor to gourmet levels.
- Food Coloring & Sprinkles: For that festive and fun finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Sugar Cookies
1. Crafting the Perfect Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cookies. Add almond extract, lemon zest, kosher salt, and baking powder, mixing until combined. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Slowly fold in the flour until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
2. Rolling and Shaping the Dough
Divide the dough into four portions for easy handling. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out one portion at a time on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters of your choice to create fun and festive shapes.
3. Baking to Perfection
Place your cut-out cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are set. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture. Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
Decorating with Vanilla Bean Frosting
1. Whipping Up the Frosting
Beat softened butter until pale and creamy (about 3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, beating until light and fluffy. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pod and mix them in. This step is key to achieving a rich and aromatic frosting.
2. Adding Color and Sprinkles
Divide the frosting into bowls and tint each with a few drops of gel food coloring for vibrant hues. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cookies. Add sprinkles immediately after frosting to ensure they stick.
3. Allowing Frosting to Set
Let the frosted cookies sit for about an hour for the frosting to firm up. This makes stacking and storing a breeze.
Pro Tips for Success
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with different extract combinations like vanilla-almond or lemon-orange for unique flavors.
- Use Vanilla Beans in Dough: Add vanilla bean seeds to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Freezing Dough: Roll and cut out cookies before freezing. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Storage Tips: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and frozen for up to two months. Alternatively, bake and freeze the cookies before frosting.
Q: What’s the best way to add color?
A: Gel food coloring is your best bet for vibrant shades without altering the frosting’s consistency.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for two months.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies {Cut Outs}
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 60 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 2 lemons, zested
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- ¼-½ cup milk
- 1-2 vanilla beans, seeds scraped
- Food coloring and sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Mix in almond extract, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Slowly incorporate flour until dough forms.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until pale. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean seeds. Frost cookies, decorate with sprinkles, and enjoy!
Nutrition (per cookie):
Calories: 208 | Carbs: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Sugar: 18g
This recipe is crafted for the perfect holiday treat! Enjoy every bite of these flavorful and festive cookies.
