Description
π§ These Cream Cheese Cookies Soft-Baked with Vanilla offer a delightful combination of crispy edges and tender, chewy centers for a perfect treat.
β³ With a simple ingredient list and quick preparation, this recipe is ideal for last-minute baking and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
β 8 ounces cream cheese softened Provides creamy richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
β 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature Adds flakiness and depth, while offering healthy fats for energy.
β 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a golden-brown finish for visual appeal.
β 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.
β 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile with natural essence.
β 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Aids in rising for a light texture, contributing to the cookiesβ soft consistency.
Instructions
First Step: Begin with preparation and mise en place. Soften the cream cheese and butter, then measure all ingredients. Mix the cream cheese and butter in a bowl for about 2 minutes for vegan adaptations, use plant-based alternatives to keep it creamy.
Second Step: Add sugar and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating on medium speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a softer texture; opt for a sugar substitute if making a low-calorie version.
Third Step: Gradually stir in the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. This takes about 1-2 minutes for gluten-free options, ensure your flour blend is well-mixed for consistency.
Fourth Step: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F and shape the dough into balls, placing them on a lined baking sheet. Chill the dough for 10 minutes if itβs too soft, adapting by using gluten-free tools if needed.
Final Step: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden. Allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack, resulting in a perfect, chewy treat ready to serve adapt by monitoring closely for low-calorie variations to prevent over-browning.
Notes
π§ Use high-quality butter with higher fat content for richer flavor.
π Enhance flavor by adding citrus zest or a pinch of nutmeg.
βοΈ Chilling dough helps prevent spreading and yields cakier cookies; dough can be chilled up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: Up to 1 hour or longer
- Cook Time: 10 to 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 74
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 57 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Cookies,Soft-Baked Cookies,Vanilla Cookies,Quick Cookies