Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the epitome of festive joy. With their buttery richness and hint of cream cheese tang, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, family decorating parties, or even as heartfelt edible gifts. The dough is versatile enough for any season, allowing you to create cookies for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or even Halloween. They hold their shape beautifully and pair wonderfully with colorful frosting and sprinkles for a delightful, personalized touch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp pure almond extract
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • Frosting, sprinkles, and seasonal decorations

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and almond extract until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add sugar and continue beating until well incorporated and fluffy.
  4. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed until fully combined.
  6. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 2 hours or until firm.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/3-inch thickness.
  9. Use floured cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes, placing cookies 1 ½ inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
  11. Frost and decorate as desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Dough Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
Kcal: ~150 per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies

A Festive Delight for Every Occasion

Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are a timeless treat that embodies the joy of baking and decorating, especially during festive seasons. These cookies bring a unique twist to the classic sugar cookie recipe by incorporating cream cheese into the dough, resulting in a soft, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor profile. The versatility of these cookies makes them a favorite for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, and even everyday indulgence.

The Charm of Cut Out Cookies

Cut out cookies hold a special place in the hearts of bakers and families alike. They allow for creativity and personalization, as the dough can be shaped into various forms to match the theme of any occasion. From snowflakes and Christmas trees during the holiday season to hearts for Valentine’s Day, these cookies can adapt to any celebration. Their smooth surface is perfect for decorating with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles, transforming them into edible works of art.

The Magic of Cream Cheese

The addition of cream cheese to the cookie dough sets this recipe apart. Cream cheese not only enhances the flavor but also improves the texture of the cookies. It makes the dough pliable and easy to handle, which is particularly important when rolling and cutting shapes. The cream cheese creates a tender crumb, giving the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth quality that standard sugar cookies often lack.

This ingredient also ensures that the cookies retain their shape during baking, making them an excellent choice for intricate designs and detailed cutters. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, working with cream cheese dough is a joy, as it strikes the perfect balance between firmness and flexibility.

One of the most delightful aspects of baking

A Family-Friendly Activity

Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies is that it’s a family-friendly activity. Children and adults alike enjoy the process of cutting shapes and decorating them with vibrant colors and patterns. Setting up a decorating station with a variety of frosting, sprinkles, and edible embellishments can turn a simple baking session into a creative and interactive experience.

This activity is especially popular during the holiday season when families come together to celebrate traditions and create new memories. The cookies not only serve as a delicious treat but also as a canvas for self-expression and a way to bond with loved ones.

Customization and Versatility

The versatility of this recipe allows bakers to experiment with flavors and decorations. While the classic recipe uses vanilla and almond extracts, you can easily switch things up by incorporating other extracts like lemon, orange, or peppermint. A touch of cinnamon or cardamom can add a warm, spicy note, perfect for winter celebrations.

In terms of decoration, the possibilities are endless. You can opt for a minimalistic approach with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or go all out with intricate icing designs. Using seasonal cookie cutters and themed decorations can help tie the cookies to specific events or holidays, making them even more special.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to follow a few key tips. First, ensure that the dough is adequately chilled before rolling it out. Chilled dough is easier to work with and prevents the cookies from spreading during baking. Using a lightly floured surface and rolling pin will help avoid sticking and ensure clean edges.

Additionally, using high-quality ingredients, such as pure vanilla extract and full-fat cream cheese, will elevate the flavor of the cookies. When it comes to decorating, letting the cookies cool completely before applying frosting is essential to avoid melting or smudging.

Perfect for Gifting and Celebrations

Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are not only a joy to bake but also a thoughtful and appreciated gift. Packaging these cookies in festive boxes or bags tied with ribbons makes them a perfect present for friends, neighbors, or coworkers. They can also be used as party favors, adding a personal touch to any gathering.

These cookies are equally suitable for casual occasions and elegant affairs. Their delicate flavor and visually appealing presentation make them a hit at cookie swaps, tea parties, and holiday feasts.

Storage and Longevity

One of the many benefits of this recipe is its durability. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them a convenient make-ahead option. The dough can also be frozen for several months, allowing bakers to prepare in advance and enjoy fresh cookies whenever needed.

For those who prefer to frost the cookies later, unbaked dough and baked cookies (without decoration) freeze well and maintain their texture after thawing. This flexibility is particularly helpful during busy holiday seasons when time is limited.

Conclusion:

Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of creativity, tradition, and togetherness. Their unique flavor, adaptability, and decorative potential make them a standout choice for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories.

Incorporating cream cheese into the dough elevates these cookies to a whole new level, ensuring that they remain soft, flavorful, and visually stunning. From family baking sessions to thoughtful gifts, these cookies embody the spirit of sharing and joy that defines the best of baking.

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