Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the sugar cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What if I don't have almond extract?

While the almond extract brings a delicious flavor, you can substitute vanilla extract if you need to.

What is the best way to store sugar cookies?

Sugar cookies are often best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Use layers of parchment paper if you need to layer the cookies.

Can I freeze sugar cookies?

Yes. Sugar cookies (undecorated) will freeze and thaw well. Be sure to let them fully cool and separate layers with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together and breaking.

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies (Only 7 Ingredients!)

Name: Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ounces (about 6 tablespoons) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter); 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg yolk, room temp; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (to taste)

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Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

These cream cheese sugar cookies are to DIE for. They are perfectly moist, ideal for cutting out and decorating, and have a tangy sweetness that will leave you coming back for more.

Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Prep: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough to chill)Cook: 8 minutesTotal: 23 minutes

Units:

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Ingredients

For Sugar Cookies:

1 cup sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ounces (about 6 tablespoons) cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk, room temp
2 cups all-purpose flour

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (to taste)

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Instructions

Make the Sugar Cookies:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add all the sugar cookie ingredients EXCEPT the flour. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low until ingredients are light and fluffy.
Add in flour slowly, about 1/2 cup at a time. Continue mixing just until the dough forms as one solid ball.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On lightly floured surface, roll out 1/3 of the dough at a time to 1/4-1/8″ thickness. Using lightly floured cookie cutters, cut out shapes and place cookies 1″ apart on the baking sheet.
Bake each batch for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. (They will not be brown on top. Do not over bake!) Remove cookies to a cooling rack and let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a medium bowl (or in the stand mixer), stir the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla.
Gradually stir in the confectioner’s sugar until frosting reaches desired consistency. Either ice the cooled cookies right away or store in refrigerator until ready to use.

Notes/Tips

There is no baking powder or baking soda in this cookie recipe. It works, I promise!
The cream cheese produces a richer, softer, and creamier sugar cookie. And, above all else, it adds a little tang.
Parchment paper makes for an easy removal of the cream cheese sugar cookies. Use it!

Cuisine: American Method: Baking

Find it online: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/cream-cheese-sugar-cookies/