Introduction
These soft and chewy Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies are full of rich vanilla flavor and a hint of tangy cream cheese. They're perfect for any occasion and pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
200g all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
115g unsalted butter, softened
100g cream cheese, softened
150g granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
50g powdered sugar (for dusting)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5cm apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Add in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 5cm apart.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After this, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Before serving, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
Note 1: Consistency of Dough
If the dough is too sticky after mixing, you can add a little more flour, but be cautious not to add too much as that can make the cookies dense.
Note 2: Cream Cheese Temperature
Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to achieve the best creaming consistency.
Note 3: Storage
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Note 4: Customization
Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for additional flavors and textures.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
For longer freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with:
- A cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Fresh berries or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast.
- Cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (based on 24 cookies):
- Calories: Approximately 100
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 1g
Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Unsalted butter: Use salted butter if unsalted is not available, but reduce added salt slightly.
- Cream cheese: Mascarpone or cottage cheese can be used for a different flavor and texture.
- Granulated sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can provide a deeper flavor.
- Egg: Substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
- Vanilla extract: Use vanilla bean paste or scrape a vanilla pod as an alternative for more intense flavor.
Cook techniques
Whisking Ingredients
Whisking dry ingredients together helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt, ensuring that your cookies rise uniformly.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a lighter cookie texture.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes firms it up, making it easier to scoop and resulting in cookies that hold their shape better during baking.
Baking
Baking at the correct temperature is key for achieving the right texture. Keep an eye on the cookies and remove them when the edges are lightly golden to avoid overbaking.
Cooling on a Wire Rack
Transferring cookies to a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, helping them cool evenly and preventing sogginess.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies less rich.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What can I substitute for granulated sugar?
You can use brown sugar for a richer flavor and softer texture, but the cookies may spread more.
Are these cookies suitable for special diets?
These cookies contain gluten and dairy, so they may not be suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets without substitutions.
Conclusion
These Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of vanilla with the creamy tang of cream cheese. Their soft and chewy texture makes them an irresistible snack, perfect for sharing during gatherings or simply enjoying with your favorite beverage. Easy to make and sure to impress, they are a must-try for any cookie lover!
Chocolate Chip Addition
Add 100g of chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist that enhances the flavor and texture.
Citrus Zest
Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange into the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
Nuts and Seeds
Mix in 50g of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or some pumpkin seeds for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Spices Blend
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spiced flavor, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Frosted Variation
Top the cooled cookies with a simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish that enhances the cookies' rich flavors.
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