Drop Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These drop sugar cookies are soft, tender, and lightly sweetened with a hint of cream cheese for extra richness. Perfect for everyday treats or decorating with your favorite toppings, they’re easy to make and delightfully satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: sanding sugar, sprinkles, nuts, chopped chocolate, etc.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy and lightened in color. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
4. Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour to chill and firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
6. Step 6: Using 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, roll the dough into balls. Roll each ball in your desired toppings and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each cookie.
7. Step 7: Bake one pan at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned and set.
8. Step 8: Place the pans on wire racks and allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to the racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• Chilling the dough overnight can deepen the flavor and improve texture.
• Substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Decorate with colored sanding sugar or sprinkles before baking for festive cookies.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls after shaping. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Why use cream cheese in sugar cookies?

Cream cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the cookies softer and giving them a more complex flavor compared to traditional sugar cookies.

Drop Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

Deliciously soft and fluffy drop sugar cookies with a creamy texture from cream cheese and butter. These cookies are easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and can be customized with your favorite toppings such as sanding sugar, sprinkles, or chopped nuts.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• Sanding sugar
• Sprinkles
• Nuts
• Chopped chocolate

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
2. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter, room temperature cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and lightened in color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together with no dry flour visible; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up for easier handling and improved texture.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners for easy removal of cookies.
7. Form and Top Cookies: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll the dough into balls. Roll each ball in your chosen toppings such as sanding sugar, sprinkles, nuts, or chopped chocolate. Place the cookies on the prepared pans, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake one pan at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set but still soft.
9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them directly to the wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and prevents breakage.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Using room temperature ingredients helps the dough combine more smoothly for a better texture.
• Toppings are optional but add fun flavors and textures.
• For a softer cookie, slightly underbake; for a crisper cookie, bake a minute or two longer.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: drop sugar cookies, cream cheese cookies, soft sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, baking cookies