The Softest Sugar Cookies Of Your Life From The Food Charlatan. Recipe

Discover a unique spin on classic sugar cookies that tantalizes with a secret twist. The addition of cream cheese creates an ultra-soft texture and rich flavor sure to impress. These delightful treats stay perfectly shaped, delivering a harmonious blend of buttery sweetness and irresistible creaminess for an unforgettable bite indeed.

I’ve been perfecting my version of The Softest Sugar Cookies Of Your Life from the Food Charlatan and let me tell you, these cookies are seriously something else. I started with basic ingredients like 1/2 cup unsalted butter that’s softened perfectly, a cup of granulated sugar, a large egg at room temperature, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

The real game changer is 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened; this secret ingredient makes them the SOFTEST and most flavorful cookies you’ll ever taste. I mix in 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt, ensuring the dough holds its shape when baked instead of turning into messy blobs.

Whether you frost them with the BEST Buttercream Frosting for Sugar Cookies or Royal Icing its all about enjoying that soft texture and incredible flavor in every bite. Trust me these cookies are a holiday treat you dont want to miss.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because first off, the secret ingredient (cream cheese) makes the cookies super soft and full of flavor. There’s nothing like a cookie that’s both tender and tasty.

Also, I really appreciate that these cookies hold their shape really well. Unlike those blob cookies that always look messy, these come out looking neat and just right.

I enjoy how simple the recipe is to follow. Even when I’m in a rush, the steps are clear and easy enough to make without too much hassle.

Lastly, when I add a good buttercream frosting or royal icing, these cookies turn into a treat that feels special. The mix of flavors and textures really makes them my go-to dessert every time.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter adds richness and tenderness, providing essential fats and flavor for a soft crumb.
• Cream cheese, our secret ingredient, boosts creaminess and moisture without overpowering sweetness.
• Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies, contributing simple carbohydrates and a satisfyingly sweet taste.
• A room temperature egg binds the mix and adds protein while creating a light texture.
• Vanilla extract lifts the flavor with its warm, aromatic notes enhancing the overall profile.
• All-purpose flour gives structure, keeping the cookies soft and light with its carbohydrate content.
• Baking powder and salt ensure a proper rise and a well-balanced taste in every bite.
• Combined, these ingredients create irresistibly soft cookies with a balanced texture and taste.
• Every bite delivers nostalgia mixed with a modern twist for sweet perfection.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (this is our secret ingredient!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth; then stir in the granulated sugar until everything is well mixed.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mix and stir just until a dough forms.

6. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes so the cookies hold their shape better.

7. Scoop out small balls of dough (around 1 inch in size) and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving enough space between each for a little spread.

8. Gently press each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a fork to flatten them slightly.

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the edges get set but the centers still look soft.

10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

1. An oven to preheat at 350°F
2. Cookie sheets lined with parchment paper
3. A large mixing bowl for beating butter, cream cheese, and mixing sugar
4. A separate bowl for whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt
5. An electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the wet ingredients until smooth
6. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure butter, cream cheese, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt
7. A refrigerator for chilling the dough for about 20-30 minutes
8. A cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1-inch dough balls
9. A fork (or you can use your fingers) to gently press and flatten the dough balls
10. A cooling rack to let the cookies cool completely after they come out of the oven

FAQ

The Softest Sugar Cookies Of Your Life From The Food Charlatan. Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted Butter: You can try using the same amount of margarine or even coconut oil instead, but keep in mind that the flavor might not be exactly the same.
• Cream Cheese: If you don’t have this secret ingredient on hand, mascarpone or even full fat Greek yogurt (just blend it until smooth) can work, though the texture may change a little.
• Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar is a good swap if you’re looking for a more natural alternative, just know that it might give your cookies a slightly different color.
• Egg: For an egg free option, a 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) is a decent substitute.
• Vanilla Extract: If you ever run out, almond extract in the same quantity can be used, but it’ll bring a different twist to your cookies.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are super soft before mixin them up – if they’re too cold, your dough might not come together right and your cookies could end up lumpy.
2. Chill the dough for the full 20-30 minutes even if you’re in a rush – it really helps the cookies hold their shape and not spread into a mess in the oven.
3. When you’re addin the dry ingredients, do it slowly and don’t beat it too much; overmixin can make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
4. Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake – take ’em out just when the edges set but the middle still looks a bit soft, they’ll continue cookin on the tray and come out perfectly tender.