Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
These cookies are soft, tender, and lightly sweet. The cream cheese in the dough makes them melt in your mouth. They bake up with a thin edge and a soft center. If you want a simple cookie that works for holidays or a weekday treat, these fit the bill. The dough is easy to shape, and you can add sprinkles for color or keep them plain.
The recipe uses common ingredients and a short list of steps. You can make the dough, chill if you want, and bake the same day. These cookies also hold their shape well, so they work for cutters or for simple round cookies. They feel a little richer than plain sugar cookies because of the cream cheese and butter together.
Why Make This Recipe
Make these when you want a quick batch of cookies for family, friends, or a small party. The texture is soft and not crumbly, which often helps when gluten is not in the flour mix. The flavor is classic: sweet, buttery, with a hint of tang from the cream cheese. They are a good option when you want gluten-free but still want a cookie that feels familiar.
This recipe is good for bakers who want an easy, reliable result. It does not need special steps or hard skills. You can bake a full sheet in one go and serve warm or at room temperature. If you need ideas for other simple desserts, you might also enjoy this banana cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, which share the cream cheese flavor in a different form.
What You Need for Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
You do not need fancy tools. A few bowls, a mixer or a sturdy spoon, a baking sheet, and parchment paper will do the job. Use a cookie scoop to keep the cookies even, or a spoon if you do not have one. A wire rack helps the cookies cool evenly after baking.
If you keep a few small items ready, the bake goes smooth: measuring cups, a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl, and a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and cream cheese. For gluten-free flour, use a good quality gluten free baking flour blend that is meant to be a 1:1 substitute for regular flour. If you like firm cookies, chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking. For softer cookies, bake right away.
How to Make Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Start by mixing the dry ingredients and set them aside. Then cream the sugar, cream cheese, and butter until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, and slowly add the dry mix. Do not over mix. Scoop the dough into balls, flatten lightly, and add sprinkles if you want. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just brown. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes, then move them to a rack to cool completely.
This step-by-step approach keeps the cookies tender and soft. If you want a firmer texture, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping. For cutout cookies, chill until firm, then roll and cut shapes. When you bake, watch the edges for the first sign of light browning. That tells you the cookies are done and keeps the centers soft.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups gluten free baking flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- Red and green sprinkles, optional
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, cream cheese, and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine.
- Mix in the dry ingredients until smooth and well combined, making sure not to over mix the dough.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop the dough into balls. Place the ball on the lined baking sheet and lightly press the top of each cookie flat. Add sprinkles on top, if desired.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool for five minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Follow the directions in order. Cooling the cookies on the sheet for a few minutes helps them set so you do not break them when moving to the rack. If you like your cookies chewier, bake closer to 10 minutes; if you like them crispier, add a minute or two.
Best Ways to Serve Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Serve these cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a warm tea. They pair well with simple hot drinks that balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with a small bowl of extra sprinkles so guests can decorate their own.
You can also use them for cookie sandwiches. Spread a thin layer of jam or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a small treat. These cookies work well at parties, bake sales, or as a simple homemade gift. Place them in small bags with a ribbon for a friendly present.
How to Store Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet until firm, then move them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
If you make the dough ahead, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place scooped balls on a tray and freeze until solid. Move them to a bag and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. This method gives you fresh-baked cookies any day.
Easy Tips to Make Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter. They mix smoothly and make a soft dough.
- Do not over mix after adding the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Use a good gluten free flour blend labeled for 1:1 use. This helps the texture match regular flour.
- Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling with a knife rather than packing it down.
- If the dough feels very sticky, chill it for 15–30 minutes to make scooping easier.
- Watch the oven closely in the last two minutes. Small differences in ovens change bake time.
If you want a simple frosting, beat together powdered sugar, a little milk, and a touch of vanilla until smooth. Spread on cooled cookies or dip the tops lightly. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright note.
Try These Variations of Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Lemon cream cheese sugar cookies: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the dough.
- Chocolate chip version: Fold 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the dough before scooping.
- Cinnamon sugar tops: Mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on top before baking.
- Frosted sugar cookies: Top cooled cookies with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting.
- Holiday sprinkles: Use colored sprinkles for any season to match holidays or celebrations.
You can change small things to make new flavors. Keep the base recipe the same and add mix-ins or toppings to make the cookies your own. If you like cream cheese in desserts, you may enjoy a different treat like this blueberry cream cheese pie that uses cream cheese in a dessert pie.
Common Questions About Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Q: Can I use a different gluten free flour?
A: Yes. Use a blend meant to replace regular flour 1:1. Avoid single-ingredient flours like pure rice flour alone. A good blend keeps the texture right.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: No, not always. Chilling helps with scooping and can make the cookies a bit firmer. If you want soft cookies fast, bake right away.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: This recipe uses cream cheese and butter. You could try dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free butter substitute, but results may change. Test one batch first.
Q: How do I keep cookies soft longer?
A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread gives off moisture and helps keep cookies soft for a day or two.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Double the ingredients and bake on multiple sheets or in batches. Do not overcrowd the oven.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are an easy and tasty choice when you want gluten-free treats that still feel familiar. The cream cheese gives a soft, rich texture and a lovely flavor that most people enjoy. The recipe is simple to follow, and you can make small swaps or add-ins to change the taste. Keep your flour blend steady and watch the bake time for the best results.
Conclusion
For a tested take on these cookies and more tips, you can compare this recipe to the version on Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies – Fearless Dining. That page offers photos and notes that may help if you want another point of reference.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and make a batch today. These cookies come together fast and please a crowd. Enjoy baking and sharing them with family and friends.
Print
Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft and tender gluten-free cookies made with cream cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups gluten free baking flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- Red and green sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, cream cheese, and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine.
- Mix in the dry ingredients until smooth and well combined, making sure not to over mix the dough.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop the dough into balls. Place the ball on the lined baking sheet and lightly press the top of each cookie flat. Add sprinkles on top, if desired.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool for five minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
To store, keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg