Easy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies (From Sugar Cookie Mix)

These easy cream cheese sugar cookies start with a bag of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix and transform into a soft and chewy delight. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and sprinkles, they are the perfect cookie to celebrate any occasion.

I love making these soft cream cheese sugar cookies because, let’s be real, they’re a piece of cake to make. Starting with a bag of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix, just follow a few simple steps, and boom – soft, chewy sugar cookies are in the oven. I love how easy it is to customize the cream cheese frosting to match whatever vibe I’m going for in my celebration. Simply change out the food coloring in the frosting to match your theme. It’s like edible art, and I’m the master chef. Easy, delicious, and totally my kind of cookie!

If you love easy Christmas cookies, you should check out these reader-favorite Cake Mix Christmas Cookies!

Ingredients for Easy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Cookies

• Full-fat cream cheese (room temperature): Creates a soft, chewy texture.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Enhances flavor with buttery goodness, contributing to tenderness.
• Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix: Provides a convenient and reliable base for easy cookie preparation.
• Large egg: Acts as a binding agent for structure, ensuring a soft and chewy consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates overall flavor with warm and aromatic notes.

Frosting

• Full-fat cream cheese (room temperature): Contributes to a creamy and decadent frosting texture.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Works in tandem with cream cheese for a smooth and buttery consistency.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle vanilla undertone to enhance flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and adds depth to the frosting.
• Food coloring: Allows for a customizable and festive appearance.
• Sprinkles: Introduces a whimsical touch, providing texture and visual appeal.

Making the Easy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare – Set the oven to 350 degrees F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Blend creamy base – In a large bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to combine the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
3. Mix cookie dough – Add the sugar cookie mix, egg, and vanilla to the large bowl, mixing until well combined.

4. Scoop dough balls – Place 2 tablespoon-sized balls onto the prepared sheets, keeping a 2-inch gap between each.
5. Flatten – Press down on the cookie dough balls with the flat bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand.
6. Bake – Place in the oven for 11-13 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden brown.
7. Cool – Let cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

8. Beat – In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
9. Add sugar – Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt to the large bowl, continuing to beat until smooth.

10. Divide for colors – Separate the frosting into bowls for each desired color.
11. Color each batch – Add a few drops of food color to each bowl and mix well.
12. Frost – Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to evenly spread frosting on the cooled cookies.
13. Top with sprinkles – If desired, add sprinkles while the frosting is still wet.
14. Set before serving – Allow the frosting to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Variations and substitutions

Customize the themes – I went for a fun Christmas sugar cookie this time, but these easy cream cheese cookies work for any occasion. Change up the food coloring and sprinkles to match specific themes or holiday. Whether it’s the reds and pinks of Valentine’s Day, pastels for an Easter celebration, patriotic hues for the 4th of July, or spooky shades for Halloween, adapting the colors adds a festive flair to your cream cheese sugar cookies.

Citrus zest – Enhance the cookies by adding a teaspoon or two of orange, lime, or lemon zest to the sugar cookie dough for a citrusy twist.

Extract alternatives – Replace half or all of the vanilla in the cookie dough with almond or coconut extract for a different flavor profile.

Chocolate dipped – For a decadent variation, skip the frosting and dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate. Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate for a delightful twist. You can apply the sprinkles to the frosting or get creative by adding chopped nuts or crushed candy canes.

Get naked – Consider skipping the frosting altogether and letting the natural goodness of the cookies shine. Roll the cookies in sugar before baking, enhancing their flavor and creating a delightful sugary crust on the outside to add a subtle sweetness. These unfrosted gems are perfect on their own, showcasing the soft and chewy texture of the cream cheese sugar cookies without any additional adornments.

Tips for success

• Full-fat cream cheese – Opt for full-fat, brick-style cream cheese in this recipe. Since the cream cheese replaces half of the butter, ensuring enough fat in the cream cheese is crucial for a soft texture.
• Prep in advance – If needed, get a head start by preparing the cookie dough up to two days in advance and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the cookie dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping for the best consistency.
• Don’t overbake – Achieve a soft, chewy center by avoiding overbaking the cookies. When taken out of the oven, the cookies should look pale with just lightly golden edges. Keep in mind that cookies continue to bake as they cool on the tray.
• Consistency matters – Ensure uniform cookie sizes by using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to portion out the dough. This ensures even baking and a consistent appearance for your cream cheese sugar cookies.
• Sprinkle considerations – Keep in mind that certain brands of sprinkles might bleed into the frosting when refrigerated or frozen. To avoid any color blending issues, consider testing a single cookie before refrigerating the entire batch.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. I do not recommend stacking the cookies if storing them at room temperature, as the frosting will not completely harden and will get damaged under the weight of the other cookies. If storing in the refrigerator, store in a single layer until the frosting hardens before stacking them.

The cookies can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight freezer container or bag. Place the cookies in the freezer on a baking sheet for 30 minutes or until the frosting hardens. Once the frosting sets, you can stack them and transfer them to an airtight container.

Easy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies FAQs

Looking for more easy cookie recipes?

Check out these fun recipes.

• Triple Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
• Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cookie Cheesecake Bars

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