White Velvet Sugar Cookies
These white velvet sugar cookies are the best sugar cookies ever. Different than other recipes, they melt in your mouth and are buttery soft!
Oh, white velvet sugar cookies. You kill me! Or in other words: I can’t stop eating you.
Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape
So light and delicious, these buttery, tender sugar cookies hold their shape really well as they bake.
If you’ve been through sugar cookie baking angst (as they spread all over the pan into unrecognizable blobs), you know what a huge plus that is.
That snail up there? It’s still going to look like a real, life snail after it’s baked (and if you think that cookie cutter is actually a whale, we’ve had this discussion already; you can read the 800+ opinions here).
No need to stress about the cookies staying in tip top shape in this recipe – save that anxiety for how you’ll summon the self-control not to eat 20.
Why These Sugar Cookies Are Unique
The texture of these sugar cookies are unlike any other sugar cookie I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot).
Thanks to the cream cheese, egg yolks, and lots of butter in the batter, these sugar cookies, once baked, are luxuriously soft and unbelievably tender with a creamy flavor that is unparalleled in a sugar cookie.
Every single time I make these, I get requests for the recipe; there really is something special about these cookies.
Sugar Cookie Dough
The dough comes together just about like any other sugar cookie dough.
Cream together:
- butter
- cream cheese
- sugar
- egg yolks
- vanilla
And then stir in the flour and salt.
If you’re wondering where the baking soda and baking powder are, it’s not a mistake! This recipe doesn’t call for any leavening agents like most other cookie recipes. (And I promise, they still turn out great!)
A quick chill session in the fridge, and you’re ready to rock and roll with those cookie cutters.
I never, ever get tired of sugar cookies. They are one of my favorite cookies in the whole wide world and my self-control is non-existent when they are around.
Correction: when a good sugar cookie is around. My hips ain’t got time to waste on dry, crumbly, dastardly sugar cookies.
Pro Tip: roll the sugar cookie dough at least 1/4-inch thick and then underbake just slightly and you’ll end up with the best sugar cookies ever.
How to Freeze Frosted Sugar Cookies
Did you know you can freeze frosted sugar cookies? They do unbelievably well frosted, frozen, and then thawed.
- Frost the sugar cookies
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet
- Freeze until firm
- Place the frozen cookies in a container between sheets of parchment paper (make sure to cover the container); return to the freezer.
- To serve, take the container of cookies out of the freezer and place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet or serving tray and thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
I rarely get fancy decorating sugar cookies. I know this may offend some, but royal icing and my beloved sugar cookies do not make a happy team. I’m definitely in the camp of soft and creamy frosting.
For a completely luxurious and decadent topping, I use the whipped cream cheese frosting in this post. It is ethereally creamy and so, so yummy, especially if you are after a super soft frosting.
For a more classic sugar cookie frosting, the fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting is perfect for these white velvet sugar cookies.
White Velvet Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups (454 g) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 (8-ounce) package (227 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (424 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ¾ cups (675 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl with a handheld electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the sugar, egg yolks and vanilla. Mix well, another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the flour and salt. Mix until combined (don’t overmix).
- Spread the dough into a thick rectangle on a sheet of plastic wrap; cover. Refrigerate and chill the dough for two hours (or up to 12 hours).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat liners.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured counter (or dough rolling mat) to about 1/4-inch thick. If the dough is too firm straight out of the refrigerator, let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling (and get in there with some elbow grease to roll it out!).
- Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes and place 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but not browned on the edges or bottom (otherwise they won’t be soft and tender when they cool).
- Remove the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Frost as desired.
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Recipe Source: cookies adapted slightly from my friend, Amanda Originally posted in March 2009; updated with new pictures + commentary + recipe notes.
374 Comments on “White Velvet Sugar Cookies”
Can this dough be frozen?
I haven’t tried it, but I think it should freeze just fine.
I have had this recipe for 40 years and it is the best cut out cookie recipe. I make them at Christmas.
This is the hands down best sugar cookie recipe, I am forbidden by my family and friends to use another.
Ommmmmmg!! This is the absolute best tasting sugar cookie I have ever had!!! Now I just have to figure out way to prevent spreading…
Hi Renee, try adding a bit more flour, that should help with spreading!
We love this recipe!! I never would have thought to use cream cheese in a cookie recipe, but ohh boy does it give the cookies a special flavor and soft texture. They stay fresh in an air tight container. Yes this is my fave go to simple recipe!
FAVORITE cutout cookie recipe, probably favorite cookie recipe to be honest. Followed the recipe except I add a vanilla bean.
Right after I make the recipe I roll it out completely in between floured plastic wrap, specifically 1/4” using a Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin, chill over night.
The next day I preheat the oven, I have my cutouts ready, including my baking pans lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, I don’t have to do any rolling because it’s ready to go, last thing is I take out is the dough (after the oven is ready), I dip my cookie cut outs in flour, and immediately start working. The second the baking pan is lined with cut outs I bake 12-13 minutes. Roll the dough in a ball, lightly flour the plastics wrap, roll it in between the plastic wrap to 1/4” again, set it in the fridge or freezer to firm up.
After baking I set the pan off to the side while working on my next batch of cookies. Then I remove the entire silicone mat or parchment paper off the baking pan to a cooling rack to let them fully cool. I have never had a breaking issue OR spreading issue using this method.
The key is to work really fast. It took me a few years to figure how to bake cookies properly, yes, this recipe is quite sticky, but roll it out to your desired thickness right away, let it chill over night and move quick! SO good!
Perfect recipe! comes out perfect every time and always soft and yummy.
This was a fabulous recipe. I took about 1/3 of the dough and added some homemade raspberry jam to it then made pinwheel cookies. Devine. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
These are the best cutout cookies I’ve ever tasted or made, and nobody who tries them can stop eating them – everyone wants to know why they’re so good!!! I’ve been making these for about 5 years and it’s made its way into my must-make cookie recipes right up there with the beloved German cookie recipes passed down in my family for generations.
I made these cookies keto, with Almond flour, coconut sugar and took away a 1/2 stick of butter and they were still AMAZING!
I made these cookies for the holidays, and they were delicious!! I will never make another sugar cookie recipe. Thank you!
The absolute best sugar cookie ever! ❤️
Hi
I have made this white velvet sugar cookie recipe many times and it is a big hit. My challenge though is that the cookies sometimes brake too easily. I do tend to use larger and detailed cutters because I enjoy using them.
Anything I can do to keep these fragile heavenly cookies from braking so easily?
Please advise as I will be making them for the holidays
Thank you
CoNnie L
Hi Connie, this dough is so unique in texture and a bit delicate that I’ve found the same thing happens if I use too large of a cookie cutter. I haven’t found a way to prevent that from happening.
WHITE VELVET.. Now I heard everything.
Unbelievable.
I have made this recipe several times and this past time many of my cookies broke. I guess they were so soft the shapes may have been too heavy . How can I prevent these cookies from braking before I have chance to decorate them?
My go to sugar cookie recipe. I make decorated cookies for grandkids’ birthdays and for kids of a few friends and they love them! They can be a bit fragile but oh so yummy!
This is my go-to sugar cookie recipe. I make the dough and my girls take over with rolling, cutting out shapes and frosting. I use my favorite buttercream frosting and get many compliments on these cookies. Make sure to make them thick enough. They don’t spread much while baking so I make many per sheet.
So how thick do you roll the dough?
It’s a hit with friends and family . My only problem is that the cookie is so soft that larger cookies brake before I can ice them. Anything over 3” or with a lot of details are too fragile. Any advice or tips would be very appreciated and helpful
Hi Connie, I have found with this recipe that it’s best to make smaller cookies.
Would these cookies work as a drop cookie?
Unfortunately, I don’t think so.
These cookies were SO SO good! They were soft and perfectly not to sweet, but just enough. Though it was good, I would probably prefer a different frosting – I’ll try your buttercream frosting next time. It was just a little too soft or liquidy and I wonder how it will set up overnight as I hope to package up the cookies to take to neighbors.
How long will the dough stay in the fridge unbaked
Probably 1-2 days.
can this recipe be made into a bar cookie instead of cutouts? thanks
I’ve never tried that so I’m not sure – sorry!
These are hands down THE best sugar cookies EVER!!! Thank you for such a quick, easy and yummy recipe!
I make these cookies often… as they are so good, people actually think they’re shortbread!
I do have one question, could these be made as a chocolate sugar cookie? If so, how much cocoa would I have to add to this recipe without ruining the recipe? Again, love this cookie
Hi Sandra, I haven’t tried adapting this recipe to chocolate so I’m not sure – sorry!
My family LOVES sugar cookies!! I live at 7182 elevation. What adjustments would you recommend? Thanks so much!!!!
I don’t live at high elevation so I’m not sure but sometimes you need to add a bit more flour at extremely high elevations.
My dough is always too sticky. Not enough flour?
You could try adding more, but take care not to add too much. Does the dough stiffen up once refrigerated or is it too sticky to work with right out of the mixer?
I am making these cookies end of this month (August) for my nieces graduation party and need to know if I should use Unsalted or Salted butter. Please advise ASAP.! I have made these and they were a hit.
I use salted butter
I use a variation of this recipe, I use lemon emulation instead of vanilla extract.
I made a few other adjustments to cream cheese and flour amounts, removed salt and added baking powder. People can’t get enough of them.
I am also a royal froster not a buttercreamer.
My one question is have you had any success in freezing the dough?
Could you send me an email with your suggestions please.
Thank you
Eileen
I haven’t tried freezing the dough for this recipe – sorry!
My husband loves lemon..could you please share your adjustments? Thanks
How long do these keep for if they are kept in an air tight container or bag?
I like to refrigerate them – they’ll keep for several days.
My dough is always too sticky for cut outs. What am I doing wrong?
You can try adding a bit more flour (either to the dough or on the counter when rolling). Also make sure the dough is pretty well chilled before rolling out.
Can you make these into “rolled” sugar cookies rather that “cut out” sugar cookies? Like, roll the dough into individual balls and then roll them in sugar and bake? I’m wondering if they would spread or cook as a ball.
I haven’t tried so I’m not sure – sorry!
Never really cared for sugar cookies until this recipe! Fantastic, forgiving dough….even when making cookies with eight little kids obsessed with rolling…and rerolling scraps. Over. And over. And over again!
I accidentally messed up twice… First batch, the dough looked to dry. Realized i forgot to put the other two sticks of butter. Not sure how to salvage that. But it’s in the fridge overnight.
Second, i added the first cup of sugar to the flour and added the second cup to the liquids. Still combined it all but no idea what’s going to happen, do you!
Favorite cookies ever! How long are they good for frozen?
Well sealed, they’re good for a couple of months.
How can I make this chocolate? This cookie is amazing! I’d love to make a chocolate version but not sure how to swap out the flour for cocoa. Thanks in advance for any advice!
I haven’t tried that so I’m not sure – sorry I’m not more help!
I’ve always flopped at making cut out sugar cookies, but decided to give this one a try. They turned out amazing! They not only tasted good, but they looked great, too. I made them for Christmas and gave little tins to friends and neighbors filled with these cookies and your “no fail” fudge. My 10 year old son enjoyed helping me decorate and eat many of them. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful recipes. My family thanks you, as well.
Have a blessed New Year Mel!
So very good! The perfect sugar cookie!!
I really wanted to love these sugar cookies and the fluffy frosting but I just couldn’t. I found that the cream cheese flavor was just too intense when you added the cookie + frosting. I also found if I wanted the cookies to last longer then a day that they had to be refrigerated. If I packed them in an air tight container on the counter, the frosting softened up and the cookies got soggy after about 24 hours.
I used lite cream cheese because it’s all I had on hand and King Arthur measure-for-measure gluten free flour. They came out perfectly! Chilled the cutouts for about 10 min before putting them in the oven and they held their shape perfectly. Delicious!
Favorite cookies ever! How long are they good for frozen?
So delicious!!!!! But my cookies were really greasy on the bottom after I baked them…any idea what I did wrong?
Do you think they needed more time in the oven? Did the texture in the middle of the cookie seem underbaked?
Maybe that was it…I was so worried about over baking! I’ll try it again! Nevertheless, they were still sooooo good!! Thank you!
Have you tried these with lite cream cheese? I have a box in my fridge and would love to not have to go to the store 😉
I haven’t – sorry!
Any ideas about making these with gluten free flour? We LOVE these but my husband was diagnosed with celiac this past summer 🙁
I haven’t tried gluten-free flour in these but I wonder if a cup for cup type blend might work?
I’m gonna try it! I will let you know how they turn out. It’s worth a shot even if they are half as good they will still be delicious!
Making them gluten free came out amazing!!! A little more delicate but they are still sooo good! I used Bobs Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour.
These are AMAZING cookies! I agree about royal icing! It’s too hard. I tried a frosting that semi-hardens but I still could not stack them or pile them on a platter. So I may just try your buttercream frosting since the other didn’t really work anyway.
QUESTION: I’ll be making and freezing these. Do you have a preferred method to thaw them when ready for frosting? Thank you! Thank you!
I just thaw in the fridge or on the counter – super easy!
These exceeded my expectations! Every bite is dreamy…and I have yet to frost and decorate them! I rolled dough to 1/2” thickness and baked as you advised by checking them (versus relying on a timer). I confess augmenting the recipe with 1/2 teaspoon of almond flavoring. I used large cookie cutters — each cookie will be a Secret Santa gift to my 40 employees. Thank you for sharing your world class recipes!
Any suggestions here? I’ve made this recipe twice, and while I LOVE the taste and texture of the cookies, they do not hold together for me me after baking. Some fall apart as soon as I take them off the pan, some fall apart when I pick them up to decorate, and anything that survives past that point breaks apart when someone picks them up to eat. Again, I loved the flavor and texture so I’d like to try and make these work if I can, just not sure what I need to change. I roll mine quite thick so thinness isn’t a problem.
Do you think they are baking long enough? Do the cookies hold their shape (in the cookie cutter shape)? I’m wondering if a few more minutes baking time would help?
Maybe so on the cooking time? They are holding their shape perfectly, they just don’t hold together. They are SO delicious though that I keep trying to figure something out. lol!
Definitely do not give up. 🙂
I baked mine (on a nonstick silicon baking mat) until I could see a barely-golden-brown edge. The bottoms of each cookie are barely golden while the sides and tops of the cookies remain pale. My dough is 1/2” thick and I used a 4-5” cookie cutter for a large thick cookie. After baking 10-12 minutes, the outside is firm (but not crunchy) and the inside is heavenly moist (but not fragile or crumbling). Best wishes!
My dough is very stick it seems, is that normal?
Is it sticky after refrigerating?
These cookies were delicious.’ One person said these are the best cookies I’ve made
Hi should I be using salted on unsalted butter?
Urgent please advise soon as possible
Do I use granulated sugar or confectioners sugar in dough?
The recipe calls for granulated sugar.
I made these cookies for my family and they were absolutely decadent. They tasted as if a butter cookie and a cheesecake were combined. The kids and my hubby loved them!!! We had a big cookie decorating party and it was a smash hit!…thank you so much for this recipe!…it was amazing! 🙂
If you want to make these ahead of time is it better to cut out shapes and freeze then bake when ready or bake and freeze? How long can they last frozen?
I’ve only ever frozen them once they’ve been baked (works great). They can last several months in the freezer if well sealed.
These cookies are so delicious! My customers are loving the change!
What is the shelf life of these cookies?
They can be frozen for several months and stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
I have making these cookies for over 20 years and know that these cookies can be kept in an airtight container for about 6 weeks and they’re still good. Yes, 6 weeks. We make them every year the week of Thanksgiving and we are still eating them for New Year’s day.
We are in LOVE with these delicious cookies! Thank you for sharing.
These cookies are amazing! I make cookies all the time, of every variety but always just rolled into balls or drop cookies. This time I wanted to try my hand at using cookie cutters and this recipe was flawless for that. I halved the recipe and got approximately three dozen cookies of various sizes (shaped like stars). I took other reviews advice and doubled the vanilla. I chilled the dough overnight, and after leaving it on the counter for 15-20 minutes and using the confection sugar on the rolling pin and the baking mat (Oudisen Silicone Pastry Mat Baking Mat Non-Stick Non-Slip Extra Large), the dough rolled out flawlessly. I didn’t have any issues with stickiness or crumbliness; it was a perfect dream for a first timer at rolling and cutting dough. I did pop the cutouts into the freezer for a few minutes, as others mentioned, to help keep the shape. The dough and the cookies tasted heavenly and were absolutely perfect.
I really wanted to use your whipped cream cheese recipe, but couldnt once I read your notes on it being too soft to stack (3 dozen unstacked cookies would be hard to transpot to the party 🙁 ), but I look forward to trying it for my next party at my house. I did use the sugar glaze recipe suggested by iambaker for the hardening icing, and it was a breeze to decorate, firmed up nicely without being super hard, and complimented these yummy cookies wonderfully.
Thank you so much for this recipe, you gave me cookie-cutting confidence!
P.S. I also made your s’more cookies for the same event and they received many good comments as well.
Fabulous review, Serena! So happy you enjoyed this recipe!
I added a splash of almond extract, and it made the recipe perfect.
I made these cookies for a high school graduation. HUGE hit. I have never done rolled cookies and there were a breeze to do! Everyone LOVED them! Thanks for making me look good!
What baking time would you recommend for 8mm thickness cutouts?
I’d follow the recipe and add another minute or two if needed.
These were so good. They kept their shape and were so delicious even without frosting. I think if they’re thick enough they might be able to have royal icing, but they could definitely have cream cheese icing.
These are absolutely delicious! I followed the recipe exactly how is! Chilling the dough is a must. I love that they held their shape when cooked too. I used a simple glaze with lemon flavoring and they were excellent!
I made these for Easter. I followed recipe and instructions EXACTLY. these cookies turned out AMAZING. Family and friends went bananas over them. Immediate requests for the recipe. These cookies are everything you say they are in this blog post, and more. My search for the best sugar cookie is over. THANK YOU ETERNALLY for sharing this recipe. I used a confectioners sugar/milk/corn syrup/extract glaze and they were so easy to decorate. No broken cookies. I cannot thank you enough for sharing this recipe.
Love this recipe ! I use it all the time -I was wondering how you thought the frozen baked shapes? Do you thaw them in the refrigerator or on the counter. Thanks so much for the help and for the recipe it’s a family favorite of mine
If I’ve baked the cookies and then frozen them, I just let them thaw at room temperature.
Love this recipe . I’ve made many different flavors and am trying strawberry today . (Swapped out strawberry emulsion for the vanilla ) I just make a quick royal icing as well , I’ve done blackberry icing as well as pear , both with vanilla cookies , delicious . I’m doing champagne icing with the strawberry cookies , can’t wait for them to be done !
These cookies are pure magic!!!! I’m always disappointed when I eat any other sugar cookie now. So glad I found this recipe it is my go to for sugar cookies!!!
This recipe is complete GARBAGE for cutouts. Taste is great, HOWEVER YOU ABSOLUTELY CANNOT GET ANY SHAPE TO NOT BREAK. I have tried every shape I have and they ALL crumble or break as I rake them off the cookie sheet. Total waste of time and effort. And as a mother of small children wasted time and effort is heartbreaking.
Sorry this recipe didn’t work out for you, Kelsey. I’m not sure why your cookies are breaking apart after baking. Are they cooling before being transferred to a cooling rack?
I have made this recipe over a dozen times and each time was a success!!! The cookies came out perfect. We’re the cookies possibly not cooked all the way?
The problem may be that you “rake” them off of the cookie sheet. Every cookie is fragile when warm. Gently move them to the drying rack to cool with a thin spatula. They won’t break!
How long can they sit out. I would like to use for royal icing, so I wasn’t sure if they could sit on counter for days.?
I think they’d be fine at cool room temperature for a day but longer than that, I’d refrigerate.
Definitely chill the dough thoroughly. And u must work quickly once u take the dough out of the fridge – it gets sticky fast. Do NOT overbake or brown these cookies and they will be perfectly soft and tender.
Can you tell me why you did not put any leavening in this recipe?
It’s just a different style of sugar cookie recipe. 🙂
I made these for Christmas this year, I about eat the entire batch! Soo good, these are my go to sugar cookies!
Also, Can these be made with almond flour?
I haven’t tried that so I’m not sure…sorry!
Amazing. Had to feeeze some so I would stop eating them. I sprinkled coarse sugar and a touch sea salt before baking and skipped any icing. GREAT!!
Do you think these would hold the imprints of a cookie stamp. I got some pretty stamps for Christmas and have been looking for a good recipe to try them out.
That’s a great question – I’m not sure, I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure, but it’s definitely worth a try!
Love this recipe! I was wondering if you can make a chocolate version of these? If so, how much cocoa powder would you use?
I haven’t tried to make these chocolate so I’m not sure – sorry!
You just switch out 1 cup of flour for 1 cup of cocoa powder.
Can you use Mascarpone in place of the cream cheese, it’s all I have on hand…. 🙂
Yep!
Hi I made these and the texture was soft and delicious. I actually used royal icing and tastes perfect. I was wondering if you could switch out the extract to change up the flavor of the cookie? Any ideas ? Thank you so much for my new go to Christmas cookie recipe
Yes, I’m sure you could change up the extract flavor! Maybe almond or even lemon?
This is absolutely the best sugar cookie I have ever made!
If you are looking for sugar cookies, this is not the recipe for you. The cookies turned out fine and taste fine but they are butter cookies not sugar cookies. I was leery when I saw how much butter the recipe called for but I tried them anyway. Disappointment they are not sugar cookies.
I’d have to agree with you- it’s not a bad cookie, but it is deceiving to call them sugar cookies. More like a soft butter cookie.
And to add ‘White Velvet’ to that mess….
What’s with this ‘Velvet’ craze and how can a sugar cookie possibly be called “White Velvet”… (Just add velvet to any recipe and then it’s an instant hit?)
Unreal
Will this recipe work at an altitude of 7180? If not, what adjustments should be made?
Thanks!
I’m not sure, Sheri – I’ve never made them at that altitude. You might try googling high altitude adjustments for sugar cookies to see if there’s any advice!
Yum!!! These are AMAZING! I cant wait to make more for my Christmas party. Also, please share some of those 3000 cutters. I have 5. Lol! Thank you for your recipe!
These cookies are better the next day after they sit. I did no like them as much the first day but by the second i could really taste the butter. Now I will ice them and see just how great they are!
Do you make these with salted or unsalted butter? Not sure if that’s a dumb question or not. Can you tell I don’t bake? Haha.
I use salted butter 🙂
I am having a cookie sale in a couple weeks. I made white velvet cutouts and decorated them with royal icing. They are individually rapped and in a large storage containers. Will they be safe to eat after sitting out a couple weeks.
Why do my white velvet cookies keep breaking
Do I have to cut out or can I leave round to save time?
I’m not entirely sure what you are asking – I’ve always used this recipe as a cut out sugar cookie recipe vs a drop cookie recipe.
Could this recipe be cut in half or would it not turn out? I want to give them a test-run before Christmas haha still looking for THE perfect cut-out cookie.
Yes, this recipe should be fine if cut in half.
The only issue I found is the salt is not nearly enough for a recipe of this size if using unsalted butter. I upped mine to 1/2 t and will probably do a full teaspoon next time. If that’s too much, I’ll settle on 3/4 t. This makes sense if you assume there’s about 1/4 t in each stick of butter.
I was looking for a cookie recipe that worked well for thicker cookies. These are perfect, so delicious and tender. I used the Best Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. So good, made cookies for Thanksgiving cutouts. I didn’t use bags for these just frosted them but for Christmas will try using tips.
I used this recipe to make baby shower favors to change things up from my usual sugar cookie recipe, and they were a really big hit. People loved the softer cookie and the slight tang of the cream cheese.
Just made these cookies as a trial run for trick or treaters. Cut out rounds, frosted with orange buttercream, creamsicle flavor, covered with black & orange jimmies. Very successful!
So it’s a good cookie to freeze? I’m looking to make a bunch at once for the fall.
Yes, I have frozen these cookies before with good success.
Hi, what is the shelf life for these cookies at room temperature? I’m curious because of the cream cheese in it.
Probably a day or so at room temperature, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Would these fall apart/break if I used Royal icing and then heat sealed them for gifting or are they sturdy enough?
They are slightly more delicate than a more traditional sugar cookie, but if you cut them thick, they’ll probably be ok!
I was also wondering about if they are great sealed how long they would last for?
I meant heat**
Are you freezing them? If so, they should last several months.
I want to make the dough cut them into the shapes i need and then freeze them? how long will they last for in the freezer and can I bake them from the freezer if so for how long? Also if i heat seal them after they are baked and decorated how long will these last for?
Hi Dana – you’ll have to experiment as I haven’t frozen the cutout shapes before baking. I’m guessing you’ll want to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
How long are these good for at room temperature?
Hi Dana – you’ll have to experiment as I haven’t frozen the cutout shapes before baking. I’m guessing you’ll want to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Delicious! Just the type of recipe I have been searching for! Thank you 😀
I’ve searched and searched for a sugar cookie recipe that’s easy and perfect for cut outs. This is it!!! I don’t care for a hard cookie I like them soft and chewy so these are perfect! I doubled the batch because they were gone so quick the first time I made them!
I made these but they didn’t hold their shape. I actually went over them with my cookie cutter when they were still warm for a clean cut. Any idea of why they would have done this? I love these cookies and really want to use this recipe again.
Thank you,
Kelly
Place in the freezer for a couple minutes before baking. This will help retain the shape.
Tried this recipe to make Easter egg cutouts. They are wonderful. Mine were just a tad lightly golden on the bottom, but still perfect. Frosted with pastel buttercream frosting and they are a hit.
Just made a batch. Added a little more vanilla and they were great! Chilled the cutouts before baking and they definitely held their shapes. Thanks!
I just posted that mine didn’t hold their shape and just saw your comment. Wondering if I should have chilled them before I put them in the oven. How long did you chill the cutouts for?
Thanks,
Kelly
You could try chilling the dough for a couple hours OR adding just a bit more flour (1/4 cup or so).
do you mean chill the cutouts? My dough had been wrapped up and chilled in the fridge for a few days. The extra flour won’t dry them out, will it? Thank you for the advice. 🙂
Yes, I was thinking chill the cutouts if they are still spreading. An extra 1/4 cup flour won’t dry out the dough, but it might help the cutouts hold their shape if that’s been a problem.
These are amazing! Seriously, the first rollout cookies that I have not ended up so frustrated at that I want to throw away. They came out perfectly and were delicious. Win win
Love these! I double the amount of vanilla and they are perfect! I am also a soft and creamy frosting kind of person but I recently tried them with a glaze (not a fan of royal icing either) for Christmas and they were gorgeous AND tasted great!
Made these delicious cookies today and I am wondering if they need to be stored in the fridge with the cream cheese? Also, do they freeze ok-before/after frosting? Love your blog!!
Hi Ruth – these cookies freeze great (I’ve only ever frozen them before frosting). The cookies themselves, once baked, are fine at room temperature OR in the fridge. 🙂
Can you freeze the dough? For how long?
It should freeze pretty well – I’d say 1-2 months (well-covered or wrapped).
Fat is key to heaven.
I made these this weekend and they were amazing! I am planning on making more soon! They are great without frosting too.
We LOVED these cookies! The cream cheese was such a nice touch and made for an incredible twist on regular cutout cookies. BRAVO! Made them last weekend with your sugar cookie frosting recipe… Will make them again!
Dough seems great but I made two batches and neither will roll out. Too sticky, no matter how cool I make them. Going to try and bake as a drop cookie but disappointed not to have any Christmas cutouts this year.
We made these today and they turned out well! The dough was easy to work with and they held their shape very nicely while baking. Next time I will try your classic sugar cookies to compare the two. This made tons of cookies for me…between 4-5 dozen. Thanks for a great recipe!
This is the Taste of Home recipe (published 1997), with like 1/4 cup flour added. They , didn’t hold their shape at all even when chilled after cutting. They taste okay, deffo not the best sugar cookie I’ve had. Unfortunately they’re a bit pasty and doughy. I’m glad so many others have found enjoyment in them
This looks like a wonderful recipe. I’m at a high altitude, 6,800 ft. May I ask at about what elevation this recipe was made for (to see if I need to adjust it for mine)? Thanks!
I’ve made it at 6,500 feet and also now where I live (2500 feet). Hope that helps!
My family loved these cookies they asked me to make them for a party.. 150 cookies I have to make lol that’s like 8 batches jk
This is my all time favorite go-to sugar cookies! Amazing. Must try it if you haven’t already.
these were perfect!!! soft, almost flaky – the best sugar cookie. finally found my go-to recipe
Mel, you were totally right. I can’t stop eating them. Thank goodness for children and spreading the wealth around. I’m relieved and so terribly sad to see the end of the dough. Thank you for such yumminess!
I made a small batch of glaze icing and iced just two cookies to see how it went. Went pretty good. I used milk i the icing. I put the cookies in the refrigerator and now they have white splotches on them. I read somewhere that the milk causes the white splotches. It is recommended to use water instead of milk. I will try that next.
I made these cookies tonight and they came out pretty good. I had to keep refrigerating the dough. It kept getting sticky and soft. I put the dough in the freezer one time and that worked the best because the dough was really cold and held together. I had my husband taste a small piece and he thought they tasted great, but on the sweet side. I used a number “1” cookie cutter and I plan on icing the cookies. Our grandchildren (twins – boy and a girl) will be turning one in a week and these cookies will be favors for their party. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. I made a half batch and it made 36 cookies.
OMG!! I just made these amazing cookies last night!! And they are a huge hit!! I made a half batch because I was nervous about exactly how much everyone says it makes. I rolled it thick like you do and I ended up with 3 dozen & the family census was the thicker the better! They kept their shaper beautifuly! The only thing I did different is the frosting, I have a wonderful hardening icing that is yummy that I got off of Pinterest. I am making a whole batch today for work!! Thank you!!
What is a delicious hardening frosting recipe for cookies?
I don’t have a great one for that – I think most royal frostings that harden super stiff are kind of gross, so I prefer soft frosting.
Cris, please provide the “wonderful hardening icing” recipe you referred to in your review of Mel’s White Velvet Sugar Cookies. Thanks, Lynn
Hello Chris,
I just read your comment & was wondering if you would be willing to share your YuMmY hardening icing recipe you found on Pinterest? I would like to make these cookies & use that icing. Please and Thank you
How long would these stay fresh in the freezer for? Thanks!
Several months if they are wrapped tightly.
Uh, you didn’t say what to put the oven on…How can I bake these if I don’t know what temperature to bake them at?
Step #5 says to preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Dear Mel, My first time visiting your blog. The great reviews on your cream cheese cookies makes me want to make these now. Can I use the whole egg instead of just yolks? If so, do you recommend using 1 or 2 whole eggs?
You could certainly try to use the whole egg, Jeannie – but the flavor of the dough is especially tender and rich when using just the egg yolks, like the recipe states. You could try a whole egg instead of the 2 egg yolks.
Wondering what size cookie cutters you use? I don’t make sugar cookies very often. In the picture, the cutouts looks small on the sheet pan but look high after being baked.
Thanks so much,
Barbara
That was supposed to be huge not high
It really depends on the time of year/event, but I’d say they are usually about 2- to 3-inches in diameter (just a rough estimate since some of them are crazy shapes).
I made these for a work place, pot luck lunch. I look for new recipes to try out on my co-workers before I make them for my family! The cookies were a big hit at work and home! My husband ate them without frosting and I will be passing on this recipe to a co-worker. I did find that as the dough got warm, (from re-rolling left overs) it did get sticky and did not hold it’s shape as well when baking.
I will be making these again in the future!
I made these cookies without any changes to the recipe. I brought them to work and everyone loved them. They’re tender, buttery, and you can taste the subtle tang of the cream cheese in them. I personally found them a little too sweet for my taste, and that was without frosting them, but nobody else seemed to mind. I frosted some of them with swiss meringue buttercream, some I left unfrosted. The dough is very easy to work with and cuts beautifully. I used flour to dust the surface and the rolling pin as needed since at times it was getting a bit sticky.
A few things to consider if you’re looking to make them: the recipe makes a LOT, and I mean a LOT of cookies. I rolled the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and used a 2 1/2 inch heart shape cookie cutter. I ended up with 8 dozen cookies. In reality, who would complain about too many cookies? Just be aware that you’ll be rolling and cutting cookies for a while.
Which brings me to the next point, the dough didn’t fit in my mixer. There was so much of it after adding the flour, I had to take it out of the mixer into a larger container and finish mixing by hand. The dough is thick so that was a workout! I have a Kitchenaid stand mixer with a 4.5 quart size bowl, so that should give you an idea. I believe the recipe can easily be cut in half to solve that problem.
And last, but definitely not least, the flour. If you’re making this recipe I highly suggest using a kitchen scale. I’m glad weight was given with the ingredients. I always prefer measuring ingredients by weight, especially flour. The recipe calls for 4 3/4 cups of all purpose flour. If use the scoop and level method, you could end up with a lot less flour in your recipe, which may explain some of the issues people had with the soft/sticky dough. Scooping and leveling a cup of flour will yield about 4.25 ounces. This means that 4 3/4 cups as the recipe calls would make about 20 ounces. This is 3.75 oz less than the recipe calls for, which amounts to approximately another 3/4 cups of flour, that’s a huge difference.
All in all, these cookies are great and a huge crowd pleaser. Thank you sharing your recipe Mel!
I agree! I stirred the flour in by hand and got a work out! I used a shamrock cookie cutter and had 5 dozen cookies.
Hi. Maybe I missed it but I could not find what temperature to bake these at or the approximate baking time. Usually, I bake sugar cookies at 350, but your other recipe bakes them at 400. Could you please let me know? I really want to try these! Thank you.
Step 5, bake at 350
It’s in step #5: preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
My new favorite sugar cookie recipe!! Absolutely divine. Thank you!
Yeessss!
I have a gluten intolerant daughter so I always use a gluten free flour blend whenever I cook or bake. It’s always a new experience using GF flour in a regular recipe like this but these turned out fantastic! I’ve learned to adjust the amount of GF flour I use, I find that a good average is about 1/2 cup less than the recipe calls for, so in this case I used about 4 cups. The texture was as described by others and they are light and soft. Thank you for another great recipe!
That’s such great news these transitioned well to being gluten-free!
Marcie, what GF flour do you use? I’ve been looking for a good substitute!
I’ve also made then gluten free several times. Celiacs and gluten-eaters both love them! Even as a chocolate lover, I really enjoy these cookies.
I weigh my flour, Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1, and use 665 g for this recipe (I use the conversion of 140 g of gluten free flour to 1 cup of regular flour.) I also add 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to make sure they are moist.
I have tried cooking them for varying lengths of time, and 13 minutes, when they are just starting to brown, yields a cookie that stays soft but doesn’t break. I made cookies decorated with royal frosting and they stayed soft for 5 days even after cooking them for longer. If I cook them for less time, the cookies tend to break easily while decorating but they still taste delicious!
These were a big hit with my family! My husband asked, “Where has this recipe been?” I had seen them before on your site…but I shied away from all that butter and cream cheese! Of course, I have eaten way too many, but it was totally worth it.
BEST SUGAR COOKIES EVER!!! Thank you so much Mel!! My husband is not a sugar cookie lover..until this fabulous recipe!! I highly recommend for everyone to try this recipe. I promise you will be addicted!
Yay!
This dough is THE BEST I have ever rolled out – every cookie released from the cookie cutter beautifully and the scraps re-rolled as if heaven sent! Oh, and the cookies taste pretty darn good, too! I didn’t think I needed another sugar cookie recipe, I stand corrected.
Haha, sounds like me every time I think I don’t need a new recipe for a favorite!
Made these yesterday for my family and they all LOVED these cookies! The texture is almost like cake they are so moist! I loved the frosting too! We decorated and cut out the cookies with Valentine designs! Make sure you chill before cutting them.
Yay!
I cannot wait to make these! They sound and look delicious! This sounds like a silly questions, but I plan on making your buttercream frosting, and I’m assuming these can’t be stacked. Any suggestions on how to place them on a serving plate and fit quite a few? Side by side, I wouldn’t be able to fit many… Thanks!
Hi Kara, you could try angling them a bit so they are stacking up against the edge of the plate and then the next layer overlaps by just a bit (instead of laying right on top).
I had to come back and say….OH MY GOODNESS! What an awesome sugar cookie recipe! I ended up making them into bars, because I ran short on time and couldn’t chill and roll out the dough. I used a 12″ x 17″jelly roll pan and baked them for just under 20 minutes. They baked up perfectly….thick, soft, and definitely melt-in-your-mouth! I will be baking these often! My entire family gives them 10+ stars! (And, I frosted them with your vanilla buttercream frosting using half butter/half cream cheese as you mentioned in the recipe. YUM!!!) Thanks for another amazing recipe!
Oh I am right there with you Mel! I am definitely a sugar cookie snob and never waste time/calories on sub par sugar cookies! I always make them for Valentines Day and I normally don’t venture to try different recipes but you’ve convinced me! Excited to try these! Thanks so much!!
I remember doing a comparison bake of these and your favorite ones back in 2009 or so. Loved them both. But your favorite ones were a clear winner to me. They tasted just like that ones my mom used to make but without the insane 3 hour chill time. I hate having to chill cookie dough so your favorite sugar cookies will win for me every time since they don’t require chilling.
That definitely is a winning point for that classic sugar cookie recipe!
these are a taste of home recipe
butter measurements????
2 cups butter (4 sticks)
Unsalted or salted butter? I typically use unsalted but recently read a recipe that used salted butter.
I always use salted butter
I must agree…these sugar (cut out) cookies are PERFECT. They are also very forgiving. I have a tendency to just throw in all of the egg in most baking recipes, & this time I happened to also be out of cream cheese. (So I fear I missed out on the secret ingredient when I subbed in plain yogurt) It was looking like an epic fail halfway through the mixing process, but when I added in the flour all started being right with the world. After being in the fridge for two hours, I had an easy time rolling & cutting these out. These cookies totally make me feel like a rock star!! Frosting & holiday sprinkles turned these into the prettiest cookies I have ever made! Just under ten minutes for baking time was just right for me. They taste extraordinary! The recent frosting recipe you posted sends them right over the top. I took the cue from you & froze many of them, so they’ll be ready when I need them. Oh! & I rolled them out on fairly thinly but they held up perfectly. Such an adaptable DELICIOUS cookie.
Amazing, Lauren! Thanks for detailing your changes…so happy they worked out!
Rather unrelated, but I see these in your future 🙂
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/salted-caramel-cream-cheese-swirl-brownie-recipe/
Oh, heavens.
I didn’t make sugar cookies for years because I didn’t want to fuss with rolling them out and using cookie cutters … and then your sugar cookie bar recipe fixed all that. Do you think this recipe would convert easily to a bar cookie recipe?
Not sure as I haven’t tried it – I think if you like the other sugar cookie bar recipe, I’d stick with that (I agree sometimes it’s nice not having to mess with rolling and cutting).
These are the cutest, and look so yummy! Looking forward to trying them out!!
Crumbly, dastardly sugar cookies. I love it!! So true. I must say that you are making me rethink my original sugar cookie plans for the weekend. I was just going to go with your favorite, and my favorite, recipe with the new frosting… But now I might be going all new!
These look incredible! I need to try these out for our party on Friday!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
This is just in time for my Valentine’s baking!
I appreciate it when you revisit some of your older recipes. I wasn’t around when the blog began, so they are new to me. Plus, I can read about others’ experiences with the recipe, and any updates you may have made.
I’ve been wanting a cookie dough that can be rolled a little thicker, and won’t lose its shape in the oven. Thanks!
Hi, Mel!
Do you think these would work as slice and bake? There’s no way in heck I’m going to roll out dough (and not just because I don’t own a rolling pin) and go to town with cookie cutters. Hey, at least I own my laziness. Thanks!
Haha, that’s ok! I think they stand a good chance of working as slice and bake cookies, especially if the dough is chilled.
I have Star Wars cookie cutters that imprint the characters facial features into the cookie. Do you think they would still show after baking, or is it just the edges that hold their shape? Thanks!
Good question – I’m not sure. My guess is that those kind of details won’t be very pronounced after baking (vs using them on a shortbread or crisp butter cookie).
I use those Star Wars cutters all the time with a regular sugar cookie recipe and the features still show up great. No need to go for shortbread.
I looooove those high straight edges! I switched over to cream cheese sugar cookies for making my decorated cut-out cookies 2 years ago and haven’t looked back since!:) I picked up a great tip along the way: roll a portion of the dough out between two pieces of parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator that way…so easy to cut out shapes with the already flattened chilled dough. (be warned: I’ve only experienced spreading issues when my dough wasn’t chilled enough) I use a sugar glaze icing to get that beautiful royal icing look without the yucky taste/crunch.
Would you be willing to share the recipe for your sugar glaze icing that you use?
From iambaker: 1C powdered sugar (SIFT), 1tbs milk, 1tbs corn syrup, 1 drop lemon juice. More sugar for outlining/less for filling in (I use paste food coloring). Once decorated, I leave out overnight….yes, the cookie remains soft but now decorated cookies can be stacked for storage. Good luck!
I’m dying to try these and add a leeeeeetle bit of almond extract or vanilla….or maybe both!
Is this the type of recipe that you can just roll into balls and then sugar and bake them or must they be rolled out? Sounds delicious.
That’s a great question…and I’m not sure since I haven’t tried it. My guess is if you decrease the flour a bit, you could probably do that.
Would this recipe hold up ok to make cookie lollipops? I’m making heart shaped ones this weekend for neighbors. Also, is this recipe good for gift giving….meaning do they stay fresh tasting for several days? Thanks! If these won’t work, would your favorite sugar cookie be a better candidate? As usual, you rock!
Both cookie recipes would be perfect for all of the above, in my opinion. I haven’t ever made either as cookie lollipops, but I think they are sturdy enough (the classic sugar cookies maybe slightly more so).
8 sticks butter does that equal 2 cups? Isn’t 4 sticks 2 cups?
It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion!
Okay so I’m with you on the soft and creamy frosting… but! How do you pack/transport them for a function or a gift without them getting all mushed and messy??
I usually lay them out on coookie sheets and trays and even with soft frosting (especially if there are sprinkles), I will sometimes lay a piece of parchment paper on the first layer of cookies and gently place a second layer
Hi Mel,
The news letter says 8 sticks of butter…it should be 4 I think?
These sound terrific. Can’t wait to try them.
It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion!
Wouldn’t it just be 4 sticks of butter? 1 stick = 1/2 c., right? 8 sticks of butter would make some seriously decadent cookies. 😉
Love, love, love your recipes. Your blog is always my first stop when I’m looking for something new!
Haha, yes. As much as I love butter…that would be a bit over the top. Four sticks is decadent enough!
It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion!
Do you want to check your listing for butter… 2 cups would be 4 sticks. I love butter and all, but 8 sticks? Eight???
On a different note, we love the game Codenames! Thanks for your recommendation. I had never heard of it, and I LOVE games. We could be dangerous together… I’m just saying! We’ve played it a few times so far, with different groups, and each time it’s a HUGE hit. Love to play games…. love it… just love it…
It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion!
So happy you love codenames! Honestly, it’s one of my favorite games ever…it’s ridiculous how much we play it.
I’m confused on the amount of butter for this recipe. It’s it 2 cups? Or 8 sticks? Because I think 2 cups is only 4 sticks.. But then you also have 16 oz which is also 8 sticks… Thanks!
It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion!
Mel, love all your recipes, but I’m a bit confused on this one. 8 sticks of butter does not equal 2 cups. I read through all the comments and haven’t seen this discussed. Maybe I’m missing something — but I’m going with 2 cups (4 sticks) today.
I’m making these to take to the gals at work. They look delish! Thanks again for all you do to help us look like awesome bakers.
The 4 sticks is right…way to stick with your gut feeling. It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion!
Is 2 cups butter really 8 sticks? I have been using 4 all these years.
You are doing it right. Sorry for the confusion! It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4.
Hey Mel…I’m anxious to try this recipe (so close to Valentine’s Day), but am confused. Your recipe in saying hours in the prep time, etc. Do you mean minutes?
Also, 2 cups of butter is actually 4 sticks, not 8. Which is it. Sorry for the confusion, would you mind double checking the recipe for me?
It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion! And the time is in minutes…hope that helps!
2 cups butter equal 4 sticks, not 8, right?!?
The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion!
Are my calculations off? Is it really 8 sticks of butter? I thought it was 4 for 2 cups?!?
It was a typo that I caught right after the newsletter went out. The 2 cups butter listed is correct, but I’ve edited the additional info from 8 sticks to 4. Sorry for the confusion!
Hi Mel,
You mentioned in the CreameCheese eggless chocolate chip receipe that you made them eggless – could you explain what you replaced the 2 egg yolks with?
Thank you!
Hi Meera – it’s been years since I’ve made that substitution and to be honest, I’ve forgotten exactly how I did it, but I think it was the flax + vinegar + water replacement which you can probably try googling for more info. Sorry!
Hey Mel,
I actually tried it…for one egg yolk = 1 tsp baking powder, 1 Tbsp water and 1 Tbsp Vinegar. Looks like it worked 🙂 Lol…thank you.
I just made these this afternoon and must say that if a person is a cream cheese lover and a sugar cookie lover, this recipe may be Heaven for them! The cookie made up easily (the dough was a bit sticky for me but I use parchment paper to roll the dough out — I’m lazy and don’t love cleaning flour off my counter or rolling pin) and it was just fine. The cookies baked up to be quite tender — so much so that when I went to share a bite of one with my puppy, it broke into several pieces when she bumped it with her nose (which was okay since that kept her busy finding every bit of the cookie). These would not be good for shipping, but if a person is looking for a delicate cookie (not a traditional sugar cookie in my mind) with a clear cream cheese note, this one is for you! Thanks for sharing this recipe with us.
Im wondering if the recipe can be cut in half?? i’d really like to try it only in a half amount!
That should work just fine.
? I’m confused… Wouldn’t you use MORE flour in a humid climate and LESS in a dry one?
Kristen – Sorry the humidity note was confusing. Basically there is a 1/4 cup leeway in how much flour you need. Start with a little less than the recipe calls for and adjust accordingly until your dough is the right consistency. Good luck!
I made these for Easter at my in-laws’ and everyone loved them! My mother-in-law is an incredible cook and baker herself, so I am always so excited when I impress her, and I caught her sneaking a few. 🙂 My husband couldn’t believe that I made the (whipped cream cheese) frosting; he thought it was so cool that I could make a frosting that had that texture and flavor. Thanks!!
This cookie is the best sugar cookie in the world! My sister stalked a girl to get a sugar cookie recipe and the only difference between yours is hers has a half teaspoon of almond extract, a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of soda. The recipes taste the same. I’m not sure if you used to have your easy buttercream posted here as well, but you should. I love the whipped cream cheese frosting but not on these cookies. I used regular whipping cream and I’m sure it would have a better texture with heavy. I learned that if you want cream to hold its shape after it is whipped, use heavy whipping cream….it kind of turned soupy by the end (tutorial on cream?). Even so, everyone who had the cookies said they would prefer the buttercream (I use your quick and easy buttercream all the time so they know it well. Cream instead of milk makes the best frosting! Thanks Mel. I love sugar cookies and these are the best!
…the egg yolks do the job instead of having BP or soda in this recipe – neat, huh?…(have found this in many very old cookbooks/recipes that just use eggs or egg yolks)…
Hi Mel, I would like to respond to Jill H. comment on March 28, 2013 in hopes it helps her & other readers. Based on my experience in baking; I think the reason her dough was sticky is because her butter may have been TOO SOFT. This also can cause the baked cookie to fall apart. So, regardless of the 4 hours in the fridge, if the butter is too soft (meaning its broken butter); it will effect the TEXTURE of the cookie..any cookie for that matter. There’s a big difference between softened butter and room temperature butter. With softened butter you should be able to press gently on the stick of butter and leave an indentation in the butter. With room temp butter, the butter is brought to the temp of the room causing the stick of butter to flatten on its own by being out of the fridge too long, and this leads to a separation of fat solids and you end up with clarified butter which is broken butter. (picture melted butter with solids floating on top…this is the fat separating and it gets skimmed off the top leaving behind clarified butter.) So, don’t let your softened butter turn to room temp butter. I hope this helps.
I am thinking of using this delicious frosting for a layer cake that will be served at a party in a park. Do you think this would hold up out of the fridge for a few hours? I’m not piping any decorations, just frosting and adding sprinkles. Thanks!
Hi Jessica – as long as it’s not overly hot, the frosting should hold up just fine.
I was so excited to find this recipe to make heart shape cookies for my son’s engagement party! Well, I don’t know what happened, I followed the recipe exactly. The dough was not really soft…a bit sticky maybe. I chilled it for 4 hours. It rolled out okay & cut wonderfully, but did not cook up well at all; at the 1/4″ thickness, they still seem to be undercooked, even though I left them in for a bit longer than called for. The cookies are falling apart even though I’m handling them with kid gloves. What a disappointment…I won’t be able to use them.
Made cookies, turned out excellent. I received sooooo many compliments on how good they are. Thanks for the recipe. I did store them in my basement where its a little cooler but not as cold in fridge
Dana – it’s up to you. I store them at room temperature.
Are these cookies suppose to be stored in fridge when finished. Thanks
BTW, that rolling out tip I shared above DOES NOT work with this dough. Too soft.
AND these were perfect for our Christmas Eve cookie tradition. They were soft and delicious. So good that my husband offended his own mother by telling her that I was making the cookies this year 🙂
Thanks for another perfectly successful recipe!
Hey Mel!
Would you say full fat cream cheese only?And I never buy salted butter, so with unsalted do I need to adjust the salt?
And lastly, have you ever heard the OBB method of rolling out and cutting sugar cookies?
“When your dough is made, instead of putting it in the fridge, immediately roll between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper and then place on a flat surface in the fridge. Chill for about 20-30 minutes and then start cutting it out. This way it chills faster and the bonus is that you don’t need to add extra flour to roll it out.”
I like this method because it saves me time and I don’t have to try to roll hard dough. I just lay the parchment on my baking sheet to chill. The cookies hold their shape well because they are cold. Just wondering if you have tried it
AND last lastly, can I just say you are amazing?! You inspire me! I love your recipes! Every one I try is delicious and crowd pleasing. Thank you for that! I know you don’t have to go to all of this work to share your recipes and experiences, but I REALLY appreciate it!
Merry Christmas!
Amanda – great tip. Thanks for sharing! I have used light cream cheese and it works fine but if you are going to go all out, full fat cream cheese is the way to go. It makes the cookies more tender. If you are going to use unsalted butter, I’d increase the salt by another 1/2 teaspoon. And thanks for such a sweet comment!
Ashley – refrigerating the dough overnight should work fine. Just take it out in time to soften up enough to roll out.
These look amazing! I’m pretty busy and need to make 75 sugar cookies for an event.. I was wondering if making the dough and refrigerating it overnight and then baking the cookies the following evening would ruin the dough?
Made these today & turned out GREAT! This is a keeper!
My mom makes these and I am not sure how much flour she uses but they are divine!!
Just made these and oh! my! goodness! So good!!! Honestly, just amazing! Santa will be so happy! 😉
Anna – I use salted butter and I add the 1/4 teaspoon salt. I know using salted butter is kind of a no-no in the gourmet baking world but I guess that’s what I get for not quite being gourmet. 🙂 I don’t think they are too salty but if you are worried, you could cut the salt down to a pinch.
I so want to make these but I have a question about salt: do you use unsalted butter in this recipe? With your Aunt’s suggestion of adding 1/4 tsp. of salt, I was wondering if just using salted butter would do the trick, that is if salted butter isn’t already used. I just don’t want to end up putting in too much salt. 🙂
I’m going to call on my inner Valley Girl and say OMG! These are slap yo momma good!
Thanks for sharing a recipe that is ‘da bomb!
Stacy – thanks for the laugh…glad you loved them!
You were not kidding Mel. These are the best. sugar cookies. ever. I have NEVER liked sugar cookies…until now. And with the whipped cream cheese frosting….divine.
Reyna – glad you loved these babies.
I’ve been searching for a good sugar cookie recipe that I can send for Christmas package to my out of state relatives. Do you think this recipe for sugar cookies is sturdy enough to withstand mailing? Does your go-to frosting recipe set up good the one without the cream cheese? Thanks.
Ela – these cookies are delicious but not very sturdy. I think this sugar cookie recipe would work better. Both of my sugar cookie frostings stay pretty soft. If you are looking to stack and ship these, you might try a royal icing recipe or something of that sort that hardens and sets up really well.
Hi Mel,
About how much does this make I just volunteered to make 120 cookies for my sons second grade class. Do I need to triple that batch or what or do you have a reciepe for sugar cookies that makes alot.
Hi Katie – this recipe for sugar cookies makes about 3 dozen so you could quadruple the recipe and get 120 cookies (or just make them smaller and probably get away with only tripling the batch). The white velvet sugar cookies make about 2 dozen per batch, depending on how big you cut them. Hope that helps! Good luck with such a big project!
I woke up this morning and thought “today I feel like making sugar cookie with the circus (my kids), I bet Mel has one…” Ta-dah! Here it is. I’m so hooked, it’s all so fabulous! Do you mind if I mention you on my blog? I’m going to have to start bragging about all the wonderful things we’re eating and I should give credit where credit is due 🙂
Steph – oh, so my house isn’t the only “circus” around? So glad to know that! And I’m thrilled these cookies made a fun day with your kiddos. I don’t mind at all if you give a shout-out on your blog. I’d be honored!
Sara – I love your adjustments to the recipe and am so glad that you liked this! Thanks for letting me know.
I just wanted to say thank you for this recipe… I used it to make valentine cookies for my daughters class and was quite pleased. I did make just a couple adjustments, replaced 1/2 cup white sugar with powdered and also added 1/2 tsp almond extract – but stuck with it other than that.
The no baking powder thing is amazing… must be something in the cream cheese.
perfect, thank you!
Ali – depending on how big your cookie cutters are, this is a pretty standard sugar cookie dough, and if you make average sized cutouts (3 inches), it will probably make around 3 dozen.
Maybe you posted this already and I missed it, but I was wondering how many cookies this recipe makes? I’m thinking of passing a plate or two around to neighbors and need to make sure there are enough left for me… I mean… for my family! 🙂
Thanks!
Jenn – glad these worked out for you and that you agree the frosting is to die for! Thanks for letting me know.
Melanie–made these today. Pretty impressive. Like you said, these are different from the sugar gems. I like the simplicity of the sugar gems, but these are pretty fantistic too! And yes, the frosting is so good!
Rachel – I’ve never had the cookies last long enough to store the leftover frosted ones. I usually bake up all my sugar cookies and freeze the unfrosted sugar cookies that I don’t think I will use. That way I can just frost the cookies as needed and leftover frosted ones won’t go “bad.” If you do have leftover frosted ones, I would probably store them in the freezer, due to the cream in the frosting.
Yum! These look great. Would you mind sharing a recipe for the frosting as well?
I am so excited about these cookies and the two icings! Now I know what my next splurge will be. 🙂
Jenn – that question is a toughie – I like the sugar gems for entirely different reasons. They have more of a sugary, tender consistency than these cookies. Both of the recipes are good so I can’t choose!
I absolutely love the whipped cream cheese frosting. I made your banana bars and also a carrot cake with this frosting. It is TO DIE FOR! Thanks for sharing!
I made these today for my kids to decorate Easter cookies and they are fantastic. I linked to your blog on mine, I hope that is alright. You have such a wonderful blog with the best recipes, I love it!
Ok, I’ve added my two favorite sugar cookie frostings. Both are delicious but the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting will rock your world. And create the need for extra treadmill time. Sorry about that. Enjoy!Oh, and Danielle – I edited the recipe so the 4 and 3/4 cup flour is easier to decipher.
I’m trying these today and I know they’ll turn out perfect. Every recipe that I’ve used off of here has been great! Thanks for sharing your yummy recipes.
The cookies were very delicious and turned out really well. The baking soda/powder was not needed afterall. The cookies were very easy to frost, and they were a huge hit with all of the neighbor kids. Thanks for sharing, and I love your blog!
white velvet is a very apt name for these–they’re luxuriuos and completely lovely. very nice, melanie!
I love this recipe! The cream cheese really makes it special and different. Thanks! Love your blog!
I have been looking for a sugar cookie recipe… thanks! I would also like to ask you to share the frosting recipe.
I made these tonight. Although not an easy recipe (for me anyway). They are wonderful so far (I haven’t frosted them yet)I am taking them to a church ladies function tomorrow night. I’ll let you know how they are received. Of course we already know don’t we. 🙂
Hi Everyone – I’ll be posting the frosting recipe(s) shortly. Karen – I think these would be a little too soft to slice, but you might as well give it a try if you don’t like to roll them out. If you do, just chill them longer so the dough is very firm.
Angie – thanks for letting me know you liked these! I’m glad they turned out for you.
This is exactly what I have been searching for for Easter cookies! I have a question though – a lot of sugar cookie recipes call for baking powder. Is there something else that makes these cookies cook well without being too doughy (maybe the cream cheese?)? Or are they just so thick that they don’t need the leavening agent? Thanks! And thanks for the frosting recipes too!
Hi Melanie,
When you use your cream cheese frosting, do you refridgerate whatever you’ve frosted with it? Just curious with the cream cheese and the cream.
Thanks!
Rachel
I just finished making the cookie dough, and it turned out great. I am curious though…how come it doesn’t need baking powder, or baking soda? Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes.
PS, what did you frost yours with? The frosting was yummy, too. I won’t think less of you if it was store bought, but I’d love to know if you have a special recipe for that, too.
What a name . . . and what a cookie! Yum-e! I love sugar cookies! These babies look like a keeper!
Brooke – thanks for checking back to let me know how the cookies turned out. I’m glad they were a hit!
These look so very delicious. I love how you decorated them Almost toopretty to eat, almost! Bet theyre delicious!
Amy – what a nice comment. Thank you! I hope the cookies turn out great for you!
I’m making these for a baby shower tomorrow and just have to double check something. It calls for 2 CUPS of butter, right? A whole pound? I’m so used to recipes calling for 2 STICKS that I’m a little nervous to get started without double checking. Thanks!
Hi Anne – I know it seems strange that there isn’t a leavening agent but it’s true. I don’t know the science behind baking, but I know somehow these work. They are definitely thick cookies and get substance from the cream cheese and butter (imagine that!).
I think any time is sugar cookie time! What a great way to introduce SPRING!!!
Your cookies look great can’t wait to try thanks for sharing. Love the cream cheese .
Angie – you read the recipe correctly. Although it seems like a lot (ok, it IS a lot) – it really is 2 cups of butter. These cookies aren’t for the faint of heart, that is for sure! They are buttery and soft and very delicious. Let me know if you end up trying them!
These look so delicious – is “velvety” redundant? Yum!
Do you store the cookies that you’ve frosted in the fridge? I’m sure they don’t last long…. 😉
I love sugar cookies anytime of the year! Will have to try this one. They are so pretty!
by…K@ Ashcroft – I hope the ladies at your church like them! If not, you could console yourself by eating them all, which is exactly what I would do. I hope they are a raving success!
Hi! These cookies look yummy! I am a new baker and this is probably a really silly question, but concerning the amount of flour…is it 4 and 3/4 cups of flour? Thanks!
Woohoo! Thank you so much for posting this. I have been searching for the perfect frosting recipe all morning and now I have found it! Thank you so much! Love this blog…
Sugar cookies have no season…they are 12-months a year 🙂I’d like your cookie icing recipe too.
I’m in. I will definitely have to try these soon! Sugar cookie season lasts all year long at our house too!
Maris – what is your email so I can find out more about the Drop In & Decorate activity?
I have been craving sugar cookies all day and these look so good to me right now. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Rachel – yes, I refrigerate the cream cheese frosting. If I want to frost cookies with it after it has been refrigerated, I let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften up.
Those turned out SO pretty…love it!
Brooke – so how did the cookies turn out? I hope you liked them. To be honest, I’m not sure why the recipes doesn’t need baking powder or soda – if I ever find out, I’ll update the recipe!
I was so meant to read this today ! Taking the boys to school today, my Little Miss Princess asked if we could make PRINCESS cookies today…. well, looks like i know where I”ll be the rest of the day…IN THE KITCHEN !
Um.. so these are totally delish! David and i couldn’t stop eating them! Yummy Yummy Yummy!
These look wonderful and seem so easy. Will put them on my “must try” list as I am sure the kids will love them.
Jane – thanks for your comment. It was so nice and made my day, and of course I don’t mind at all if you link to this blog. I’m glad you liked these cookies – they are dangerous to have around in my house because I don’t have any self-control!
Now, I’m a big fan of your sugar gems. Are these better?
I’m so glad you put the recipe on your blog, because I ate them at the little party, and they were truly delicious, and very soft and yummy. Thanks…also, another request for the potato salad recipe from that luncheon…I know it’s not yours, but I hear you have the recipe to share…?!
You know how much I love sugar cookies. My favorite so far is a recipe you shared with me so I KNOW if you like these I MUST try them! Didn’t make any sugar cookies for Valentine’s so think I need to make some for Easter and these will be the ones! Thanks
They look delicious. I love sugar cookies anytime of the year. But I don’t like to cut out cookies. Do you think I could slice them instead? Karen Green
These are gorgeous! With your talent for decorating cookies, would you be interested in hosting a Drop In & Decorate gathering? It’s a non profit organization that encourages people to donate cookies to local charities, if you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email and I can explain more!
I am SUCH a sucker for sugar cookies. I will definitely be making this!!!
We eat sugar cookies year round as well. yours look very good. I’m going to save your recipe and put them on my to-list. Thanks for sharing.
I made these cookies today and they are amazing. I had made a different recipe yesterday and they were a pain to work with, but this recipe was easy to work with and delicious. Wow. Finally the perfect sugar cookie recipe. Thanks! Angie
Can’t wait to try this recipe but I’d love your frosting recipe as well! The frosting can make or break a sugar cookie and I’ve been on the hunt for a good one. Please share!
wow! it looks great! I will surely try making one of these.