Name: Decadently Soft Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour (Substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser cookie.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Helps the cookies rise.); 8 ounces cream cheese (Softened for mixing.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened for mixing.); 1 cup granulated sugar (Sweetens the cookies.); 2 large eggs (Acts as a binder.); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (Consider doubling for a vanilla twist.); 1 teaspoon pure almond extract (Infuses almond flavor.); 1 cup powdered sugar (For dusting on top.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. If you’re craving a soft treat that’s both comforting and easy to whip up, these Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies are just what you need. Not only are they thick and soft, but they also offer a delightful alternative to the usual overly sweet cookies. With the addition of almond extract, you can elevate each bite into a world of flavor, while gluten-free options make this recipe accessible for everyone. Plus, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory—ideal for serving at gatherings or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea. Aren’t you curious how these cookies can transform your snack time?

Why Will You Love These Cookies?

Softness at its finest: These Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies are thick and wonderfully soft, providing a comforting bite that melts in your mouth.

Versatility to savor: Easily swap almond extract for vanilla or create a gluten-free version, making it suitable for every palate.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you'll have a batch ready in less than 30 minutes, saving precious time without sacrificing flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for gatherings, these cookies can be enjoyed alongside a glass of milk or your favorite coffee, sure to delight family and friends alike.

Peak Flavor: The combination of creamy butter and rich cream cheese gives each cookie a unique depth, striking the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. For a similar texture, don’t forget to check out our delicious Oatmeal Cookies Chewy.

Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies

Discover the essential components needed to create these delightful cookies!

For the Dough

Cake Flour – Provides a light, tender texture; substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser cookie.
Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and achieve their fluffy texture.
Cream Cheese – Adds richness and moisture, essential for that soft bite.
Unsalted Butter – Contributes buttery flavor and helps create the perfect cookie structure.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and promotes that lovely crisp edges we all love.
Eggs – Acts as a binder, enriching the dough for a delightful texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; consider doubling if you prefer a vanilla twist.
Pure Almond Extract – Infuses a lovely almond flavor; can be omitted for a pure vanilla experience.
Powdered Sugar – Perfect for dusting on top, adding a finishing touch of sweetness.

Now, let's get started, and soon you’ll be savoring these amazing Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and to the perfect golden finish. As the oven warms up, you can prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ready to receive those delightful Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour and baking powder, stirring to distribute the leavening agent evenly. In another bowl, take softened cream cheese and unsalted butter, and cream them together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it takes on a light, airy texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Once your butter and cream cheese mix is fluffy, it's time to incorporate the eggs. Crack in the eggs, followed by both the pure vanilla and almond extracts. Blend these ingredients well until fully combined, taking care to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mixture. This step enhances the flavor profile of your Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to over-mix to keep the cookies soft and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth and slightly sticky, perfect for shaping your cookies.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Place the sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!

Step 6: Cool and Dust
After baking, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. This cooling time helps them set before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool enough to handle, dust the Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch, adding a bit of sweetness that complements their rich and creamy texture.

Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies Variations

Feel free to adapt these cookies to your taste, adding delightful twists that will make them your own!

Gluten-Free: Replace cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative anyone can enjoy.
You’ll still have that tender texture without missing out on flavor.
Vanilla Twist: Swap almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a classic cookie taste.
Subtle yet satisfying, this variation is perfect for vanilla lovers.
Nutty Boost: Add in chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a hearty crunch.
The added texture contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie, elevating each bite.
Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.
The rich chocolate complement the almond flavor, making each cookie absolutely irresistible.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing burst of flavor.
It brightens up the cookie, making it a delightful option for spring gatherings.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warm, cozy twist.
This addition brings comfort and warmth to the cookies, reminiscent of homemade spiced treats.
Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cherries or cranberries for a sweet-tart experience.
The chewy fruit provides a lovely contrast to the creamy cookie.

For a chewy cookie experience with a tropical twist, don’t forget to try our Pineapple Cookies Tropical. Enjoy experimenting with these variations to find your perfect combination!

Make Ahead Options

These Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it, then covering it tightly and refrigerating it until you're ready to bake. This keeps the flavors fresh and the dough easy to scoop. Additionally, the cookies can be baked from frozen; simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze the individual portions until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. With these make-ahead tips, you can indulge in homemade cookies with minimal effort!

Storage Tips for Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain softness and flavor.

Fridge: If you like them even fresher, you can store the Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer (Baked Cookies): Place baked cookies in a single layer between parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.

Freezer (Uncooked Dough): If you want to bake on demand, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Expert Tips for Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies

Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can lead to thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
Don't Overmix: Be mindful not to overmix the dough once flour is added; doing so can lead to denser cookies instead of the desired soft texture.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop (around 1.5 tablespoons); this ensures even baking and a consistent size across the batch.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges while remaining soft in the center to achieve that delicious texture.
Cool on a Rack: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling, ensuring they stay perfectly soft.
Consider Substitutions: Feel free to swap almond extract with vanilla or add mix-ins like chocolate chips for added flavor and texture in your Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies.

What to Serve with Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies

Indulging in these delightful cookies creates the perfect opportunity to assemble a comforting meal that tantalizes your taste buds.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy richness of hot chocolate pairs beautifully, complementing the cookies' soft, buttery texture.
Fresh Berries: A refreshing burst of tartness from strawberries or raspberries balances the sweetness, enhancing your treat experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside warm cookies for an indulgent dessert that fuses creamy and cookie textures delightfully.
Fruit-Infused Tea: The floral notes of jasmine or hibiscus tea add a delicate flavor that contrasts nicely with the cookie's almond notes.
Cheese Platter: Pairing with a mild cheese, like brie or goat cheese, can create a savory contrast that makes for a gourmet treat.
Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola with almonds or walnuts accentuates the cookies’ nutty flavor, perfect for a snack or light breakfast.
Cottage Cheese: Its creamy texture and mild flavor can make a delightful dip or topping, revitalizing the sweet cookies.
Sparkling Lemonade: The zesty fizz refreshes your palate, making every bite of cookie even more enjoyable and bright.

Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for the best texture?
I recommend using cake flour for the Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies because it gives you that light, tender texture. If you don't have cake flour on hand, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but be aware that the cookies may turn out a bit denser.

How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, just let them reach room temperature before diving in for that soft bite you love!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze the uncooked dough for your Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before scooping and baking as normal.

Why are my cookies not spreading while baking?
If your Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies aren't spreading, it could be due to a few reasons. First, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened properly before creaming them together. If the dough has been refrigerated before baking, that’s also a common reason for less spread. In that case, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping. Lastly, be careful not to add too much flour; this could lead to cookies that don't spread enough.

Are there any allergy considerations I should know about?
Yes! The Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies contain gluten and dairy, so they may not be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dairy allergies. You can make them gluten-free by substituting the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be cautious with the almond extract as it may pose a risk for those with nut allergies; feel free to swap it for additional vanilla extract if needed.