Somewhere between melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies and tender shortbread is this delightful Almond Cream Cheese Cookies recipe. These cookies are soft and tender with a subtle almond aroma, making them ideal for the holidays, afternoon coffee, or any time you want a comforting homemade treat.
If you enjoy cookies that feel indulgent yet light, add these to your baking rotation. They pair nicely with other soft cookies or can stand alone as a simple, elegant treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy flavor: Cream cheese and almond extract give these cookies a silky, nutty profile that complements their delicate texture.
- Simple to prepare: Basic pantry ingredients and clear steps make this recipe accessible for bakers at any level.
- Versatile: These cookies suit holiday platters, cookie swaps, or a quiet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Below is a concise ingredients overview. Exact measurements appear in the printable recipe card later in the post.
These cookies use familiar baking staples: cream cheese for richness, butter and sugar for tenderness and sweetness, eggs and extracts for flavor, and flour with leavening to create the dough’s structure. Finish them rolled in powdered sugar for a snowball-like appearance.
Variations
- Vanilla-almond: Replace half the almond extract with vanilla for a softer flavor.
- Crunchy coating: Roll dough balls in finely chopped almonds or pecans before baking for texture.
- Gluten-free: Swap a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-friendly while preserving the tender crumb.
Instructions
This summary outlines the process; full step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe card below.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add softened butter and beat until lighter in color. Mix in the sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts and continue mixing until combined.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough comes together.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake 9–11 minutes, until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 1 minute, then roll in powdered sugar. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Expert Tips
- Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour, which can make cookies dense.
- Double dusting: For a thicker powdered sugar coating, roll cookies once warm and again after they cool.
- Keep them soft: Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about these almond cream cheese cookies.
Yes. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen, adding about one minute to the baking time.
Stored in an airtight container, they stay soft and enjoyable for up to a week.
Yes. Vanilla, orange, or lemon extract can be used for a different flavor profile.
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📖Recipe
Print or save the recipe card below for exact measurements, times, and detailed steps.
Almond Cream Cheese Cookies
Soft, buttery, and delightfully sweet, these almond cream cheese cookies are a must-try for any occasion.
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- electric mixer
- cookie scoop
- cookie sheet
- cooling rack
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 3 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- *powdered sugar for rolling cookies in
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter and beat until light in color, then add the sugar and beat until combined.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts and mix until incorporated.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough is well combined.
- Scoop dough onto a cookie sheet and bake 9–11 minutes, until the bottoms are just turning golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 1 minute, then roll cookies in powdered sugar.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data provided is an approximation; actual values vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.