Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth — the perfect gluten-free treat!

Prep Time: 15 mins (plus 1 hr chill) | Bake Time: 10–12 mins | Servings: ~24 cookies

📝 Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cream the Base

• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.

2️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients

• Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.

3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.

4️⃣ Form the Dough

• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

• Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

5️⃣ Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on prepared sheets, and flatten slightly.

• Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

6️⃣ Cool & Enjoy

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Festive Touch: Add colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.

• Frosting Option: Top with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

If you’d like, I can also write you a gluten-free royal icing recipe to pair with these so you can decorate them beautifully for holidays or special events. Would you like me to do that next?