Description
These Creamy Sugar French Cookies offer a delicate, buttery texture with a subtle hint of cream cheese, making them irresistibly soft and flavorful. Perfectly sweetened and lightly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, these classic cookies are ideal for any occasion, from afternoon tea to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated to add flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and make it easier to roll out.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each chilled dough disc to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes carefully.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the cut cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent breakage.
- Decorate and Serve: Once cooled, decorate with icing if desired or enjoy the cookies plain for a simple, creamy sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and achieve clean cookie shapes.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be decorated with royal icing, sprinkles, or left plain.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
