Oh my goodness, friends, do I have a treat for you today! Get ready to fall head over heels for these absolutely divine Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies. Seriously, they’re a game-changer. I remember the very first time I bit into one of these beauties – it was at a little bake sale, and I was skeptical. Cream cheese in a cookie? But one bite, and boom! My world changed. The way the tangy cream cheese just melts into the sweet vanilla… it’s pure magic. And the best part? They are ridiculously easy to whip up. You don’t need any fancy equipment or crazy skills, just a love for delicious, soft, and chewy cookies. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Amazing Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies
Honestly, what’s not to love? These Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies are about to become your new go-to, I promise. They’re just so wonderfully versatile and satisfying. Here’s why I think you’ll totally adore them:
- Super Quick & Easy: Seriously, minimal fuss, maximum deliciousness.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft: That cream cheese works wonders for an incredibly tender texture.
- Rich, Unique Flavor: The vanilla and cream cheese combo is just heavenly – tangy and sweet all at once.
- Perfect for Anything: Whether it’s a quiet night in or a big party, these cookies fit right in!
Essential Ingredients for Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need a super long list for these cookies, which is another reason I love them. Just make sure you grab 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, a cup of granulated sugar, one large egg, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. For your dry goods, you’ll need 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 a teaspoon of salt. Simple, right?
Quality Matters for Your Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies
Now, a quick word about quality, because it really does make a difference here. For these Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies, I always, always recommend using good quality Philadelphia cream cheese. It’s what gives them that signature tang and incredible texture. And please, don’t skimp on the vanilla! A really good pure vanilla extract will shine through. As for butter, unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness.
Simple Steps to Bake Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies
Okay, let’s get down to the fun part – actually making these amazing Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a nice warm 375°F (that’s 190°C for my metric friends). While that’s heating up, grab your baking sheets and line them with some parchment paper. Trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
Next, in a big bowl, you’re going to cream together that softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar. Beat them until they’re light and fluffy – this is important for the cookie’s texture, so don’t rush it! Then, crack in your large egg and add the vanilla extract, beating until everything is beautifully combined. In a separate, medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, gradually add those dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing just until it all comes together. Seriously, stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any more dry streaks. Overmixing is the enemy of a tender cookie!
Once your dough is ready, drop rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets, giving them about two inches of space to spread out. Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Watch them closely! When they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here, even though you’ll want to eat them all immediately!
Achieving the Perfect Texture for Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies
Want that perfect, soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture for your Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies? It all starts with the creaming! Make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened. Beat them with the sugar until they’re light and fluffy – this incorporates air, which is essential. When you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Seriously, stop as soon as you can’t see any more flour. And the golden rule: DO NOT overbake them! They might look a little underdone in the middle, but that’s what keeps them perfectly soft and chewy.
Common Questions About Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies
I get a lot of questions about these Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies, and I’m happy to spill all my secrets! So, let’s dive into some common queries you might have.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for these cream cheese cookies? You know, I really don’t recommend it. The full-fat cream cheese is what gives these cookies their incredible richness and that signature soft texture. Low-fat versions often have more water and can change the consistency of the dough, making your vanilla cookies less tender. Stick to the good stuff for the best results!
How long do these soft cookies last? If you store them in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay deliciously fresh for about 3-4 days. But honestly, they usually disappear way before that in my house!
Can I freeze the dough or the baked cookies? Yes, absolutely! You can freeze the dough as individual scoops on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them on a sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies also freeze beautifully in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat!
Storing and Enjoying Your Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies
So, you’ve got a fresh batch of these incredible Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to savor them! To keep them wonderfully soft and fresh, just pop them into an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfect for about 3 to 4 days – though, let’s be real, they rarely last that long around here! If you want to warm them up a tiny bit, a few seconds in the microwave works wonders. And for a little extra flair, a dusting of powdered sugar makes them look (and taste) even more irresistible.
Estimated Nutrition for Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies
Now, I know some of you are curious about the nutrition for these Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies. Please keep in mind that any nutritional estimates can vary quite a bit depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. So, while I can’t give you exact numbers, just know that these are a treat to be enjoyed!
Share Your Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies Experience
Well, what do you think? I just know you’re going to fall in love with these Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies! If you make them, please, please come back and leave a comment to tell me how they turned out. Did you love them as much as I do? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your amazing cookie creations on social media too – I can’t wait to see them!
Print
Decadent Philadelphia Cheese and Vanilla Cookies in 10 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cookies feature a delightful combination of cream cheese and vanilla, resulting in a soft and flavorful treat. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened cream cheese, softened butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for best results.
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with powdered sugar after cooling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Philadelphia cream cheese, vanilla cookies, cream cheese cookies, soft cookies, easy cookies