Cream Cheese Cookies

olivia

Published:

April 10, 2026

Delicious cream cheese cookies served on a plate.

This cookie has a soft feel and mild sweet taste. It uses a cake mix so you can make a batch fast. If you want more soft treats, try a recipe like soft sour cream sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting for new ideas.

why make this recipe

This recipe uses few parts and little time. You can mix the dough in one bowl. You bake the cookies in ten minutes. You get soft, tender cookies with a light cream taste. If you want a fruit twist, you can think of treats like blueberry cheesecake swirl cookies for other ideas.

how to make Cream Cheese Cookies

Make the dough in one bowl. First, beat the cream cheese, butter, and egg until smooth. Then add the dry cake mix a little at a time. Stir until you have a soft dough. Scoop small balls and place them on the pan. Bake until the edges turn light gold. You treat the dough gently to keep the cookies soft, a method seen in quick breads like carrot spice loaf cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients :

1 box cake mix (any flavor)
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
Powdered sugar for dusting

If you like cream cheese in sweets, you may read notes from fluffy red velvet cupcakes cream cheese frosting for more tips on texture.

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, butter, and egg until well combined.
Gradually add the cake mix to the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden.
Allow cookies to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

how to serve Cream Cheese Cookies

Serve these cookies warm or at room heat. Dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet top. You can pair them with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee. For a small party, place them on a plate with some fruit.

how to store Cream Cheese Cookies

Let the cookies cool fully before you store them. Keep them in an airtight box at room heat for up to two days. For more life, put them in the fridge for up to one week. To freeze, place them in a tight container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room heat before you eat.

tips to make Cream Cheese Cookies

Use room temperature cream cheese and butter so the mix blends smooth. Do not overmix once you add the cake mix. Space the dough balls on the pan so they do not touch while baking. For a creamier taste, see ideas with mascarpone and cream cheese in gingerbread cake mascarpone cream cheese frosting.

variation (if any)

Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet bite.
Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts for a crunch.
Use lemon or orange zest in a light cake mix for a bright taste.
Roll the baked cookies in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.

FAQs (minimum three FAQ)

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes. The cookies may be a bit less rich, but they will still bake well.

Q: Can I use a sugar-free cake mix?
A: Yes. The bake time stays the same, but the taste will change a little.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Chill the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake as told.

Q: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
A: No. You can bake the dough right away. Chill only if you want firmer cookies.

Q: How do I keep the cookies soft?
A: Do not overbake. Store in an airtight box and add a slice of bread to keep moisture.