These Cream Cheese Cookies are a soft, buttery treat originating from a 1931 handwritten recipe. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, subtly sweetened with sugar and enriched with egg wash for a glossy finish. The dough is rolled into logs, sliced, and topped with sugar or decorations before baking, making them ideal for holidays, tea parties, or everyday indulgence. A timeless recipe showcasing the simplicity and elegance of early 20th-century home baking.
Ingredients
- ½ lbs butter (softened)
- ¼ lb cream cheese (about 4 oz, softened)
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg white (beaten, for brushing tops)
Optional:
- sprinkles (decorative sugar, or nuts for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually sift in flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill and Shape
- Roll the dough into logs or “chips” about 2 inches thick.
- Wrap and chill for 30 minutes for easier slicing.
Step 3: Slice and Top
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice dough into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Place slices onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Brush tops with beaten egg white and sprinkle with sugar or decorations.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden around edges.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips
- Chill dough overnight as suggested on the card to make slicing easier and improve flavor.
- Roll dough into even logs for uniform cookie size and even baking.
- Brush tops with beaten egg white as directed to help decorations (sugar, nuts) adhere and add shine.
- Add colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive look.
- Flavor variations: add a little vanilla or almond extract to the dough.
- For crisper cookies, slice thinner; for softer cookies, slice slightly thicker.
- Decorate with chopped nuts or coarse sugar after the egg-white wash.
- If dough becomes too soft to slice, rechill briefly before continuing.
- Use parchment-lined pans to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 65mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 190IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.4mg
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