Soft, tender, and irresistible, these Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are the answer to every cookie craving, whether you’re gluten-free or not! Melt-in-your-mouth and subtly tangy from cream cheese, they boast just the right amount of sweetness. The crackly sugar tops add a festive sparkle, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want to share a batch of homemade happiness. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate treat that delivers on both flavor and texture—without the gluten—this is the cookie recipe you’ll want to keep within arm’s reach.

Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first—and honestly, the most exciting—step! Each simple element plays a vital role in the flavor, structure, and irresistibly soft crumb of these cookies, so let’s break down why you need every one.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides that signature buttery flavor and ensures your cookies bake up beautifully tender.
Cream Cheese (4 oz): The real game changer! Cream cheese brings a delicate tang and makes the cookies exceptionally soft.
Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Gives sweetness and helps the cookies achieve that classic sugar cookie texture.
Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough for that perfect bite.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Warm, aromatic vanilla rounds out the cookie’s flavor and pairs delightfully with the cream cheese.
Almond Extract (½ tsp, optional): Just a hint creates a bakery-style depth, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend (2 cups, with xanthan gum): This is your gluten-free hero—be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure or add ½ tsp yourself.
Baking Powder (½ tsp): Lifts the dough just enough for a soft, moist crumb.
Salt (¼ tsp): Essential to balance sweetness and bring all the flavors to life.

How to Make Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Start by grabbing a large bowl and your favorite hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon. Whip together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and totally dreamy. This step is crucial—it sets the foundation for cookies that are light as a cloud.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Crack in the egg and drizzle in the vanilla extract (plus almond extract, if you’re using it). Mix until everything is luscious and fully combined. You want no streaks of egg or cream cheese hiding in your bowl—just a smooth, creamy base.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, and salt. This simple step helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly, setting you up for perfectly baked cookies.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, a little at a time, mixing gently after each addition. The dough will come together as soft and thick—resist the urge to overmix. Just stir until combined and no flour pockets remain!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scoop the finished dough into a mound, cover the bowl tightly, and slide it into the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. This is essential for thick, puffy Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies that hold their shape and stay ultra-soft.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Once the dough is nice and cold, preheat your oven and line baking sheets with parchment. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, giving them plenty of space to breathe. Flatten each one slightly—think plump discs rather than pancakes—then bake until the edges are just golden, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Resist nibbling right away (if you can!)—letting them cool helps them set to that perfect, tender texture.

How to Serve Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

The simplest finishing touch is a generous sprinkle of colored sugar, giving each cookie a sparkling crown. For a decadent twist, spread a little cream cheese frosting on top or try royal icing for precise designs—fun for holidays or gifting!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat, or elevate dessert time with coffee, chai, or hot cocoa. They make a pretty addition to a dessert board, surrounded by fresh berries and little bowls of whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies in a mason jar and tie with a pretty ribbon for a sweet, homemade gift. You can also set up a decorating station with sprinkles and frosting for a fun family activity—these Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are perfect for letting your creativity shine at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft for several days. Tuck a small piece of bread in the container if you want extra insurance against dryness.

Freezing

Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in layers with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake fresh as needed.

Reheating

If your cookies have been chilled or frozen, let them come to room temperature, or revive their fresh-from-the-oven magic with a quick 5-second zap in the microwave. They’ll taste just as good as when you first made them.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The cookies will still be soft and delicious with a slightly different flavor profile.

What gluten-free flour blend works best?

Choose a trusted, high-quality gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. Popular brands like Cup4Cup, King Arthur, or Bob’s Red Mill work beautifully.

Can I freeze the cookie dough instead of baked cookies?

Yes! Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store them in a zip-top bag. Pop frozen dough balls straight into the oven—no thawing needed—just add about a minute to the baking time.

Do these Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies spread much?

They hold their shape well thanks to the cream cheese and the chilling time. Flatten them just a little before baking for perfectly thick yet tender cookies every time.

Can I decorate these cookies for holidays?

Definitely! Use colored sanding sugar, sprinkles, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting—these cookies are fantastic blank canvases for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bake up a batch of joy, these Gluten Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies deliver every time. They’re soft, flavorful, and so easy to love—whether you share with friends or keep a secret stash for yourself. Go ahead, preheat that oven and let the cookie magic begin!