Plain Butter and Cream Cheese Cookies
📜 Collection: Jill Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts These tender, tangy drop cookies feature a delicate balance of butter and cream cheese infused with bright orange zest. They are a perfect, soft-textured treat that can be customized with optional chocolate chips.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 15 mins | None | 2-3 dozen cookies |
🔪 Key Equipment
- large bowl
- electric mixer
- cookie sheet
- sifter
- wire rack
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Butter | softened |
| 3 ounces | Cream Cheese | softened |
| 1/2 cup | Sugar | granulated |
| 1 | Egg | large |
| 1 teaspoon | Vanilla Extract | none |
| 1 teaspoon | Orange Extract | none |
| 1 teaspoon | Orange Rind | grated |
| 1 cup | All-Purpose Flour | none |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Salt | none |
| 1/2 cup | Chocolate Chips | optional |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a cookie sheet.
- Sift the 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt together into a bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup butter, 3 ounces cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon grated orange rind until smooth.
- Add the 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon orange extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Stir in the flour mixture until well combined. If desired, fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
Step 2: Bake and Finish
- Drop dough by the teaspoonful onto the prepared cookie sheet and flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are set.
- Optional: If the cookies are not browned to your liking, place them under a preheated broiler for a few seconds, watching very carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Original Recipe Scan
