Best Cream Cheese Cookies

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.

8. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

9. Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a crisscross pattern on the top.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.

11. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

13. Store the Best Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.