Name: Cream Cheese Meltaways: Irresistibly Soft Holiday Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 0.5 cup cornstarch; 0.5 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour (do not substitute with whole wheat); 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure); 2 cups powdered sugar; food coloring/sprinkles (optional)

As I sifted through memories of holiday gatherings, the delightful scent of baking cookies always took center stage. Today, I’m excited to share my beloved Cream Cheese Meltaways, those soft, buttery cookies that seem to vanish before your eyes. The secret to their melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in the simple addition of cornstarch, elevating them from mere treats to crowd-pleasers. With an airy cream cheese frosting gracing their tops, these cookies are not only quick to whip up but also perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen. Are you ready to create these sweet, airy delights that everyone will rave about?

Why are Cream Cheese Meltaways so special?

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The unique use of cornstarch makes these cookies incredibly soft and tender, ensuring they dissolve blissfully on your palate.

Quick to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful batch ready in no time, perfect for unexpected guests!

Versatile Design: Personalize them for any occasion with festive sprinkles or a hint of food coloring. Just like with my Zesty Green Olive dip or Bubblegum Ice Cream, creativity shines through!

Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a hit at holiday parties and make lovely gifts, ensuring your baking skills are remembered fondly.

Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: The fluffy frosting adds richness, balancing sweetness with a creamy finish, making them oh-so-satisfying!

Cream Cheese Meltaways Ingredients

For the Cookies

Butter – This rich, unsalted butter provides the tender texture your Cream Cheese Meltaways need for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Cornstarch – A key ingredient that helps create that unforgettable softness; it’s essential for the cookie’s texture.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the dough and ensures that your cookies come together smoothly without any graininess.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; avoid substituting with whole wheat for the best results.

For the Frosting

Cream Cheese – At room temperature, this ingredient gives the frosting its luscious creaminess and rich flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla adds a delightful depth of flavor to the frosting, making your Cream Cheese Meltaways even more irresistible.
Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and stability to your frosting, ensuring it spreads smoothly on each cookie.
Food Coloring/Sprinkles – Optional but fun! Use to add a festive touch, ensuring the coloring is suitable for baking.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cream Cheese Meltaways

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the Cream Cheese Meltaways from sticking and ensure they bake evenly, resulting in beautiful, golden cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a mixing bowl, add the room-temperature unsalted butter. Beat it with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it becomes fluffy and pale in color. This step is essential for giving your Cream Cheese Meltaways the rich and tender texture that makes them so delightful.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar and Cornstarch
Next, gradually incorporate the cornstarch and powdered sugar into the creamed butter. Mix on low speed until fully combined, and the mixture looks light and airy. This combination helps create the melt-in-your-mouth quality that defines these cookies.

Step 4: Combine with Flour
Now, slowly add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. If the dough appears too crumbly, give it a gentle knead with your hands until it comes together seamlessly.

Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each scoop, as they will spread slightly during baking. Once placed, gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass dipped in powdered sugar for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can result in tougher cookies. Remove them from the oven once they have a slight golden hue.

Step 7: Cool the Meltaways
After baking, allow the Cream Cheese Meltaways to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling stage is important before frosting, allowing the cookies to maintain their delicate structure.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until combined and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies are cooled, generously frost each one with the cream cheese frosting. Feel free to get creative with the decoration by adding sprinkles or additional food coloring. The fluffy frosting perfectly complements the soft, buttery cookies, making your Cream Cheese Meltaways irresistible!

What to Serve with Cream Cheese Meltaways

As you indulge in these fluffy, sweet bites, think of delightful pairings that enhance their buttery charm.

Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness, making each meltaway even more enjoyable. The rich flavors complement the creamy frosting beautifully.
Herbal Tea: Light, fragrant tea offers a refreshing contrast, allowing the cookies’ flavors to shine through. Try a chamomile or mint blend for a soothing experience.
Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits, such as strawberries or citrus slices, add a burst of freshness that cuts through the creaminess, providing a pleasing balance to your dessert table.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling your meltaways with melted chocolate creates a decadent twist that elevates their sweetness, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Milk: A classic pairing that delivers comfort and nostalgia, cold milk makes every bite of these meltaways even softer and creamier.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The contrasting temperatures create a truly delightful sensation.
Sparkling Water: An effervescent drink refreshes your palate post-cookie, ensuring you’re ready for another indulgent bite.
Holiday Punch: The fruity and festive flavors of a holiday punch can add a celebratory touch to your cookie spread, making your gatherings merry and bright.

Cream Cheese Meltaways Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative and make these delightful cookies your own with these fun variations!

Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the frosting for a refreshing tang that brightens every bite.
Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla with almond extract in the frosting for a nutty flavor twist that harmonizes beautifully with cream cheese. Bringing in that nutty depth enhances the cookie experience!
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle over frosted cookies for an added layer of decadence that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
Stuffed Meltaways: Add a chocolate chip or mini marshmallow in the center of each dough ball before baking for a gooey surprise inside.
Flavored Cream Cheese: Switch to flavored cream cheese (like strawberry or chive) for a creative yet delicious frosting option! This twist can open a whole new world of flavor profiles.
Seasonal Sprinkles: Tailor the toppings to the season—use pastel sprinkles for spring, vibrant colors for summer, or festive reds and greens for the holidays.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
Coconut Flakes: Add unsweetened shredded coconut to the dough for coconut lovers who enjoy a tropical touch in their baked goods.

These variations keep the spirit of the original recipe while adding some zest and personalization! If you’re looking for more delicious ideas, consider whipping up a batch of Chocolate Zucchini Cream or a refreshing Cheese Raspberry Mousse for your next gathering!

Make Ahead Options

These Cream Cheese Meltaways are perfect for meal prep fans! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then refrigerating the dough in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days before frosting, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious. Just remember to frost them shortly before serving to keep the creaminess intact. When you’re ready to enjoy these cookies, simply frost cooled cookies and decorate as desired—your Cream Cheese Meltaways will taste just as delightful, saving you time on busy days!

Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Meltaways

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming, which creates the ideal airy texture for your cookies.
Measure Carefully: Use proper measuring techniques for flour and cornstarch to prevent a dense dough. Spoon and level them in your measuring cups!
Avoid Overbaking: Watch the cookies closely as they bake. Pull them from the oven when they are just set around the edges to maintain that tender melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Cool Before Frosting: Let the cookies cool completely before applying the frosting; otherwise, the heat will melt the cream cheese frosting, ruining the lovely presentation!
Customize Flavors: Feel free to add extracts, like almond or lemon, in your frosting for a delightful twist on these Cream Cheese Meltaways.

How to Store and Freeze Cream Cheese Meltaways

Fridge: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and the frosting vibrant.

Room Temperature: Baked cookies without frosting can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight for optimal freshness.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring they don’t lose their delightful texture!

Cream Cheese Meltaways Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for Cream Cheese Meltaways?
I recommend using unsalted butter for the best control over the salt content in your cookies. Ensure it’s at room temperature before creaming, as this contributes to the desirable airy texture.

How should I store Cream Cheese Meltaways?
Frosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For baked cookies without frosting, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Keep them stored away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze the dough for Cream Cheese Meltaways?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to three months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Just bake the frozen dough directly, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies turn out too crumbly?
If your Cream Cheese Meltaways are crumbly, it’s likely due to too much flour or not enough moisture in the dough. To fix this in the future, make sure to spoon and level your flour when measuring. If your current batch is crumbly, you can try adding a bit of melted butter to the dough to help bind it together.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes, these cookies contain gluten and dairy, which may not be suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities. For a gluten-free option, consider substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, noting that texture may vary. Always check that your powdered sugar and any additional ingredients (like food coloring) are safe for your dietary needs.

How can I customize the flavors of my Cream Cheese Meltaways?
You can easily add extra flavor by incorporating lemon zest or almond extract into your frosting. Additionally, try substituting flavored cream cheese (like strawberry or chocolate) for an exciting twist. Customize sprinkles or food coloring for seasonal themes to make them even more festive!