Almond Butter Cookies With Cream Cheese Recipe

Ingredients for Almond Butter Cookies With Cream Cheese

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• Vanilla
• Almond Extract
• All Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

How to Make Almond Butter Cookies With Cream Cheese

1. Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter, 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (softened), and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon almond extract (or other flavoring of choice).
3. Beat until completely smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually add 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Method 1 (Spoon Drops):** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a sugar-coated flat-bottomed glass.
6. **Method 2 (Cookie Press):** Force dough through a cookie press using your desired shape.
7. **Method 3 (Rolled & Cut):** Chill dough for 1-1 ½ hours. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters.
8. For holiday cookies: Press half a candied cherry into the center of each unbaked cookie.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Reduce baking time for chewier cookies.
10. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate, if desired.