Cream Cheese Dainties are soft, buttery treats that melt in your mouth with every bite. With a rich cream cheese filling nestled inside a delicate, tender dough, these dainties are the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. They’re a wonderful option for gatherings, holidays, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these irresistible bites are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious. The dough is soft and easy to work with, and the cream cheese filling provides a rich, smooth texture. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, these dainties deliver the comfort of homemade cookies with minimal effort. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C):
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined. Add the egg and mix until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Prepare the Dough:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough will be soft and a little sticky.
4. Shape the Dainties:
   Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each ball, making a slight indentation in the center.
5. Bake the Dainties:
   Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure to check near the 12-minute mark so they don’t overbake. The centers will remain soft and slightly puffed.
6. Cool and Finish:
   Allow the dainties to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

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Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 dainties.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes (including cooling)

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Variations

You can easily customize these Cream Cheese Dainties to suit your taste by adding a variety of different flavors or toppings:

• Fruit Topping: Add a small spoonful of fruit preserves or fresh berries on top of each dainty before baking for a fruity, tangy twist.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in mini chocolate chips into the dough to add a bit of chocolaty sweetness.
• Citrus Zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese filling.
• Nuts: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture inside the dainty.

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Storage/Reheating

Store your cooled Cream Cheese Dainties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them again, bring them to room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

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FAQs

How do I know when the dainties are done baking?

The dainties should have lightly golden edges while the centers remain soft. They continue to set as they cool.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and shaping.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for dusting?

If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can skip the dusting or roll the dainties in regular granulated sugar for a different finish.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid overly salty dainties.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can add mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts to the dough before baking for additional flavor and texture.

Why are my dainties spreading too much?

If the dough is too warm, it can spread more during baking. Try chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking to prevent this. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh to help the dainties maintain their shape.

Can I freeze the baked dainties?

Yes! Baked dainties freeze well. Just allow them to cool completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Conclusion

Cream Cheese Dainties are a delightful, soft treat that combines the rich flavor of cream cheese with a tender dough. Easy to make and highly customizable, these dainties are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal celebrations. Whether you keep them simple or add your favorite flavors and toppings, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family or savor them all for yourself!

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