Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

While full-fat cream cheese produces the creamiest, most stable filling, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if preferred. However, avoid fat-free versions as they contain more moisture and additives that may affect the texture and baking properties of the filling.

Why use both all-purpose and cake flour in this recipe?

The combination creates the perfect texture – the all-purpose flour provides structure while the cake flour makes the cookies more tender. If you don't have cake flour, you can make a substitute by replacing 2 tablespoons of each cup of all-purpose flour with cornstarch.

Can I make smaller cookies from this recipe?

Absolutely! You can make 20-24 smaller cookies instead of 14 large ones. Just reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes and start checking for doneness earlier. The smaller size makes them perfect for cookie platters or when serving a crowd.

Why did my cream cheese filling overflow during baking?

This typically happens if the indentation in the cookie dough wasn't deep enough or if too much filling was used. Make sure to create a substantial well in each dough ball and avoid overfilling. Also, proper chilling before baking helps prevent the dough from spreading too quickly, which can push out the filling.

Wisconsin Cream Cookies Recipe

Name: Wisconsin Cream Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups cake flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

These Wisconsin Cream Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery, cinnamon-spiced cookie dough with a luscious cream cheese filling. The contrast between the slightly crisp exterior, chewy interior, and creamy center creates a truly memorable dessert experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend baking projects, or anytime you want to impress friends and family with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture Combination: These cookies offer an irresistible contrast between the tender, chewy cookie and the smooth, creamy center that makes each bite absolutely divine.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough actually benefits from chilling time, making this an ideal recipe to prepare in advance when you’re planning for guests or special occasions.
Impressive Results: Despite being relatively straightforward to make, these cookies have that “wow factor” that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen perfecting them.
Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily add your own twist with different spices or mix-ins to make them uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream cheese: The star of the filling, providing that signature tangy creaminess. Make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature for a smooth result.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without making it overly cloying, balancing perfectly with the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps stabilize the filling so it bakes beautifully without becoming runny.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the Cookie Dough:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them tender.
Cake flour: Creates a more delicate crumb texture than using all-purpose flour alone.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies just enough lift without making them cakey.
Cornstarch: A secret ingredient that keeps the cookies wonderfully tender.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Butter: Use unsalted to control the salt level; make sure it’s properly softened for the best texture.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges.
Eggs: Bind the dough together while adding richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these delicious cookies? Here are some fantastic variations to try:

Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the dough for a more complex flavor profile.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, fresh flavor contrast.
Almond Joy: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds around the cream cheese center before baking.

How to Make Wisconsin Cream Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl frequently to ensure even consistency. Gradually incorporate the sugar followed by the egg yolk, mixing until completely combined. Transfer the filling to a pastry bag or zip-top bag and refrigerate while preparing the cookie dough.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add both sugars gradually and continue beating until the mixture is light and airy, about 2 more minutes. Incorporate the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, scraping down the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated with no visible streaks of flour. Give the dough a final few stirs with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Form and Fill the Cookies

Divide the dough into 14 equal portions and roll into balls. Create a well in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon. Pipe a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.

Step 4: Chill and Bake

Place the filled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for best results. This chilling time is crucial for developing flavor and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange the chilled cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving 3-4 inches between each cookie. Bake for 13-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are properly brought to room temperature for the smoothest mixing and best texture.
Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: The refrigeration step is non-negotiable! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and allows the flavors to develop.
Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or kitchen scale to ensure all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
Check Your Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can be invaluable, as many ovens run hotter or cooler than their settings indicate.
Proper Spacing: These cookies will spread somewhat during baking, so give them plenty of room on the baking sheet – no more than 6 cookies per standard sheet.

How to Serve

These Wisconsin Cream Cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed in multiple settings:

Elegant Dessert Plating:

Serve on a beautiful platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries for an impressive dessert table centerpiece.

Perfect Pairing:

These cookies are wonderful alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the filling pairs particularly well with a medium-roast coffee that has caramel notes.

Gift Giving:

Stack cooled cookies in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift that travels well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling means these cookies need refrigeration for food safety.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Make-Ahead Options

The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also form and fill the cookies, then freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake, just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For the best texture, allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. If desired, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to slightly re-crisp the edges.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

While full-fat cream cheese produces the creamiest, most stable filling, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if preferred. However, avoid fat-free versions as they contain more moisture and additives that may affect the texture and baking properties of the filling.
Why use both all-purpose and cake flour in this recipe?

The combination creates the perfect texture – the all-purpose flour provides structure while the cake flour makes the cookies more tender. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by replacing 2 tablespoons of each cup of all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
Can I make smaller cookies from this recipe?

Absolutely! You can make 20-24 smaller cookies instead of 14 large ones. Just reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes and start checking for doneness earlier. The smaller size makes them perfect for cookie platters or when serving a crowd.
Why did my cream cheese filling overflow during baking?

This typically happens if the indentation in the cookie dough wasn’t deep enough or if too much filling was used. Make sure to create a substantial well in each dough ball and avoid overfilling. Also, proper chilling before baking helps prevent the dough from spreading too quickly, which can push out the filling.

Final Thoughts

These Wisconsin Cream Cookies bring together the best of two worlds – a perfectly spiced, tender cookie with a creamy, cheesecake-like center. They’re impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough to make whenever the craving strikes. The balance of textures and flavors makes them truly unforgettable, and I guarantee they’ll become a requested favorite in your baking repertoire!