Name: Rosewater and Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American with Middle Eastern floral influence
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp crushed rose petals (dried); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 tsp rosewater; 1 egg (large, beaten)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 26 reviews

If you adore delicate floral flavors combined with a rich, tender crumb, you are going to fall head over heels for this Rosewater and Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a dreamy twist on the classic sugar cookie, enhanced by the gentle aroma of rosewater and the creamy softness from cream cheese. Each bite offers a delightful buttery texture with a hint of floral sweetness that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your afternoon tea, these cookies are a must-try treat that will quickly become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of a white marbled surface with neatly arranged baking ingredients in white bowls and small containers. At the top left, there is a white dish with two rectangular blocks of butter. To the right is a large white bowl filled with white flour. Below the butter and flour is a rectangular block of white cream cheese centered on the surface. A small glass bowl of yellow beaten egg sits to the right of the cream cheese. Two small bottles of vanilla extract, one with a dark brown liquid and the other with a lighter brown liquid, are placed near the bottom left. Below these is a small white bowl filled with colorful round sprinkles. A small white bowl of white sour cream and a white bowl of white powdered sugar are also visible on the surface. A clear glass of white liquid is located at the bottom. Every item is spaced evenly, creating a clean, organized look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that each play a key role in flavor, texture, and aroma. From the soft cream cheese adding moistness to the subtle floral notes courtesy of rosewater and crushed rose petals, every component works together to make these cookies truly special.

All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy base that creates structure and perfect crumb.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Provides a gentle lift to keep cookies soft and airy.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Crushed dried rose petals (1 1/2 tsp): Adds subtle floral fragrance and a touch of elegance.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Keeps the cookies moist, tender, and slightly tangy.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while contributing to a slight crisp on the outside.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): A twist on traditional fat, giving a smooth texture and a unique depth of flavor.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the floral notes beautifully.
Rosewater (3 tsp): The star ingredient delivering that unmistakable fragrant aroma.
Large egg (1, beaten): Binds everything together and aids in creating the perfect dough consistency.

How to Make Rosewater and Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed rose petals to combine those lovely floral notes evenly throughout your dough.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, use a hand or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat together the olive oil and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This step might surprise you since olive oil isn’t the usual fat for cookies, but it creates a wonderfully smooth texture that’s slightly different and utterly delicious.

Step 3: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Flavors

Add in the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and rosewater to the whipped oil and sugar. Mix until everything is completely smooth, ensuring those fragrant floral notes are well blended throughout your dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture into the cream cheese mixture, combining until just incorporated. Then pour in the beaten egg and continue mixing until your dough comes together into a cohesive ball.

Step 5: Knead and Shape the Dough

Turn your dough onto a clean surface and knead it by hand for about five minutes until smooth. Divide the dough in half, cover one half with a clean towel to keep it from drying out, and roll the other half out between two sheets of parchment paper to about a quarter-inch thickness.

Step 6: Cut and Arrange Cookies

Use a 4-inch circle cookie cutter or your favorite shape to cut the dough into individual cookies. A thin offset spatula will help you transfer the cookies onto your prepared baking sheet without distorting their shape. If the dough sticks, just dip your spatula in flour first.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until they are just lightly golden around the edges. Keep a close eye on them because unlike classic butter cookies, olive oil sugar cookies do not brown extensively — this helps them stay soft instead of hardening.

Step 8: Cool and Repeat

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which takes about an hour. Don’t forget to repeat all the rolling, cutting, and baking with the remaining dough half.

How to Serve Rosewater and Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe

A tall stack of seven light golden-brown cookies with a smooth white glaze dripping down the sides. The top cookie is covered with white icing sprinkled with small pink dried rose petals and has one whole pink dried rose placed in the center. The stack sits on a white marbled surface scattered with more pink dried rose petals. Around the stack, there are several white paper straws with pink diagonal stripes lying flat. The scene is softly lit and the focus is on the cookie stack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are already floral and delicate on their own, but to elevate their presentation, try garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of edible rose petals on top just before serving. Even a tiny drizzle of white chocolate adds a lovely, subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rosewater.

Side Dishes

Serve these wonderful cookies alongside a cup of chamomile or jasmine tea for a truly soothing afternoon. They also pair nicely with a glass of cold milk or a delicate fruit sorbet if you want a refreshing contrast to their soft texture. The floral notes shine brightest when accompanied by light, complementary beverages or desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, stack these cookies on a pretty cake stand surrounded by fresh rosebuds or display them in a decorative tin lined with rose-scented parchment paper. You could also sandwich them with a thin layer of rosewater-infused buttercream for an elegant twist that will impress at tea parties or festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Rosewater and Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain their softness, soaking up excess moisture and keeping the cookies tender longer.

Freezing

This dough freezes beautifully! Shape and freeze your dough halves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then roll and cut as usual before baking. Baked cookies also freeze well — just double-wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their fresh-baked softness, a quick warm-up in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes will refresh them without drying them out. Avoid the microwave as it can make them rubbery rather than tender and flaky.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for olive oil in this recipe?

While butter can be used, the olive oil adds a unique smoothness and a slightly fruity undertone that complements the rosewater beautifully. Using butter may change the texture and flavor, making it more traditional but less uniquely aromatic.

Where can I find real rosewater and dried rose petals?

Rosewater and edible dried rose petals can typically be found at Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores, as well as online. Always choose food-grade quality to ensure the best flavor and safety for baking.

Why do these cookies not brown much during baking?

Because this recipe uses olive oil and cream cheese rather than butter, the cookies don’t brown as much during baking. This keeps them soft and tender, so be careful not to overbake, as browning can lead to a tougher texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary. For best texture, look for gluten-free flours designed for baking and consider adding a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

How strong is the rose flavor in these cookies?

The rosewater and crushed rose petals give a gentle, fragrant floral note rather than an overpowering taste. It’s subtle but distinctive, perfect for those who enjoy delicate yet sophisticated flavors in baked goods.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself or wow friends at your next gathering, this Rosewater and Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe is a spectacular choice. With its tender crumb, elegant floral notes, and the unique twist of olive oil, these cookies transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Give them a try — I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite.