Lesson Plan: Irresistible Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe - A Delightful Twist on Classic Cookies!

Lesson Plan: Irresistible Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe - A Delightful Twist on Classic Cookies!

Grade Levels: 4-8

Objective:
- To teach elementary and middle school students how to make delicious cream cheese cookies from scratch.
- To enhance students' baking skills and understanding of cream cheese as a versatile ingredient in cookie recipes.
- To encourage creativity in cookie shape and decoration variations.

Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4-8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.4-8.3: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

Materials:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Assorted sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)
- Begin the lesson by discussing different types of cookies and their characteristics.
- Engage students in a conversation about their favorite cookies and their understanding of the role of cream cheese in baking.

2. Cream Cheese Cookie Preparation (30 minutes)
- Instruct students to gather all the ingredients and ensure that the butter and cream cheese are softened.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Optionally, flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass and sprinkle with colored sugar or assorted sprinkles for decoration.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

3. Cookie Shape and Decoration Variations (20 minutes)
- Introduce different ways to shape and decorate cream cheese cookies, such as using cookie cutters or rolling the dough into logs and slicing them into rounds.
- Demonstrate simple icing techniques, such as drizzling glaze or piping designs onto the cooled cookies.
- Encourage students to experiment with different flavors by adding lemon zest, cocoa powder, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

4. Reflection and Presentation (10 minutes)
- Lead a discussion on the process of making cream cheese cookies and the unique flavor and texture that cream cheese brings to the recipe.
- Encourage students to describe the taste, texture, and appearance of the cream cheese cookies they made.
- Allow students to share their cookie creations, either by presenting photographs or bringing in samples of their decorated cookies.

Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4-8.2
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.4-8.3

These delicious, fluffy cream cheese cookies MELT in your mouth and have the most delightful flavor; perfectly sweet with a nice tang from the cream cheese and a hint of vanilla.Recipe: https://preppykitchen.com/crea....m-cheese-cookies/The cookies are SO good! I've actually been making them quite a bit and leavning them on friend's doorsteps as little cookie care packages. They're a must make recipe.SUBSCRIBE ►https://www.youtube.com/channe....l/UCTvYEid8tmg0jqGPD ME ON:Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PreppyKitchenInstagram: http://instagram.com/PreppyKitchenPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/PreppyKitchenWebsite: http://www.PreppyKitchen.com