Welcome to the wonderful world of holiday baking! Today, we are making an irresistible cream cheese Christmas cookies recipe. These tender, flavorful festive cookies are incredibly simple to prepare, yet they deliver a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will adore. Get ready to discover how easy it is to bake these festive cookies, perfect for sharing joy all season long.
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies
These delightful cream cheese Christmas cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
- Enjoy their irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to the magic of cream cheese. Research shows that cream cheese enhances the softness and chewiness of cookies.
- Adorned with vibrant sprinkles, they boast a beautiful, festive appearance perfect for any holiday table.
- You’ll appreciate their simple ingredients and the straightforward, beginner-friendly baking process.
- These cookies are ideal for holiday platters, thoughtful gifting, or simply enjoying with family.
- The cream cheese adds incredible richness and tenderness, making each bite truly special.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies
Crafting the perfect cream cheese Christmas cookies recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ Cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz. Cream Cheese, softened (full-fat)
- 1½ Cups Powdered Sugar (for the dough)
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Large Egg
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1¾ Cups All-purpose flour
- Christmas sprinkles (2 tablespoons for dough, more for topping)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons water (or milk for a richer glaze)
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results, always use room temperature butter and full-fat cream cheese; this ensures a smooth, uniform dough. Powdered sugar is essential for achieving that signature delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture in these creamy holiday cookies. Feel free to experiment with extracts: try almond or peppermint in place of vanilla for a unique twist. For truly vibrant dough, add a few drops of gel food coloring when mixing the wet ingredients. Always stick to all-purpose flour for the specified consistency.
Equipment You’ll Need
Gathering your tools makes baking a breeze. Here is the essential equipment for your cream cheese Christmas cookies:
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Cookie scoop (1-inch)
- Wire cooling racks
- Small bowl (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these easy cream cheese Christmas cookies is a joyful experience. Follow these simple steps for delicious results.
- Prep Your Oven and Pans: First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use your electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add 1½ cups of powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Egg & Vanilla: Next, beat in the large egg and the vanilla extract. Mix until they are fully incorporated into the creamy base, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour and the ½ teaspoon of baking powder. This ensures even distribution in the dough.
- Mix Dough & Add Sprinkles: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of Christmas sprinkles.
- Chill Dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Form Cookies: Scoop 1-inch balls of dough using a cookie scoop or roll by hand. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1½ inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for edges that are just lightly golden. The key for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture is to slightly underbake these cookies.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for just a minute before carefully transferring them to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of water until you have a smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
- Glaze & Decorate: Spoon the glaze over the warm cookies. Immediately add extra Christmas sprinkles on top before the glaze sets and hardens.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies
Achieving the best results with your cream cheese Christmas cookies is easy with these simple tips.
- Ensure all cold ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, reach room temperature before mixing for a smooth dough.
- Avoid overmixing the cookie dough once flour is added; this can make cookies tough.
- Do not overbake your cookies; slight underbaking ensures a soft, tender texture.
- Properly chill the dough for at least an hour, which makes it much easier to handle and shape.
- Glaze and add sprinkles quickly after baking, as the glaze sets fast.
- For consistent and unique shapes, consider using a cookie press with this soft dough.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile cream cheese Christmas cookies are perfect for any festive occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these festive cookies on a beautiful holiday platter for a stunning display. Pair them with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a freshly brewed coffee for a cozy treat. They also make thoughtful and delicious homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors during the holiday season.
Storage Instructions
Store your cooled and glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. For optimal freshness and texture, enjoy them within the first few days. Adhering to food safety guidelines for baked goods is essential to prevent spoilage and ensure enjoyment.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days, or even freeze it for longer storage. Baked cookies, both glazed and unglazed, freeze wonderfully in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature to prevent condensation.
Flavor Variations
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough or the glaze for a bright citrus note. Substitute vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract for different holiday flavors. Incorporate warm holiday spices like a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the dough. Decorate with various sprinkles, sanding sugar, or even finely chopped candied fruit for extra flair.
Nutrition Information
Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and preparation methods. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6-8g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20g |
| Protein | 1-2g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I skip the glaze? Yes, you can absolutely skip the glaze. For a simple finish, dust the cooled cream cheese Christmas cookies with extra powdered sugar.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used, real butter is always preferred. Butter provides a superior flavor and texture that margarine cannot fully replicate in this recipe.
- Can I cut these into shapes with cookie cutters? This dough is quite soft, so it’s not ideal for traditional cookie cutters. For shaped cookies, a cookie press works best with this dough consistency.
- Do these cookies need to be refrigerated after baking? No, once baked and glazed, these cookies are fine stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration might dry them out.
- Can I add food coloring directly to the cookie dough? Yes, you can add gel food coloring directly to the wet ingredients (butter, cream cheese, sugar mixture). Gel colors provide more vibrant hues without altering dough consistency.
Conclusion
These delightful cream cheese Christmas cookies are more than just a treat; they are a festive celebration in every bite. Their unparalleled melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple preparation make them an absolute must-bake this holiday season. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, bake a batch, and share these tender, flavorful cookies with everyone you love. Happy holidays and happy baking from Lily Hanna!
