Okay, friends, let me tell you about these Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies. They’re seriously the best. Think sugar cookies, but about a thousand times better. I know, I know, that’s a bold statement, but trust me on this one! They’re soft, melt-in-your-mouth, and have this incredible tang from the cream cheese that just balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s a recipe my grandma used to make every year, and now it’s a must at my house during the holidays. I remember helping her swirl the glaze when I was little, and that’s still my favorite part. These cookies are way easier than you might think and taste absolutely divine – Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies are a guaranteed holiday winner!
What are Christmas cream cheese cookies?
So, what exactly are these magical Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies? It’s essentially a soft sugar cookie, but the addition of cream cheese in the dough gives it a delightful, slightly tangy flavor and a super tender crumb. It’s the kind of cookie that kind of dissolves in your mouth, you know? Think of it as a sophisticated sugar cookie. The glaze on top adds a touch of extra sweetness and makes them look so festive, especially when you use Christmas-themed sprinkles. It’s a simple concept, really, but the result is something truly special. My family would always decorate these cookies and eat them while watching our favorite Christmas movie as a kid.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why I’m completely obsessed with this recipe. What I love most is the taste – the slight tang of the cream cheese combined with the sweetness of the sugar cookie is a flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s just the right amount of sweet without being cloying.
The simplicity of this recipe is another huge plus. Don’t get me wrong, I love a fancy baking project, but during the holidays, I need something that’s relatively quick and easy. These Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies are exactly that! The ingredients are pretty basic, and the steps are straightforward. Even if you’re not a pro baker, you can totally nail this one.
And let’s talk about how cost-efficient this recipe is. Baking during the holidays can get expensive, but these cookies don’t require any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. It makes a huge batch, so it’s perfect for sharing. They are also super versatile. You can customize the glaze with different flavors, use different sprinkles to match any holiday theme, or even add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough. It is a wonderful choice for a Christmas Cookie exchange. Honestly, I think these are way better than regular sugar cookies – sorry, not sorry! But what makes this recipe so special is it’s a recipe my grandma used to make, so it’s nostalgic and a reminder of Christmas. I guarantee that these Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies will become a new tradition at your house.
How do I make Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies?
Quick Overview
Making these Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies is honestly a breeze. You basically just cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar, add the eggs and vanilla, then mix in the dry ingredients. Roll out the dough, cut out your favorite shapes, bake until golden, and then drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze. It looks intimidating, but I promise it’s so much easier than it sounds! It’s a fun activity to make with the kids, too. I always like to double the batch because these cookies are gone fast in my house!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 14 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles, for decorating
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you prevent cookies from sticking to your food? I always forget to do this, and end up regretting it later!
Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until light. Set aside. This is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which will make the cookies soft and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!
Step 3: Beat in Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. What should I do to keep my eggs at room temperature? How do I incorporate yeast into dough?
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies or they will be hard. What is the first step to pay attention to?
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. What is the best way to roll out a new product?
Step 6: Roll Out Dough and Cut Shapes
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 14 inch thickness. How do you cut out your favorite Christmas shapes? I love using stars, trees, and snowmen!
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. Once the cookies are cool, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. In a small bowl, combine vanilla extract and salt. Set aside. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 9: Decorate
Do not overdo the cookies with the glaze. Sprinkle with your favorite Christmas candy. Let the glaze set before serving.
What should I serve it with?
Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a few other things. What are different things?For Breakfast:What’s a better way to start your day than with coffee or hot chocolate? What is the perfect little treat to open on Christmas morning?For Brunch:Arrange the cookies on a platter with other holiday treats like fruit, muffins, and quiches. Serve immediately. What is the best brunch spread?As Dessert:Serve the cookies after dinner with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. What are some good side dishes to serve with a glass of milk or tea?For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy a cookie or two while watching your favorite show. What are the best Christmas What is the best way to unwind during the holiday season? My family’s favorite combination is cookies and eggnog, a match made in heaven!
How do you make a perfect Christmas cream cheese cookie?
I’ve made cookies a lot over the years, and I have learnt some tricks along the way too. Okay, so so I made these cookies *alot* in my spare time. What are some tips for making a perfect Christmas cream cheese cookie?
What is the best cream cheese recipe?Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before you start. How do I avoid lumps in dough? I usually take it out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking. I sometimes forget, and it doesn’t come out as well.
Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the dough! This is super important. If you overmix the flour, it will make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined, then stop.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use almond extract instead. It will give the cookies a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious. I’ve also used lemon extract before, which is really refreshing.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They can burn quickly, so don’t walk away from the oven! I like to set a timer for 8 minutes, then check them every minute after that.
Glaze Variations: Feel free to get creative with the glaze! You can add different extracts, like peppermint or almond, to change the flavor. You can also add food coloring to make it festive.
Rolling Tip: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent it from sticking to the surface. This is a game-changer! It makes rolling out the dough so much easier, and you won’t have to use as much flour.
Sprinkles Advice: Add sprinkles immediately after glazing the cookies so they stick. If you wait too long, the glaze will set, and the sprinkles won’t adhere.
Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you’re short on time, you can chill it for as little as 30 minutes, but I prefer to chill it for at least an hour.
I always double the batch of glaze, because I love how sweet they are!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if needed. Here’s how to store them properly:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may become slightly softer over time, but they’ll still be delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend glazing the cookies just before serving, especially if you’re planning to store them. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving. If you’ve already glazed the cookies, you can still store them, but the glaze may not look as pretty after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies a try this holiday season. They’re so easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, they’re a guaranteed way to spread some holiday cheer! If you’re looking for more festive baking ideas, be sure to check out my other Christmas Cookie Recipes. I have recipes for gingerbread men, peanut butter blossoms, and sugar cookies (of course!). If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think! Happy baking, everyone!
