The holiday season is a time filled with warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious treats. One sweet delight that stands out during this festive period is the Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie. These cookies are not only delightful in taste but are also visually appealing, making them the perfect treat for any festive gathering. With a soft and chewy texture complemented by a creamy frosting, each bite is a little piece of paradise. The subtle hint of cream cheese enhances the flavor, transforming an ordinary sugar cookie into an extraordinary holiday classic. Imagine indulging in these cookies while surrounded by family and friends, sharing stories and laughter. Let’s dive in and discover what makes Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies an annual must!
Why We Love This Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about baking during the Christmas season. The smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home instantly brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth. What sets the Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies apart is their unique combination of cream cheese and traditional sugar cookie flavors. The cream cheese creates a tender cookie that has a delightful lightness and richness, making you crave just one more bite.
Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can decorate them in a way that reflects your style, whether it’s simple sprinkles or a more elaborate design. Plus, they can be easily customized for different occasions by adding flavors like peppermint or lemon zest. With each batch, you create not only tasty treats but also delicious memories with loved ones.
Ingredients about Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
To bake these delightful Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
- Decorative sugar
- Crushed candy canes
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile of these cookies. The sugar and butter provide essential sweetness and richness, while the cream cheese enhances the cookie’s softness.
How to Make Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Directions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part – baking! Follow these simple steps to create your festive cookies:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and have that perfect texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is key for achieving fluffy cookies.
- Next, it’s time to add in the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare your nonstick cookie sheet by lightly greasing it or using parchment paper. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, ensuring there is enough space between each cookie for spreading.
- Gently press down each cookie with the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten them slightly. This will help them bake evenly and provide a nice surface for frosting later on.
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them and look for a light golden brown color on the bottoms, which indicates they are ready to come out.
- Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Once the cookies have cooled, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and let any excess drip off.
- While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle your chosen decorations on top. This is where you can let your creativity shine! Use colorful sprinkles, decorative sugar, or crushed candy canes to make these cookies extra festive.
How to Serve Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Once your cookies are beautifully decorated, serving them is half the fun! Create an inviting holiday dessert table where your Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies can shine. Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with a festive holiday cloth underneath. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving them alongside a warm beverage like hot cocoa or holiday spiced tea, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies.
These cookies also make a wonderful gift! Package them in a decorative box or tin, add a festive bow, and gift them to friends, neighbors, or co-workers. It’s a thoughtful gesture that spreads holiday cheer. You could even include a handwritten recipe card to share the joy of baking with others.
Expert Tips: Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
To ensure your baking experience is smooth and your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: When baking, it’s essential that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more efficiently, creating a smooth and airy dough.
- Don’t overbake: To achieve that perfect chewy texture, keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges start to turn golden, as they will continue to firm up on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them.
- Customize your decorations: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can use holiday-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or even dip them in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Chill the dough: If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
How to Store Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
To keep those delicious cookies fresh for as long as possible, storage is crucial. Here’s how to store your Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies effectively:
- Room temperature: If you plan on eating them in a few days, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain soft and tasty for about a week.
- Refrigerator: Since these cookies contain cream cheese, you may want to consider refrigerating them for longer storage. Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: For even longer storage, you can freeze your cookies. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Variation of Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
While the traditional recipe for Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies is delightful as is, you can easily mix it up to create variations that suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:
- Peppermint-Frosted: Add a couple of drops of peppermint extract to your frosting for a refreshing twist! Top them with crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest into your dough for a citrusy kick. This pairs wonderfully with a simple glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate some finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a cozy, warm flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. These spices evoke wonderful holiday memories and pair beautifully with cream cheese.
FAQ
What makes Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies different from traditional sugar cookies?
Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies stand out due to the unique addition of cream cheese in the dough. This ingredient not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a softer, chewy texture, making them more enjoyable than regular sugar cookies.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and taste of the cookies. However, they will still be delicious!
How can I decorate my Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies?
You can get creative with your decorations! Use rainbow sprinkles, edible glitter, chocolate drizzle, or crushed candy canes. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making your cookies festive and beautiful!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just shape it into balls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw them and bake as instructed!
What is the best way to ensure my cookies maintain their shape?
Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Also, make sure not to overmix once you add the flour.
Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Decorations
- Sprinkles for decoration
- Decorative sugar
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Cream together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Prepare a nonstick cookie sheet by lightly greasing or using parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Baking
- Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze and let excess drip off.
- Immediately sprinkle with decorations before the frosting sets.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!