Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies

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Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies – Soft, Buttery & Holiday-Ready

These Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—pillowy soft, rich with vanilla and cream cheese, and topped with festive red and green sprinkles. They’re easy to make, perfect for gifting, and a must-have on every cookie tray.

Introduction: A Cookie That Feels Like Christmas

There’s something magical about baking during the holidays—the warmth of the oven, the scent of vanilla and sugar, and the joy of decorating cookies with loved ones. These Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies capture all of that in one bite. They’re soft, buttery, and subtly tangy from the cream cheese, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, filling tins for neighbors, or leaving treats out for Santa, these cookies are a festive favorite that never disappoints. Plus, they’re easy enough for kids to help with and pretty enough to impress guests.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so irresistible:

For the Cookie Dough:

  • Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened)
    Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Cream cheese (4 oz, softened)
    Adds a subtle tang and extra softness—makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
  • Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
    Sweetens the dough and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Egg (1 large)
    Binds the dough and adds richness.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tbsp)
    Adds warmth and enhances the holiday flavor.
  • All-purpose flour (1¾ cups)
    Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
  • Baking soda (½ tsp) and Baking powder (½ tsp)
    Help the cookies rise and stay tender.
  • Salt (¼ tsp)
    Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

For Decorating:

  • Red & green sprinkles
    Adds festive flair and crunch—perfect for holiday cookie trays.

Optional: Use sanding sugar, edible glitter, or crushed peppermint for extra sparkle.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or spoon
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:

  • Beat ½ cup softened butter, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

This step is key for a soft, airy cookie.

Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla

Add:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Tip: Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if it feels too sticky to handle.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).

Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Optional: Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass for a more uniform shape.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until:

  • Edges are set
  • Tops are slightly puffed but not browned

Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate

Once cooled, top each cookie with red and green sprinkles.

Press gently to help them stick.

Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or royal icing before adding sprinkles.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Holiday cookie exchanges
  • Christmas Eve treats
  • Edible gifts
  • Decorating with kids

Pair with:

  • A mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • A glass of cold milk

Presentation Tip: Arrange on a festive platter with candy canes and holly for a picture-perfect dessert table.

Variations to Try

Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:

Chocolate Chip

Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a classic upgrade.

Lemon Twist

Add 1 tsp lemon zest and swap vanilla for lemon extract.

Coconut Snowballs

Roll in shredded coconut before baking for a snowy finish.

Gluten-Free

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Dough can be made and chilled up to 2 days in advance.
  • Refrigerate: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake or serve as needed.

Tip: Freeze in layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Notes (Per Cookie, ~1 of 24)

  • Calories: ~120
  • Protein: ~1g
  • Carbohydrates: ~14g
  • Fat: ~7g
  • Sugar: ~8g
  • Sodium: ~90mg
  • Fiber: ~0.5g

These cookies are:

  • Soft and buttery
  • Sweet and festive
  • Perfectly portioned
  • Great for sharing

Final Thoughts

These Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the joy of baking something beautiful from scratch. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to enjoy with loved ones, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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