When the holiday season rolls around, the air becomes infused with the scent of sugary treats and festive cheer. One delightful addition to your holiday baking arsenal is the Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies. These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they embody the spirit of the season and are a cherished tradition in many households. With their soft texture, subtle tang from the cream cheese, and the perfect sweetness, these cookies can easily become a centerpiece at your Christmas gatherings.
Why We Love This Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
There are countless cookie recipes out there, but what sets the Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies apart is their delightful balance of flavor and texture. The cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that makes them incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Each bite brings a comforting sweetness that is not overpowering, allowing you to enjoy multiple cookies without feeling overwhelmed.
These cookies are perfect for sharing, and they hold a special place in holiday gatherings, often bringing a sense of nostalgia to those who indulge in their sweetness. As you decorate these cookies with colorful toppings, you can unleash your creativity, making the baking process even more fun. It’s no wonder these cookies have earned a beloved spot on holiday dessert tables!
Ingredients for Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
To create these delightful Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role in achieving the perfect sweetness and texture:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles, decorative sugar, or crushed candy canes for topping
These straightforward ingredients can be easily found in your pantry or local grocery store, making this recipe both accessible and enjoyable.
How to Make Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Making Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies is a joyful experience that will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Follow these easy steps to create your delightful cookies!
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color.
- Cream Together the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, and egg. Use an electric mixer or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until they are well combined and fluffy. This step is crucial as it introduces air into the mixture, helping the cookies rise beautifully.
- Add Flavors and Dry Ingredients: Next, incorporate the vanilla extract into the mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and place them on a nonstick cookie sheet or silicone baking mats. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking. With the back of a spoon, gently press down each dough ball to slightly flatten them.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms turn light golden brown. Resist the urge to overbake as you want your cookies to remain soft and chewy.
- Cool Down: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential to ensure they firm up just right.
- Prepare the Frosting: While your cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. The consistency should be thick but spreadable; adjust with more sugar or milk as needed.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip each one into the glaze or use a spatula to spread the frosting on top. Get creative by adding a generous sprinkle of colorful sprinkles, decorative sugar, or crushed candy canes to really embrace the festive spirit.
- Enjoy: Allow the frosting to set before serving. Enjoy your Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies with a warm drink, or share them with friends and family – it’s a holiday treat that everyone will love!
How to Serve Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Serving Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies is an enjoyable experience. These cookies can be served in numerous ways, adding flair to your holiday gatherings or simple family dinners. You might consider displaying your cookies on a festive platter surrounded by greenery, ornaments, or other holiday decorations, making an inviting centerpiece.
If you’re preparing these cookies for a gathering, you can arrange them in individual treat bags tied with ribbons. This not only presents a beautiful gift but also makes it easy to share with guests. As everyone gathers around the coffee table enjoying holiday festivities, these treats will surely be a conversation starter.
Another great idea is to serve them with a warm beverage, such as milk, hot cocoa, or tea. The creamy, sweet qualities of the cookies complement warm drinks beautifully, creating a cozy experience. Remember to let your guests decorate their cookies on-site for a fun, interactive addition to your holiday celebrations!
Expert Tips: Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
To ensure your Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature, allowing for easier blending into a smooth batter.
- Chill the Dough for Cut-Out Cookies: If you plan to use cookie cutters, chilling the dough overnight helps maintain its structure when rolling out. This prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you combine the flour with the wet ingredients, mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Check Baking Time: Every oven is slightly different. Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different types of sprinkles, colored sugars, or even coconut flakes to make your cookies uniquely yours!
- Let Them Cool Completely: Frosting warm cookies can lead to melting and a messy presentation. Always allow them to cool completely before adding the glaze.
How to Store Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Storing your Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies properly can help extend their freshness and deliciousness. Once the cookies have completely cooled and you’ve frosted them, place them in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
These cookies are best enjoyed within a week if stored at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled, unfrosted cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When frozen, they can last up to three months. To enjoy, simply pull them out and allow them to thaw at room temperature, then frost as desired.
Variations of Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Although these cookies are delightful on their own, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or accommodate dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-free eaters while maintaining cookie integrity.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in a cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough for added sweetness and texture.
- Alternative Frostings: Instead of a simple glaze, experiment with cream cheese frosting or buttercream for a richer taste.
- Add Flavor Enhancements: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy kick.
- Colorful Dough: For a festive look, divide the dough into sections and incorporate food coloring to create swirled or patterned cookies.
These variations not only provide options to suit different palates but also help keep your holiday baking exciting and fresh each year.
FAQ About Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Are Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies easy to make?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and requires simple steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.
What are the best toppings for these cookies?
The options are endless! You can use colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even drizzles of chocolate for variations that enhance both flavor and presentation.
How long do Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies typically remain fresh for about a week at room temperature. Enjoy them within this timeframe to experience their soft, chewy goodness.
Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Sheets
- Electric Mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Sugar
- 1 cup Butter Softened
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar For frosting
- 2 tablespoons Milk For frosting
- As needed Sprinkles For decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, and egg until fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract, then mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a nonstick cookie sheet, leaving space between each.
- Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until the bottoms are light golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Once cookies are cool, frost them and decorate with sprinkles or other toppings.
- Allow frosting to set before serving.
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