Soft and Chewy Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

As the holiday season approaches, imagine the joy of pulling warm, festive Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies from the oven—soft, chewy treats that bring families together during celebrations. These Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies are the ultimate holiday delight, featuring an extra creamy texture from the rich cream cheese base that sets them apart from ordinary sugar cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner facing the common challenge of dry, crumbly holiday treats, this recipe solves it all with its foolproof method and irresistible flavors. In the first few bakes, you’ll discover how easy it is to create these festive cookies that sparkle with colorful sprinkles, making your Christmas gatherings truly memorable.

Picture the sensory magic of these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies: a perfect blend of buttery richness and tangy creaminess from the cream cheese, resulting in a soft, chewy interior that gives way to a slight crisp on the edges. Each bite delivers a symphony of sweet, vanilla-kissed notes with a festive crunch from the sprinkles, while the aroma of baking fills your kitchen with warm, holiday spices and sugary bliss. The extra creamy texture ensures these cookies stay moist longer, making them an ideal choice for gifting or snacking, evoking memories of cherished family traditions.

Created by Chef Lalybeth exclusively for cookinwithlalyta.com, this Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies recipe stands out as the most reliable and delicious version online, thanks to years of testing and a special Chef’s Secret that we’ll reveal soon. You’ll learn expert tips for perfecting the dough, avoiding common pitfalls, and even customizing for dietary needs, all while building confidence in your baking skills. Dive in to discover why this recipe has become a holiday favorite, with its extra creamy base ensuring every batch is a success.

Why This Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret lies in the extra creamy texture achieved by using softened cream cheese as the star ingredient, which adds unparalleled moisture and tanginess that elevates these festive cookies beyond standard holiday bakes. This technique ensures the dough remains pliable and flavorful, preventing the dryness often encountered in traditional sugar cookies. By creaming the cream cheese with butter and sugar at the right consistency, we lock in that soft, chewy quality that makes these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies irresistible.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this recipe’s texture comes from the high-fat content in cream cheese, which emulsifies with butter to create a tender crumb. This results in cookies that are soft and chewy due to the way fats inhibit gluten development in the flour, while baking powder provides a gentle lift without over-expanding the dough.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in real home kitchens to guarantee consistent results, making it accessible for all skill levels. With precise measurements and step-by-step guidance, you’ll avoid common baking errors, ensuring your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

All-purpose flour forms the backbone of these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies, providing structure and a light, airy texture. Using high-quality, unbleached all-purpose flour ensures the cookies don’t become tough; opt for a brand with consistent protein levels to avoid density issues. Its role is to absorb moisture from the wet ingredients, creating a balanced dough. For substitutions, try swapping with cake flour for a softer result, but reduce the amount by 2 tablespoons to maintain the extra creamy texture.

Granulated sugar sweetens and tenderizes the dough in these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies, while also aiding in browning for that perfect golden edge. Choose pure cane sugar for the best flavor profile, as it dissolves evenly and enhances the vanilla notes without overpowering the cream cheese’s tang. It helps create the light and fluffy creamed mixture, and if needed, you can substitute with coconut sugar for a slight caramel undertone, though this may alter the classic holiday sweetness.

Cream cheese is the hero ingredient that gives these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies their signature extra creamy texture, adding moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Always use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for optimal results, as low-fat versions can make the dough too watery. It binds the ingredients beautifully; for a dairy-free alternative, try a plant-based cream cheese, but add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to mimic the thickening effect.

Unsalted butter contributes to the rich, buttery flavor and helps achieve the perfect spread in these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies. Fresh, high-quality butter ensures even creaming and prevents greasy results; look for European-style for higher fat content. It works alongside cream cheese to create tenderness, and you can substitute with vegan butter, but chill the dough longer to compensate for any softness differences.

Vanilla extract infuses these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies with warm, aromatic depth, enhancing the overall festive appeal. Pure vanilla extract is key for authentic flavor—avoid imitation varieties that can taste artificial. It complements the extra creamy base; if you’re out, almond extract can be used in a 1:1 ratio for a nutty twist, though it will change the holiday essence slightly.

Baking powder acts as the leavening agent in these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies, providing a gentle rise for that soft, chewy consistency. Fresh baking powder is crucial to ensure it activates properly; expired versions can lead to flat cookies. It reacts with the acidic cream cheese for lift; substitute with an equal amount of baking soda plus cream of tartar if needed, but test for acidity first.

Salt enhances the flavors in these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies, balancing sweetness and bringing out the extra creamy notes. Use fine sea salt for even distribution; it’s essential for taste depth. If you’re watching sodium, reduce to 1/8 teaspoon, but don’t omit it entirely, as it ties all the ingredients together harmoniously.

Colorful sprinkles add a fun, festive topping to these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies, providing visual appeal and a delightful crunch. Opt for high-quality, nonpareil sprinkles that won’t bleed color into the dough. They serve as the holiday decoration; for variations, try themed sprinkles like red and green for Christmas, or even crushed candy canes for added texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This step is crucial for creating the perfect environment for your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies to rise and develop their extra creamy texture.

Pro Tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature accuracy, as a few degrees off can affect the cookies’ softness and chewiness.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. This incorporates air, setting the foundation for the extra creamy texture in your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-mixing can make the dough greasy; stop once it’s smooth to maintain the ideal consistency.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract

Once the mixture is creamy, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix it in thoroughly on low speed until fully incorporated, enhancing the festive flavors of your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies.

Pro Tip: Use pure vanilla for the best taste; add it slowly to avoid splattering and ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined, creating a uniform mixture that will integrate smoothly into the wet ingredients for your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t pack the flour; spoon it lightly into the measuring cup to prevent dense cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. This prevents overworking the dough, preserving the extra creamy texture of your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies.

Pro Tip: Mix by hand for the last few turns to avoid toughening the dough from excess gluten development.

Step 6: Form the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking for your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Make sure your hands are cool; warm hands can melt the butter in the dough, leading to flat cookies.

Step 7: Flatten and Add Sprinkles

Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass, then generously top with colorful sprinkles, pressing them lightly to adhere for that festive look on your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies.

Pro Tip: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for extra visual appeal, and don’t over-press to keep the cookies soft.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, watching closely to achieve the perfect balance of soft and chewy in your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overbaking can dry them out; remove when the centers are still slightly soft.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely, which helps set their extra creamy texture.

Pro Tip: Cooling on the sheet prevents breakage and locks in moisture for the best results.

Serving & Presentation

For serving these Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies, arrange them on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, enhancing their extra creamy appeal. Stack them in tiers using holiday cupcake liners for a visually stunning display that impresses at parties. Pair with hot cocoa or mulled wine to complement the cookies’ sweet, tangy flavors, making them a perfect dessert for holiday dinners or cookie exchanges.

Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or edible glitter for added festivity, elevating the presentation without overwhelming the sprinkles. These cookies shine as a standalone treat but also pair beautifully with lighter desserts like fruit tarts or as a side to ice cream sundaes, balancing richness with other textures.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all ingredients, shaping the balls, and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the extra creamy texture of your Christmas cream cheese sprinkle cookies—just add sprinkles before baking.

Storing Leftovers: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months, separating layers with parchment paper.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original soft and chewy texture, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes, then warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Festive cream cheese cookies decorated with colorful sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Colorful sprinkles for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball slightly and top with sprinkles.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week. For a festive touch, use holiday-themed sprinkles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 2g