Quick Overview
The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and of course, delightful treats. One such treat that will bring smiles to everyone is the Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies. These cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with flavor. Topped with colorful frosting or sprinkled with festive decorations, they make a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re making them for a party or gifting them to friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of your cookie dough. You will need 2 ½ cups (312 g) for the right texture. It provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
Powdered Sugar
Use 1 cup (120 g) of powdered sugar for sweetness without graininess. This ensures your cookies remain smooth and creamy.
Cream Cheese
For that rich and decadent taste, use 8 oz (227 g) of softened cream cheese. It adds moisture and flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Unsalted Butter
You will need ½ cup (113 g) of unsalted butter at room temperature. This ingredient contributes to the buttery flavor and tender texture.
Baking Powder
Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help your cookies rise slightly during baking. This creates that perfect chewy texture everyone loves.
Vanilla Extract
A tablespoon of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of your cookies beautifully. It’s a must-have for any sweet treat!
Egg Yolk
Using one large egg yolk helps bind the ingredients together while adding richness to your dough. Make sure it’s fresh for best results!
Salt
Just a pinch (½ teaspoon) of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances all flavors in your cookie dough.
Step By Step Recipe: Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. This ensures an even bake for each cookie.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This process takes about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light in color.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Vanilla
Gradually add in powdered sugar along with granulated sugar while continuing to mix on low speed. Once combined, add vanilla extract and mix until everything is well incorporated. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg Yolk
Add one egg yolk into your mixture. Mix until fully blended; this may take about another minute on medium speed. Ensure there are no lumps from the cream cheese remaining in the batter.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed just until combined; avoid overmixing!
Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or a fork for an even bake.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake in preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them as ovens vary; you want them just set without overbaking!
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool on sheets for about five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely before decorating.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies as part of your holiday dessert table. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee! For added flair, decorate with colorful icing or sprinkles before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer longer storage options, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag where they can last up to three months.
With this easy-to-follow recipe for Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies, you’ll have festive treats ready in no time! Enjoy sharing this deliciousness with loved ones during this joyous season!
Mistakes to avoid
When baking Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies, avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture you desire. Mix until just combined for the best results.
Another common mistake is using cold butter or cream cheese. Ensure these ingredients are at room temperature to blend smoothly and create a creamy batter. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency in your cookies.
Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps prevent spreading during baking. If you roll out warm dough, your cookies may turn into flat shapes rather than maintaining their form. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before cutting out shapes.
Pay attention to baking time. Every oven is different, and overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the suggested baking time and remove them when they are lightly golden.
Lastly, avoid using expired ingredients, especially baking powder and baking soda. Fresh leavening agents are essential for proper rising and texture in your Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies.
Tips and tricks
To ensure your Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies come out perfectly every time, start with high-quality ingredients. Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavor and better texture in your cookies. It’s worth it to splurge a little on premium butter as well; it makes a noticeable difference in taste.
When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents excess flour from making your dough too dry. Also, consider investing in a kitchen scale for precise measurements if you want consistent results.
Experiment with different flavorings to customize your Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies. Adding vanilla extract is a classic choice, but almond extract can give an unexpected twist that complements the sweetness beautifully. You can also fold in chocolate chips or crushed candies for added texture and flavor.
For decorating, royal icing works well for creating beautiful designs on your cookies once they cool completely. If you’re looking for something easier, simply dust with powdered sugar or use store-bought frosting for quick decoration.
Finally, storing your cookies correctly helps maintain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Suggestions for Christmas Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Consider adding festive sprinkles or colored sugars while the cookies are still warm from the oven. This adds color and cheerfulness that matches the holiday spirit without requiring extra effort.
Try incorporating different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a cozy flavor profile that evokes holiday memories. Just keep these additions subtle so they complement rather than overpower the creamy taste of cream cheese.
If you’re hosting a cookie exchange or holiday party, think about offering variations of this recipe to cater to different tastes. For example, make some with lemon zest for a zesty twist while keeping others traditional.
Another suggestion is to package your Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies as gifts during the holiday season. Use decorative boxes or tins lined with wax paper to keep them fresh while adding a personal touch that friends and family will appreciate.
Finally, consider using cookie cutters in various seasonal shapes – stars, trees, and candy canes – to create visual interest on your dessert platters this holiday season.
FAQs
What makes Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies contain cream cheese in addition to standard cookie ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. The cream cheese adds richness and moisture which results in a softer texture compared to traditional sugar cookies that often can be drier and crumblier.
Can I freeze Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies! To do this effectively, let them cool completely after baking before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. They will last up to three months frozen but should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies will remain fresh for about one week. If you want them to last longer without sacrificing taste or texture, consider freezing them instead.
Can I substitute other types of cheese in this cookie recipe?
While cream cheese is ideal due to its texture and flavor profile, you might experiment with mascarpone or ricotta as substitutes if desired. However, these cheeses have different moisture levels which may affect cookie consistency; adjustments might be necessary based on personal preference.
What decorations go well with Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies?
Frosting is a popular way to decorate these festive treats; royal icing offers beautiful designs while buttercream provides rich flavors! Additionally, colored sugars or sprinkles add vibrant color without requiring extensive decorating skills—perfect for busy bakers during the holidays!
How do I know when my Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies are done baking?
Your cookies are ready when they turn lightly golden around the edges but still appear soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool down on the baking sheet! Avoid overbaking as this leads to dryness—timing varies based on oven type so watch closely toward end time!
Summary
In conclusion, crafting delicious Christmas cream cheese sugar cookies requires attention to detail from ingredient selection through baking techniques. Avoid common mistakes like overmixing or using cold ingredients while applying helpful tips such as measuring accurately and being creative with flavors! With proper storage methods ensuring freshness alongside fun decorations ideas—these delightful treats will surely impress family members during festive gatherings!