Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies for Soft, Festive Baking Joy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas baking brings its own kind of charm, and these Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies embody that beautifully. They strike the perfect balance between tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the subtle richness that cream cheese provides. What I particularly enjoy is how easily the dough comes together — no fussy steps, no complicated processes, just straightforward holiday baking. I once tried adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla, and it gave the cookies a delicate, almost marzipan-like aroma that paired wonderfully with festive sprinkles. Whether you bake them for gifting, cookie boxes, or cosy evenings at home, these cookies offer that nostalgic holiday warmth with every bite. Their buttery softness and lightly sweet finish make them universally loved, and they’re easy enough to prepare even on busy December days.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese: This ingredient gives the cookies their signature tenderness and slight tang. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture, and make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it incorporates smoothly into the dough.

Unsalted butter: Butter forms the backbone of the dough, providing richness and structure. When whipped with the cream cheese, it creates an airy base that results in soft, pillowy cookies.

Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness without making the cookies overly rich. It also helps the dough cream properly, giving the cookies a delicate crumb.

Egg: The egg binds the dough and contributes to a soft, cohesive texture. It also helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Vanilla extract: A warm, fragrant note that enhances the holiday flavour. I’ve experimented with adding half vanilla and half almond extract, which creates a lovely festive twist.

All-purpose flour: Flour provides the necessary structure. These cookies use just enough to form a soft dough without becoming dry or crumbly.

Baking powder: This gives the cookies a gentle lift, preventing them from becoming overly dense.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavours, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the richness of the cream cheese.

Christmas sprinkles: These add festive colour and texture. You can fold them into the dough, roll the cookies in them, or simply sprinkle them on top before baking for a cheerful, holiday look.

Directions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and lift off cleanly. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and fluffy. This step is important because well-creamed fats ensure the cookies stay soft and tender. Add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes pale and slightly aerated. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing at this stage can make the cookies tough, so stop once the flour disappears. If using sprinkles inside the dough, fold them in gently with a spatula to avoid crushing them.

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into even rounds and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. If you prefer a more festive finish, roll the dough balls in Christmas sprinkles before placing them on the tray. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned — these cookies should remain pale for the best texture. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease..

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with a baking time of about 10 minutes per batch. Total time runs about 25–30 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They freeze well for up to 2 months — wrap them carefully to avoid freezer dryness. To refresh frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in a low oven.

Variations and Customizations

Almond Twist
Add half vanilla and half almond extract for a fragrant, seasonal flavour.

Citrus Brightness
Mix in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to create a lightly perfumed holiday cookie.

White Chocolate Addition
Fold in mini white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and a creamy contrast.

Spiced Holiday Version
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the cookies a warm, festive profile.

Jam Thumbprint Style
Press a small indentation into each dough ball and fill with a drop of raspberry jam before baking.

FAQs

How soft should the butter and cream cheese be?

They should be soft enough to indent easily with a finger but not melted.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat is strongly recommended for the best texture, as low-fat versions can make the dough too soft.

Can I chill the dough?

Yes, chilling for 20–30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

The butter may have been too soft or the dough overmixed. Try chilling the dough next time.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, portion the dough balls onto a tray, freeze them, then store in a freezer bag for easy baking.

Can I use different sprinkles?

Any sprinkles work, but jimmies hold their shape best during baking.

Do these cookies brown?

They should remain pale; only the bottoms should show slight colour.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.

Why are my cookies dry?

Too much flour or overbaking can dry them out. Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method.

Can I add food colouring?

Yes, mix gel colouring into the dough for festive red or green themes.

Conclusion

Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies offer a delightful blend of simplicity, softness, and festive charm. Their tender texture and subtle richness make them perfect for holiday trays, gifting, or seasonal celebrations. With endless customisation options, they can be tailored to any flavour preference or holiday theme. Whether you keep them classic or add your own creative flair, they’re sure to become a cherished addition to your Christmas baking traditions.

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