Indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas cheesecake cookies, a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the cozy essence of holiday spices. Picture biting into a soft cookie, only to be greeted by a luscious cheesecake center—talk about a sweet surprise! As the aroma wafts through your kitchen, you’ll feel like Santa himself is doing a happy dance.
These cookies are more than just treats; they hold special memories. I remember baking them with my grandma every year as we decorated the house and sipped on hot cocoa. The laughter and joy shared over mixing ingredients are moments I cherish dearly. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or cozying up on the couch with loved ones, these cookies will elevate any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas cheesecake cookies are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal effort for maximum flavor impact.
- Their creamy filling offers a delightful contrast to the soft cookie exterior, making each bite heavenly.
- With their festive appearance, they add visual charm to any dessert table.
- Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or simply enjoying at home with family and friends.
Ingredients for christmas cheesecake cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookies. Sift it well for a light texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie structure.
- Baking Powder: Essential for giving your cookies that lovely rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates that rich, creamy texture; be sure it’s at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to your cookie dough.
- Eggs: Vital for binding everything together and giving the cookies their chewy texture.
- Cream Cheese: The star of our show! Ensure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: This will sweeten the cheesecake filling and give it that perfect creamy consistency.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring the holiday cheer right into your kitchen!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make christmas cheesecake cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this will keep our cookies from sticking like my cat does during a Netflix binge.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, blend together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—like clouds ready to rain down holiday cheer! Add in eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition before incorporating vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want them fluffy—not tough!
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor magic. You might want to taste-test this step because who could resist cream cheese goodness?
Step 5: Assemble Your Cookies
Scoop out some cookie dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheets using an ice cream scoop (or just your hands if you’re feeling adventurous). Make an indentation in each scoop and fill it with about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling before covering it with more dough—like tucking in your favorite blanket on chilly nights.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden around the edges but still soft in the center—like how you feel when you find money in your coat pocket!
Transfer to plates once baked. Let them cool slightly before indulging (if you can resist), as these Christmas cheesecake cookies are best enjoyed warm!
In no time at all, you’ll have created an epic dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at any holiday gathering—or even just yourself when you need that late-night snack!
You Must Know
- These delightful Christmas cheesecake cookies are not just a treat; they bring joy to your holiday gatherings.
- With their creamy centers and festive flavors, they’re bound to be the star of any dessert table.
- Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute baking sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make these Christmas cheesecake cookies shine, start by creaming the butter and sugar first. Next, mix your dry ingredients while the dough chills. Finally, fill each cookie with that luscious cheesecake mixture before baking to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these cookies! Swap out traditional spices for mint or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas cheesecake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds until warm and gooey.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain shape while baking.
- Lastly, taste-test your cheesecake filling—it’s key to ensuring the right balance of sweetness!
I once made these amazing Christmas cheesecake cookies for a holiday gathering, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. One friend even tried to sneak an extra batch home!
FAQs:
What are Christmas cheesecake cookies?
Christmas cheesecake cookies are delightful treats that combine the creamy texture of cheesecake with the chewy goodness of a cookie. They typically feature a cream cheese base, flavored with holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and often include festive add-ins such as chocolate chips or crushed peppermint. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a unique twist on traditional desserts.
How do I store Christmas cheesecake cookies?
To maintain their freshness, store your Christmas cheesecake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I customize my Christmas cheesecake cookies?
Absolutely! You can customize your Christmas cheesecake cookies by adding various mix-ins or toppings. Consider incorporating dried fruits, nuts, or different types of chocolate. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond to enhance the taste. This versatility allows you to create a personalized treat that fits your holiday preferences.
Are Christmas cheesecake cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, Christmas cheesecake cookies make excellent gifts! Their festive appearance and delicious flavor will surely impress friends and family. Present them in decorative boxes or tins, and consider adding a personal touch with a handwritten note. Homemade treats always carry a special sentiment, making them thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.
Conclusion for christmas cheesecake cookies:
In summary, Christmas cheesecake cookies offer a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake flavors within a cookie format. Easy to prepare and customizable, they are perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving alike. Store them properly to maintain their freshness, and feel free to experiment with various ingredients to create your ideal version. Enjoy these festive treats during the holidays with family and friends!
Christmas Cheesecake Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of Christmas cheesecake cookies, where soft cookies embrace a luscious cheesecake center, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets using an ice cream scoop. Create a small indentation in each scoop and fill it with about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling before covering with more dough.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or using flavored extracts like almond for a twist. - To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
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