There’s a certain magic that fills the air during the holiday season—the sparkle of twinkling lights, the laughter of friends and family, and the warm, comforting scent of baking cookies. These Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies bring that holiday enchantment to life, creating a treat that’s both festive and unforgettable.
Buttery, smooth cream cheese creates the perfect base for these cookies, while a touch of sweetness and the crunch of toasted pecans add delightful texture. Coated in vibrant red or green sugar and topped with a buttery pecan half, these cookies are a visual and culinary celebration of the season.
What makes these cookies truly special? Their simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or gifting them in a festive tin, they’re a treat that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Let’s make cookies that spread holiday cheer with every bite—sweet, rich, and made to share!
Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheets
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup red sugar crystals
- ½ cup green sugar crystals
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter, softened
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until fully combined, then fold in chopped pecans.
- Chill dough for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Divide dough into four portions and shape each into a 6-inch roll, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with foil.
- Roll the dough in red or green sugar crystals, then slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Place on prepared sheets, top each with a pecan half, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the cookie bottoms are lightly golden.
Notes
- Press sugar crystals gently onto the rolls to ensure they stick well and provide vibrant color.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 105 || Total Fat: 7g || Carbohydrates: 11g || Protein: 1g
What To Avoid While Making this Recipe?
Skipping the Chilling Step: Ensure the dough is properly chilled as this helps maintain the shape of the cookies during baking. Skipping this step can result in flat or misshapen cookies.
Overmixing the Dough: Be cautious not to overmix after adding the flour. Overworking the dough can make the cookies dense and less tender.