There’s something magical about December baking. Even the simplest recipe feels special when the Christmas lights are glowing and the house smells warm and buttery. These Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies are exactly that kind of recipe — soft, pillowy, rich with cream cheese, and sparkling with festive sprinkles. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake but special enough for gifting, cookie swaps, and dessert trays.

Cream cheese adds a subtle tang and tenderness that sets these cookies apart from traditional sugar cookies. Instead of crisp edges and a crunchy bite, you get a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center with just the right amount of sweetness. The sprinkles make them instantly festive, and the dough requires no chilling, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking.

If you love easy Christmas treats, you’ll also enjoy these No Bake Cookies Without Peanut Butter — perfect for quick holiday dessert boxes:
https://ilikerecipes.com/no-bake-cookies-without-peanut-butter/

And if you want another festive dessert loaded with holiday flavor, you’ll love the White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie Bars (Holiday Edition) here:
https://ilikerecipes.com/white-chocolate-cranberry-cookie-bars-holiday-edition/

The dough for these Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies comes together quickly, using pantry staples and one bowl for mixing. Cream cheese keeps the cookies soft for days, making them ideal if you’re baking ahead for parties, church gatherings, school events, or family movie nights.

If you’re feeling creative this season, try spreading a little homemade Pistachio Butter over the cookies once they cool. The nutty richness pairs beautifully with the buttery softness of the dough:
https://ilikerecipes.com/pistachio-butter/

And for something chocolatey to round out your dessert tray, the Easy Brookies Recipe is always a crowd favorite and brings the perfect contrast of brownie + cookie:
https://ilikerecipes.com/easy-brookies-recipe/

For fruity lovers, these Strawberry Muffins make a bright addition to any holiday breakfast table:
https://ilikerecipes.com/strawberry-muffin-recipe/

Below is everything you need to make the most tender, festive cookies of the season.

🎄 Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Christmas sprinkles (for rolling or topping)

🎄 Directions

1. Make the Dough:
Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

2. Shape and Decorate:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, then roll each ball in Christmas sprinkles or gently press sprinkles on top.

3. Bake:
Arrange cookies 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

4. Serve:
Enjoy soft, buttery Christmas cookies with rich cream cheese flavor — perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or holiday dessert platters.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Servings: 20–24 cookies

🎄 Frequently Asked Holiday Cookie Questions

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time for Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies?
Yes — you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. Chilling helps firm the dough and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Q2: Do these cookies need to be refrigerated because they contain cream cheese?
No. Once baked, these cookies are safe at room temperature for 3–5 days. The cream cheese is baked into the dough, so refrigeration isn’t required for short-term storage.

Q3: Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread if the butter or cream cheese was too soft. If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking helps maintain a thicker shape.

Q4: Can I use margarine or shortening instead of butter?
Butter is strongly recommended. It provides the classic flavor and structure these cookies rely on. Using margarine or shortening will change the texture and taste.

Q5: Can Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies be frozen?
Absolutely. Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly, freeze, then thaw before baking or serving.

🎄 Final Thoughts

Soft, festive, and unbelievably easy, these Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies belong in every holiday baking lineup. They’re the kind of cookie you make once and immediately add to your annual December traditions. Share them with friends, pack them in tins, leave them out for Santa, or enjoy them warm with a cup of cocoa — however you serve them, they’re pure Christmas joy.