Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies – Festive Holiday Baking Delight Recipe

Table of Contents: Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

As the fireplace crackles and carols hum in the background, there’s nothing quite like a warm batch of freshly baked cookies to bring family together. These Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday hug in cookie form—soft, tender, and bursting with festive color. Perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or that cozy family dinner, this recipe is a favorite among home bakers aged 40–65+. With a rich cream cheese base and a joyful splash of sprinkles, these cookies are as easy to make as they are to love—no spreading, no stress, just pure Christmas magic in every bite.

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Introduction: Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

When it comes to holiday baking, the search for the perfect cookie ends here. Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies deliver melt-in-your-mouth texture, holiday cheer, and foolproof results—even if you’re not a professional baker. These aren’t your average Christmas sugar cookies; they’re elevated with a secret ingredient: cream cheese. It transforms simple sugar cookies into rich, tangy, soft delights with a delicate crumb that holds its shape without chilling. In fact, this recipe skips the overnight fridge wait—just mix, scoop, bake, and celebrate.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, sneaking treats into gift boxes, or bringing a platter to the office cookie exchange, these funfetti cookies recipe-inspired treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The rainbow sprinkles add a pop of color that captures the whimsy of the season, making them ideal for children’s parties, New Year’s Eve, or even as a cheerful dessert after a long winter’s night’s dinner. Best of all? They’re simple enough for a weeknight bake and elegant enough for any special occasion.

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Alternate Names & Variations

You might come across these cookies under different names—or want to tweak the recipe for new flavors. Here are some familiar terms and fun spins:

– Funfetti Cookies Recipe (a classic birthday favorite, now holiday-fied!)
– Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies
– Christmas Sugar Cookies (this version is softer and more indulgent)
– Shortbread Sprinkle Cookies (when you want a crumblier texture, cream cheese adds richness)
– Vanilla Sprinkle Cookies with Cream Cheese Base
– Festive No-Chill Sugar Cookies

Try variations like red-and-green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel for spring, or crushed peppermint for a peppermint twist—perfect for elevating your funfetti cookies recipe into a seasonal sensation.

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Ingredients: Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

• – 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature – for a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture
• – 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened – the secret to softness and structure in cream cheese sprinkle cookies
• – 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), sifted – ensures smooth, spread-free cookies
• – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – always use real vanilla for depth of flavor
• – ½ teaspoon fine sea salt – enhances sweetness and balances tang from cream cheese
• – 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled – don’t pack it! This prevents dense cookies
• – ½ cup high-quality rainbow sprinkles – use jimmies-style, not nonpareils, to minimize bleeding and maximize color

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway.

3. Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter-cream cheese mixture. Beat on low to combine, then increase to medium speed for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.

4. Gradually blend in the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low until just incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to tough cookies—so stop as soon as no flour pockets remain.

5. Gently fold in the sprinkles using a rubber spatula. Use a light hand to avoid breaking the sprinkles. Reserve 2–3 tablespoons to press into the tops after scooping (pro tip from our favorite funfetti cookies recipe!).

6. Scoop 1.5-tablespoon portions using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll into balls and place on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each.

7. Slightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon (this helps them hold shape). Press a few extra sprinkles on top for pop-up color.

8. Bake one sheet at a time for 10–12 minutes, rotating halfway, until the edges are very lightly golden and tops feel set. Centers may look slightly underbaked—this is good!

9. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store at room temperature.

> Chef Tip: No need to chill the dough! Thanks to cream cheese and powdered sugar, these Christmas sugar cookies resist spreading without refrigeration.

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Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies recipe takes just 15 minutes prep, 10–12 minutes cook time, with a total time of 30 minutes. It yields approximately 24 cookies (6 servings of 4 cookies each), perfect for sharing. Each serving contains roughly 280 calories, 16g fat, 5g saturated fat, 45mg cholesterol, 32g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 2g protein, and 200mg sodium. A deliciously sweet treat worth every bite.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes these Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies stand out from regular sugar cookies? First, cream cheese adds tanginess, richness, and moisture, creating a tender crumb that’s neither cakey nor hard. Second, powdered sugar acts as a delicate starch, helping the cookies hold their shape without spreading—no chilling required. And third, the lower moisture content (vs. granulated sugar) reduces cracking and promotes even baking.

This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners during the holidays, and a no-fail cookie recipe for baking newbies. It combines the visual charm of funfetti cookies recipe classics with the soft texture of cream cheese shortbread. Use jumbo sprinkles for drama, or mini ones for uniform color. And if you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle with white chocolate and red sanding sugar for an eye-catching finish. Either way, you’re making memories, not just cookies.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store cooled cream cheese sprinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat; they stay soft and fresh.

You can freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When ready to bake, place frozen dough 2 inches apart on a sheet and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes—no thawing needed. This is ideal if you’re making Christmas sugar cookies ahead for parties or gifting. To refresh day-old cookies, warm them in the oven at 275°F for 5 minutes for a “fresh from the oven” feel—perfect for holiday cookie trays or last-minute hosts.

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People Also Ask: Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

How do you keep sugar cookies from spreading?

To keep sugar cookies from spreading, focus on ingredients and technique. Use powdered sugar instead of granulated, as it absorbs more moisture. Cream cheese also helps stabilize the dough. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not greasy or melted. Overmixed dough spreads more, so mix only until combined. Do not skip the pan cooling time—this firms up the edges. Lastly, avoid crowded baking sheets. These Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies resist spreading naturally, so they’re ideal for beginners.

Should you chill cookie dough before baking?

Not always. Most traditional sugar cookies benefit from chilling, but cream cheese sprinkle cookies are designed to skip this step. The high fat and powdered sugar content in the dough create a stable structure that holds its shape during baking. Chilling cream cheese dough can actually make it dense or too stiff. However, if your kitchen is hot, a 15-minute rest in the fridge helps stabilize texture. For this recipe, chilling is optional—not required—thanks to its balanced formula.

What does cream cheese do to cookies?

Cream cheese adds tang, richness, and tenderness to cookies. It binds moisture without making dough soggy and strengthens structure thanks to its full-fat content and mild acidity. In cream cheese sprinkle cookies, it prevents spreading, enhances mouthfeel, and gives a slightly denser, softer bite than regular sugar cookies. It also balances the sweetness of vanilla and sprinkles. The result? A complex flavor profile—creamy, buttery, lightly tart—perfect for holiday treats and gifting.

How do you get sprinkles to stick to cookies?

To get sprinkles to stick, press them into the surface after shaping but before baking. Simply flatten the dough ball slightly and gently press a few extra sprinkles into the top. This ensures they stay put during baking and don’t slide off. Avoid adding sprinkles to the raw dough only—they may bleed color or fall off. For bold color, use bright jimmies just before baking. These funfetti cookies recipe tips guarantee vibrant, professional-looking cookies every time.

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Conclusion: Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

There’s magic in every bite of these Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies—the way the soft, buttery cookie yields to your teeth, the pop of rainbow color, and the warmth of homemade joy during the holidays. Whether you’re filling Santa’s plate, wrapping them as gifts, or enjoying them with a mug of hot cocoa, this recipe brings people together. So preheat that oven, grab your sprinkles, and let the baking begin. Tag us with your creations—we’d love to see your festive versions! Drop a comment below: do you add chocolate chips? Lemon zest? Tell us your twist!

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