There is a specific rhythm to holiday baking that starts with the rhythmic click of a cookie press. I remember watching the dough adhere to the baking sheet in perfect little distinct shapes, like magic garden flowers appearing on metal. It brings back memories of a warm kitchen and the scent of real vanilla and butter in the air.
These cream cheese spritz cookies add a lovely tang and tenderness that sets them apart from standard butter cookies. By using fresh cream cheese in the dough, we create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is sturdy enough to press but soft enough to savor. They are a beautiful canvas for natural colors and simple chocolate dips.
Wholesome and Tender
You will love how the addition of cream cheese transforms a simple dough into something rich and velvety. These cookies hold their shape beautifully in the oven, making them perfect for showcasing intricate designs from your press.
We love dipping them in real white or dark chocolate and adding a touch of natural sprinkles. They feel abundant and festive without being overly complicated, bringing a touch of farmhouse charm to any cookie platter.
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Cream Cheese Spritz
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These elegant cream cheese spritz cookies offer a delightful tang and a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday platters, they hold intricate shapes beautifully and pair wonderfully with a simple chocolate dip.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces white or dark chocolate, for dipping
- Natural sprinkles or food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and cohesive.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just blended without overworking the dough.
- Divide and color the dough if desired, then load it into a cookie press and press shapes onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set and just barely golden on the edges.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, transfer to a wire rack, and once fully cooled, dip in melted chocolate and decorate.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your baking sheets are completely cool and ungreased before pressing the dough, as the friction helps the cookies release from the press. If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it for 5-10 minutes to restore its workable consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Fresh Ingredients for Natural Flavor
To get that tender crumb, quality ingredients are key. Here is what you need to gather:
- Butter: Use softened, unsalted butter so you can control the salt content. It provides the classic base.
- Cream Cheese: The star ingredient. It adds moisture, richness, and a subtle tang. Make sure it is fully softened.
- Sugar: Standard granulated sugar gives these the right amount of sweetness and crisp edges.
- Egg Yolk: Adds richness and binds the dough without adding too much liquid.
- Vanilla Extract: Use real vanilla for the best aromatic flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best here for structure.
- Natural Decoration: We use white and dark chocolate for dipping. If coloring the dough, consider natural options or a high-quality gel.
The Natural Process
Step 1: Cream the Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This aeration is crucial for a light cookie.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and the mixture looks creamy and cohesive.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Add the all-purpose flour gradually. Mix until just blended. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Color and Press
Divide the dough if you plan to use colors. Add your natural coloring to one half. Shape a portion of the dough into a log and load your cookie press. Press the cookies directly onto ungreased baking sheets about 1 inch apart. The dough needs to stick to the pan to release from the press.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes. You want them set and just barely turning light golden on the edges. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Melt your chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Dip the cooled cookies halfway and sprinkle with your favorite toppings before the chocolate sets.
Christine’s Tips for Success
Temperature matters immensely with spritz cookies. If your dough becomes too soft, it might not hold its shape; if it is too cold, it won’t press. I find that using a cold baking sheet for each batch helps the dough stick and release from the press properly.
Also, do not use parchment paper for the baking step—the dough needs the friction of the metal pan to anchor itself. If you enjoy the texture of these, you might also appreciate our butter spritz cookies, which focus purely on that buttery crispness without the cream cheese tang.
Seasonal Swaps and Natural Colors
While these are classic for winter holidays, you can adapt them for any season using natural fruit powders or botanicals. Matcha powder makes a lovely earthy green, while beet powder offers a soft pink hue without artificial dyes.
For a different flavor profile, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla. If you are looking for more holiday inspiration to pair with these, try swapping them into your rotation alongside our Italian Christmas cookies for a varied and colorful platter.
Natural Presentation
These cookies look stunning when arranged on a simple ceramic platter or a rustic wooden board. The chocolate-dipped ends add a touch of elegance that needs little else.
Serve them with hot coffee or a fresh herbal tea to cut through the richness. They look beautiful nestled next to dipped shortbread, creating a spread of textures and buttery flavors that guests will love.
Baking Memories
These cream cheese spritz cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a connection to the kitchens of the past. The addition of cream cheese makes them uniquely tender and flavorful. If you have leftover cream cheese from this recipe, you might be inspired to try our keto sugar-free cheesecake next.
We would love to see your beautiful creations! Share your photos with us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
