Christmas Cheesecake Snickerdoodles

Name: Christmas Cheesecake Snickerdoodles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar; 1/4 tsp salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Isabella

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The holiday season is a time for festive flavors and delightful treats, and these Christmas Cheesecake Snickerdoodles perfectly capture that spirit. With a creamy cheesecake filling enveloped in a soft, cinnamon-sugar-coated cookie, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, these snickerdoodles are the perfect choice.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

1/4 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp powdered sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Chill the mixture in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm it up.

Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Assemble the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and place a small ball of cheesecake filling (about 1/2 teaspoon) in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball.

Coat the Cookies:

Roll each filled cookie dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake:

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Tips:

Presentation: Arrange the cooled cookies on a festive platter or tiered stand. Consider adding holiday-themed decorations like sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks for a charming touch.

Pairings: Serve these snickerdoodles with a warm beverage such as hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or coffee to complement their flavors.

Serving Temperature: While they are delicious at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in the microwave (for about 5-10 seconds) just before serving for a gooey, melty cheesecake filling.

Garnishing: Dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with a white chocolate ganache for a festive finish.

Cookie Platter: Create a cookie platter with a variety of holiday cookies, including traditional favorites like gingerbread and sugar cookies, to offer guests a delightful selection.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will help maintain their softness and freshness.

Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want to extend their freshness, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They can last in the fridge for about two weeks.

Freezing: For longer storage, these cookies freeze well:

Before Baking: You can freeze the assembled cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

After Baking: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reviving Softness: If the cookies become slightly hard after storage, you can place a slice of bread in the container with them for a few hours. The moisture from the bread will help soften the cookies.

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FAQs:

Can I make the cheesecake filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance. Mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow the filling to come to room temperature for easier handling.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make Christmas Cheesecake Snickerdoodles gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, including the baking soda and cream of tartar, are gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well! You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the filled dough balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. If freezing after baking, allow the cookies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to three months.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?

If you want to substitute cream cheese in the filling, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as alternatives. Mascarpone will give a similar creamy texture and flavor, while Greek yogurt will create a tangier filling. Just ensure that any substitutes are well-mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to achieve a smooth consistency.

Conclusion:

These Christmas Cheesecake Snickerdoodles are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their creamy filling and festive flavor, they are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Make a batch (or two) this holiday season, and watch them disappear faster than you can bake them! Happy baking, and enjoy the festive cheer!