## Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies

Ingredients and Weight:

• Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces (227 grams)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (227 grams)
• Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300 grams)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters)
• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (281 grams)
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (5 grams)
• Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams)
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams)
• Red and green sprinkles, for decoration (optional)

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 10-12 minutes per batch

Difficulty Level:

• 1 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the sugar gradually, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart.
8. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
9. Sprinkle with red and green sprinkles, if desired.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
11. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories per cookie (1 cookie): 150
• Fat: 8 grams
• Saturated fat: 5 grams
• Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
• Sodium: 100 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and chewy
• Sweet and buttery
• Festive Christmas colors and flavors

User Comments:

• "These cookies are so delicious and easy to make! I love the cream cheese and butter flavor."
• "The crisscross pattern on top is a nice touch and makes the cookies look special."
• "These are a great Christmas cookie to make with kids. They're easy to make and everyone loves them."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Do not overmix the dough, as this will make the cookies tough.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them, as the frosting will melt on warm cookies.