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    Home » Dessert Recipes » Cookie Recipes

    Published: Dec 2, 2019 · Modified: Nov 29, 2023 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 48 Comments

    Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies

    Jump to Recipe

    Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies are tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside thanks to the fun and colorful sprinkles.

    Vertical title text collage image of cream cheese sprinkle cookies on a Christmas plate with holly.

    Please enjoy the featured video!

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • Please enjoy the featured video!
    • The ingredient list:
    • Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
    • How these cookies work well throughout the year:
    • Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
    • Can this dough be made in advance and frozen?
    • Can these cookies be frozen after baking, and for how long?
    • Do as I say, not as I do...
    • The easy instructions:
    • Additional Christmas cookie recipes:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Cream Cheese Sprinkles Cookies
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. IT'S FREE!! Thanks, and I can't wait to see you there!!

    If you have time to add these cream cheese sprinkle cookies to your holiday baking list, I highly recommend doing so. They're super simple to make and kids will have fun rolling them in the sprinkles before baking.

    The ingredient list:

    **Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

    • Butter
    • Cream Cheese
    • Confectioners Sugar
    • Flour
    • Salt
    • Pure Vanilla Extract
    • Christmas Sprinkles

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
    • Spatula
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Baking Sheets
    • Parchment Paper
    • Cooling Rack
    • Cookie Scoop (optional)
    • Cookie Boxes for Gifting (optional)

    How these cookies work well throughout the year:

    By swapping out the colors of sprinkles you use, these cookies will work for any and all occasions.

    Multi-colored sprinkles are perfect for birthdays, orange and brown or black go great for Halloween, all green work for St. Patrick's Day, and red, white, and blue are perfect for the 4th of July.

    Get creative, and be colorful throughout a year full of delicious reasons to celebrate!

    Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

    YES!

    Per a kind and thoughtful reader named Sherry, she says she swaps gluten-free flour (cup for cup) in this recipe and it works great each and every time!

    Can this dough be made in advance and frozen?

    YES!

    Wrap the dough well in plastic wrap or an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.

    Thaw the dough completely before rolling and baking.

    Can these cookies be frozen after baking, and for how long?

    YES!

    Store the baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months.

    Do as I say, not as I do...

    *COMPLETE DISCLOSURE HERE* - You'll notice in the featured video that I added the sprinkles to the dough before adding the flour.

    Save this for later.

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

    Email forwarding service for saving information.

    This was a big old NO-NO on my part, but because I was filming the video I decided to go with my mistake and (for the sake of expense) not reshoot the video with all new ingredients.

    My professional food blogger suggestion to you? Add the sprinkles to the dough only AFTER the flour has been incorporated, and then mix the dough GENTLY BY HAND so the sprinkles don't color the dough itself. 😉

    The easy instructions:

    • Cream together the butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer.
    • Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat on low until combined.
    • Add the vanilla, salt, and flour. Beat until just combined.
    • Stir in 3 tablespoons of the sprinkles and gently combine into the dough.
    • Roll the dough into approximately 1" balls, and then into the remaining sprinkles.
    • Place the cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 20-22 minutes.
    • Cool completely!

    Additional Christmas cookie recipes:

    • Santa's Favorite Sugar Cookie (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

    "A seriously delicious rolled sugar cookie recipe that evokes special holiday memories for me and my family each and every year!"

    A vertical closeup photo of red and green sugar cookies with Santa and a coffee mug in the background.
    • Colossal Christmas Cookie Recipe Roundup (pictured below) from all your favorite food bloggers from around the web!

    "Today’s colossal Christmas cookies recipe roundup will keep your house smelling delicious every day of the month… and then some!!"

    Vertical title text collage images of Colossal Christmas Cookie Recipe Roundup.
    • Soft Cinnamon-Sugar Gingerbread Cookies (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen
    A cute holly berry bowl filled with Soft Cinnamon Gingerbread Cookies.
    • Fried Rosette Snowflake Cookies (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

    "Part of the fun of eating a Fried Rosette Snowflake Cookie is the dusting of confectioners' sugar that will inevitably snow down the front of your shirt as you crunch into these crispy little holiday treats. There’s no way around it, so just give in and let it snow!"

    A horizontal photo of a plate of fried rosette cookies on a glass plate with powder sugar, and star napkins.
    • Peppermint Shortbread Cookies (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

    "These Peppermint Shortbread Cookies will be the star of any cookie platter. They’re all dressed up and ready to party!"

    A vertical closeup photo of red and green cookies dipped in chocolate with crushed peppermint candy with fun Santa figures in the background.
    • Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies (pictured below) This is the place!!
    Vertical closeup title text image of cream cheese sprinkle cookies with a Christmas theme.

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    A holly berry plate stacked high with Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies.

    Cream Cheese Sprinkles Cookies

    Renee Goerger
    Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies are super simple to make and kids will have fun rolling them in the sprinkles before baking. Serve them any time of year.
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 22 minutes mins
    Total Time 32 minutes mins
    Course cookies, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 48
    Calories 75 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • hand mixer optional
    • stand mixer optional
    • spatula
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • kitchen scale optional
    • baking sheets
    • parchment paper
    • kitchen timer
    • cooling rack
    • oven gloves

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 sticks butter softened
    • 4 ounces cream cheese
    • 1 cup confectioners sugar
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup sprinkles
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius)
    • Cream the butter and cream cheese together.
    • Slowly add the powdered sugar and blend until combined.
    • Add in the vanilla extract, salt, and the flour on low speed until completely combined.
    • Roll the dough into balls approximately 1½" round and roll each ball into the remaining sprinkles.
    • Place the balls onto parchment lined baking sheets and bake in a preheated oven for 20-22 minutes.
    • Cool and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
    Cookies may be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 71mgPotassium: 14mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 119IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.3mg

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's recipe for Christmas Cream Cheese Sprinkle Cookies as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    A horizontal image of a plate of cream cheese sprinkle cookies on a festive Christmas plate.

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

    FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, KUDOS AMAZON SHOPPING,

    and PINTEREST

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

    Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    Custom Renee Signature

     

    More Cookie Recipes

    • A bunch of Dubai chocolate cookies piled up on a tray.
      Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies with Pistachio and Phyllo
    • A stack of Amaretto Coconut Biscotti on a red and white polka dot plate and the cookies are drizzled with caramel.
      Amaretto Coconut Biscotti Cookies
    • Red and green cherry slices cookies on a pretty holly berry plate.
      Festive Red and Green Cherry Slices
    • A stack of Peanut Butter and Jelly Potato Chip Cookies dusted with confectioners sugar.
      Peanut Butter and Jelly Potato Chip Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      3.93 from 79 votes (66 ratings without comment)

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    1. Phylis says

      December 21, 2023 at 5:39 pm

      These were so delicious but mine flattened out after baking and did not remain round. Any thoughts why?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 22, 2023 at 5:33 pm

        Hello, Phylis.
        They flattened out "after" baking, or "during" baking?
        If they flattened out "after" baking that one stumps me.
        If they flattened out "during" baking, it may be that your oven wasn't preheated long enough causing the cookies to spread.
        I hope you find this helpful.
        Renee

        Reply
    2. Jane says

      December 06, 2023 at 10:02 am

      4 stars
      I love these festive Christmas cookies. My only question would be regarding the sprinkles. In your video, it shows you adding sprinkles to the batter but in the recipe it does not specify the amount of sprinkles to add to the batter.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 06, 2023 at 1:54 pm

        Hello, Jane!
        I'm glad you ask. Actually, within the post I explain that while I was shooting the video (I wear all the hats when it comes to this blog), I accidentally added the sprinkles into the batter, but shouldn't have. It is because of that there is no measurement of sprinkles to add to the batter. The cookie balls only need to be rolled into the sprinkles and not added to the batter. The sprinkles in the batter certainly don't affect the taste of the cookies, but they do tend to give the inside of the cookies a greenish tinge of color. Not horrible, but not what they're supposed to be. Please only use the sprinkles for rolling. You'll need about 1/2 cup of sprinkles, and whatever isn't used can be funneled back into the sprinkle jar. I hope this answers your question, Jane, and I'm sorry that my error caused confusion.
        Fondly,
        Renee

        Reply
    3. Lacey Passer says

      December 14, 2022 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this recipe for years! Everyone loves it! My daughter requested them for her birthday and these are perfect to make for whatever season so we made them in pink and purple! I love that this recipe has become a family staple for Christmas cookies!! (My great aunt even asked me for the recipe!!)

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 15, 2022 at 6:50 am

        Lacey, This makes me SO happy to hear. Thanks a million for leaving your sweet comment,
        and of course, for the 5-star rating! Pink and purple sounds like a marvelous color combo
        for a girls birthday. Kudos to you for mixing it up and serving these cookies for more
        than just Christmas.
        Enjoy your day, and thanks again! 🙂
        Renee

        Reply
    4. Lacey Passer says

      December 14, 2022 at 7:02 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this recipe for years! Everyone loves it! My daughter requested them for her birthday and these are perfect to make for whatever season so we made them in pink and purple! I love that this recipe has become a family staple for Christmas cookies!! (My great aunt even asked me for the recipe!!)

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 15, 2022 at 6:51 am

        Woo Hoo!! Thanks so much for letting me know.
        I appreciate it!
        Have a delicious day,
        Renee

        Reply
    5. Melissa says

      December 13, 2022 at 2:57 pm

      1 star
      I followed the recipe to a “T,” and my cookies were awful! I wouldn’t recommend using this recipe.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 14, 2022 at 6:45 am

        Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy these cookies, Melissa, but without a specific reason I'm afraid I can't fully believe your claim.
        Have a wonderful day and holiday season!
        Renee

        Reply
    6. Tracie says

      December 10, 2021 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      These are SO GOOD! I added just enough mini chocolate chips to give you a surprise bite rather than too many where that's all you tasted. I'm not a huge fan of sprinkles so I used sugar crystal sprinkles instead and that sweet crunch was so yummy. THANK YOU SO MUCH I now have a new family favorite Christmas cookie!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 11, 2021 at 10:00 am

        I'm happy that you adjusted the recipe to fit your tastes, Tracie. This makes me happy.
        Thanks also for the 5-star rating. I appreciate it.
        Take good care,
        Renee

        Reply
    7. Leann says

      December 07, 2019 at 8:45 pm

      Hi, can I use almond flour?

      Reply
    8. Keri says

      December 03, 2019 at 5:52 pm

      Mine burned on the bottom....Baked 20 minutes at 350...Any ideas as to why? Do the sprinkles cause them to burn on the bottom ?

      Reply
    9. Ashley F says

      December 02, 2019 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      These are perfect baking after they were frozen! Such a great tip!

      Reply
    10. Sandi says

      December 02, 2019 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      I grew up eating sprinkle cookies like this. I can't wait to try these for my family.

      Reply
    11. Sherry Brumit says

      December 01, 2019 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      I have made these cookies with a cup for cup gluten free flour and they have worked great every time.

      Reply
    12. Helen says

      November 24, 2019 at 1:07 pm

      Hi, l made this cookies, and baked them for 22 mins, l found out that still look raw in the middle ,My Stove was set at the correct temperature, what went wrong.

      Reply
    13. charlotte says

      November 17, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      Do you freeze after baking or before? Thank you, great recipe!

      Reply
    14. Tina says

      December 19, 2018 at 12:54 pm

      I put the sprinkles in them and the die from them bleed into the Dough ?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 19, 2018 at 3:40 pm

        That happens a little with mine, too. Try not to mix them so much. I'm sure that's the problem. I'll mention that in the recipe. Sorry I didn't have that in sooner.

        Reply
    15. Angela says

      December 17, 2018 at 12:03 pm

      4 stars
      For all you gluten free bakers out there, I would not recommend this recipe. I use a cup for cup flour and it was still very dry. If you use less flour it does not maintain shape. I really wanted this recipe to work, but as most cream cheese cookie recipes, it did not. Shame, they smelled and looked wonderful and I am sure they are fantastic with regular flour.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 17, 2018 at 12:18 pm

        Dear Angela!
        I never claimed these to be a gluten-free cookie. I applaud your efforts in trying to make them gluten-free even though your efforts were unsuccessful.
        That said, you are correct in having said they would be fantastic when made (as written) with regular flour. 5 stars is the appropriate rating for this cookie when made as instructed, not 4 when not followed.
        Have a wonderful day and Happy Holidays!
        Renee

        Reply
    16. Toni says

      December 13, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great holiday treat!! A sure hit for Christmas!

      Reply
    17. Melissa says

      December 04, 2018 at 7:20 am

      What is the best way to store these? Want to make these as part of my Christmas cookies this year!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 04, 2018 at 8:14 am

        Great question! Please store them in an airtight container. You can even freeze them for up to 2 months.
        Enjoy, Melissa!

        Reply
    18. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

      November 22, 2018 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      I love anything with cream cheese and can't wait to make these.
      Thank you so much for reading Decor To Adore and for your heartwarming comment.
      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        November 22, 2018 at 10:29 am

        And the same goes back to you! Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    19. Britni says

      November 16, 2018 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      These look amazing and fun for the kids to help make.

      Reply
    20. Aimee Shugarman says

      November 16, 2018 at 7:46 am

      5 stars
      These are so festive and pretty on my holiday plate!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        November 16, 2018 at 9:05 am

        I think so too. Enjoy and happy baking!

        Reply
    21. Kara Jaeger says

      December 12, 2016 at 2:56 pm

      Hi there! These look so yummy! Have you ever added chocolate chips to the dough?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 12, 2016 at 3:36 pm

        Not yet, but I will now. Lol. I suggest you use the mini chips due to the size of the cookies! Great idea! Thanks!
        Renee

        Reply
    22. Nancy Lovick says

      December 11, 2016 at 11:57 am

      These look amazing can you freeze them?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 11, 2016 at 1:07 pm

        Yes! Freeze away! Wrap them well and they'll keep for 2-3 months.
        You can also use this same recipe for other holidays. Use green sprinkles for St. Patty's Day, red and blue for Memorial Day and the 4th of July, Red for Valentines Day...you get the gist. Thanks for the question, Nancy!
        Thanks for being a reader of my blog!
        Enjoy your day!
        Renee

        Reply
      • Renée says

        November 15, 2018 at 6:51 pm

        They freeze great! Wrap them well and they'll be good for months!

        Reply
    23. Judy Uhl says

      December 10, 2016 at 7:01 am

      Salted butter? Do you chill the dough? Thanks

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 10, 2016 at 8:52 am

        Hello Judy,
        Thanks for the questions.
        Yes, I always use salted butter. For everything! I know it goes against the norm, but the trace amounts of salt found in butter will not make baked goods (or any other items) too salty. Of course you can still opt to use unsalted butter, but there is really no need. To be honest, most people don't add enough salt to their baked goods anyway, so a tine bit more will only enhance the flavors of your sweets. And no, no need to chill the dough. Chilling the dough will make it harder for the sprinkles to stick.
        Hope all this helps.
        Thanks again,
        Renee

        Reply
      • Renée says

        November 15, 2018 at 6:52 pm

        I always use salted butter for baking. I don't ever find my baked goods too salty. No need to chill the dough.
        Great questions. Thanks, Judy!

        Reply
    24. Debbie Caraballo says

      December 05, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      I hate to be a party pooper, but I'm totally not a sprinkles gal....so my question is- could you roll these in colored sugar or nuts? thanks in advance!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 05, 2016 at 3:24 pm

        Yes. You can roll them in whatever you like. There are no rules when it comes to these cookies. Just have fun!
        Renee

        Reply
    25. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

      January 04, 2016 at 2:37 pm

      There can never be too many sprinkles in my life. These look GREAT!

      Reply
    26. Andi @ The Weary Chef says

      December 25, 2015 at 2:15 pm

      I love how festive these cookies are! The colors and flavors are just so perfect for Christmas!

      Reply
    27. Kimberly Killebrew says

      December 25, 2015 at 4:13 am

      What a great idea, these sound perfect!

      Reply
    28. Megan Keno says

      December 25, 2015 at 1:46 am

      So festive and I love that they are made with cream cheese, because thats my favorite!

      Reply
    29. bgall says

      December 24, 2015 at 6:23 pm

      These are so awesome! Christmas perfection!

      Reply
    30. Gerry @Foodness Gracious says

      December 24, 2015 at 5:36 pm

      Yummy treats are perfect!!

      Reply
    31. Amy says

      December 23, 2015 at 2:15 pm

      So festive, I love it.

      Reply

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