Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into a world of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness? Today, we're talking about spritz cookies with cream cheese! These little gems are a holiday classic, and for good reason. They're super easy to make, incredibly delicious, and can be customized in a million different ways. Plus, the addition of cream cheese takes them to a whole new level of flavor and tenderness. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to spread some holiday cheer (or, you know, just satisfy a sweet craving!). Spritz cookies are so popular, especially during the holidays, but they're honestly amazing any time of year. Let's get baking and create some magic in the kitchen! This recipe is a keeper. Keep reading and I'll walk you through everything, so you can make these spritz cookies with cream cheese like a pro. These are some of the best cookies ever!

Why Cream Cheese Makes the Difference

Okay, so why cream cheese? What makes it so special in a spritz cookie recipe? Well, the simple answer is: everything! Cream cheese adds a subtle tang, a richer flavor, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that takes these cookies from good to absolutely amazing. Think of it this way: traditional spritz cookies are already fantastic, with their delicate texture and buttery flavor. But adding cream cheese brings a layer of complexity that elevates the entire experience. The cream cheese also contributes to a slightly softer cookie, which I personally love. It's a game-changer, trust me. We are going to go over the spritz cookies with cream cheese recipe that everyone will enjoy. Not only are they delicious, but they look great. You can use any shape you like to make them look festive and fun. Spritz cookies are not just for the holidays anymore.

The Science Behind the Softness

Let's get a little science-y for a second, shall we? The fat content in cream cheese plays a key role in the cookie's texture. It contributes to a tender crumb and prevents the cookies from becoming overly crisp. Plus, the water content in cream cheese helps keep the cookies moist, so they don't dry out in the oven. The result? A perfectly balanced cookie that's both delicate and satisfying. We are going to make some delicious cream cheese spritz cookies. These cookies are so good that you will want to eat them all the time. But don't worry, we are going to make a lot of them! These cookies can last a while if you store them properly. I hope you're excited to start this recipe, because I sure am. Get ready to have a blast with spritz cookies with cream cheese. You will enjoy every minute of making them. Plus, you get to eat them when they are done. Winning!

Ingredients You'll Need for the Best Spritz Cookies

Alright, let's gather our ingredients! The beauty of this spritz cookies with cream cheese recipe is that it doesn't require a ton of fancy ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your pantry! Here's what you'll need:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Make sure it's softened to room temperature for the best results. This allows it to incorporate smoothly into the dough and create that perfect texture.
• Butter: Unsalted butter, also softened to room temperature. This provides richness and flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe. It adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's structure.
• Egg: One large egg, also at room temperature, will help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: For that classic vanilla flavor that everyone loves. Don't skimp on this one!
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cookies. Make sure you measure it correctly (more on that later!).
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.

Pro-Tips for Ingredient Success

• Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: This is crucial! If your butter and cream cheese aren't soft enough, you'll end up with a lumpy dough. Trust me, it's worth the wait. You can soften butter quickly in the microwave. Just be careful not to melt it! For cream cheese, I usually take it out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Over-measuring flour is a common mistake that can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. The best way to measure flour is to spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. Or, even better, use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. This is especially important for the vanilla extract. A good quality extract will make a big difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Spritz Cookies

Now for the fun part: baking! Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to a batch of perfect spritz cookies with cream cheese.

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but you can also use a hand mixer or even a whisk (though it will take a little more elbow grease!).
2. Add the Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and incorporated. Don't worry if it looks a little curdled at first; it will come together.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. You want a soft, pliable dough.
5. Chill the Dough (Optional): This step is optional, but I highly recommend it, especially if your kitchen is warm. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator will help it hold its shape when you pipe it.
6. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is a must-have for spritz cookies! It prevents them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
7. Pipe the Cookies: This is where the fun begins! Fill your cookie press with the dough and choose your favorite disk shape. Press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. If you don't have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into balls and flatten them with a fork.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly.

Troubleshooting Tips for Piping Success

• Dough Consistency: If the dough is too dry, it won't pipe well. Add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches a pipeable consistency. If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
• Cookie Press: Make sure your cookie press is clean and well-greased. This will help the dough slide through smoothly. Some cookie presses also require a bit of pressure to get the cookies to come out properly. Practice a few times to get the hang of it!
• Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so it's essential to keep an eye on your cookies while they're baking. If they're browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly.

Decorating and Customizing Your Spritz Cookies

Once your spritz cookies with cream cheese are cooled, the fun doesn't have to stop! You can get creative with decorating and customizing them to your heart's content. Here are a few ideas:

• Glaze: Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice. Drizzle it over the cookies and let it set.
• Sprinkles: Add sprinkles before baking or while the glaze is still wet. This is a great way to add color and festivity.
• Chocolate: Dip the cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over them. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the cookies before baking or after the glaze has set.
• Food Coloring: Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough before piping. This is a fun way to make your cookies even more colorful.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Almond: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty, delicious flavor. You can also add chopped almonds to the dough.
• Chocolate: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate spritz cookies.
• Peppermint: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive holiday treat.

Storing Your Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your spritz cookies with cream cheese fresh and delicious. Here's how to do it:

• Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before storing them. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them stay fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: Spritz cookies freeze beautifully! Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness

• Layering: If you're stacking the cookies in the container, place a layer of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
• Avoid Humidity: Keep the cookies away from moisture and humidity, as this can make them soft.
• Enjoy! Seriously, these cookies are so good, they probably won't last long anyway! But if you do have leftovers, follow these tips to make them last. That's the best way to enjoy your spritz cookies with cream cheese.

Conclusion: Get Baking!

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to making the most amazing spritz cookies with cream cheese. I hope you're as excited about these cookies as I am. They are so much fun to make, and they will taste even better. This recipe is a must-try. These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect. This recipe is perfect for any occasion. They're sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and get ready to create some deliciousness. Happy baking, and enjoy those amazing cookies!

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe, and what your favorite customization is! I can't wait to see your creations!