The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to indulge in the warmth and coziness it brings. There’s no better way to do that than by baking some delicious, heartwarming treats. One of my absolute favorite Christmas cookies is the Pecan Cream Cheese Christmas Cookie. These little gems are a perfect blend of nutty goodness and creaminess, making them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a detailed recipe for these cookies, share some variations to cater to different tastes, and provide you with some handy tips to make your baking experience a breeze.
INGREDIENTS
Let’s start with the ingredients you’ll need to make these delectable Pecan Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to make these heavenly cookies:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and blend it into the mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time will make the dough easier to work with.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling by mixing the finely chopped pecans, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set it aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle.
- Sprinkle half of the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log, similar to a jelly roll.
- Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat the process with the second disc of dough and the remaining filling.
VARIATION
One of the great things about Pecan Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies is their versatility. Here are a couple of fun variations you can try to cater to different tastes:
Chocolate Drizzle:
After the cookies have cooled, melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies. You can also sprinkle some crushed pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
Fruity Twist:
For a fruity twist, you can add a layer of raspberry or apricot jam on top of the filling before rolling the dough. This will add a burst of fruity goodness to your cookies.
TIPS
Baking is a joy, but it can be a bit tricky at times. Here are some tips to ensure your Pecan Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies turn out perfect every time:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before starting. This will help you achieve a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Chilling the dough is crucial. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps them maintain their shape.
- Don’t overstuff your cookies with filling. A light and even layer is all you need to add that delightful pecan flavor.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. You want the cookies to be slightly golden but not overly browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
In conclusion, Pecan Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. These cookies are a blend of creamy goodness and nutty flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you enjoy them as a family tradition or share them as gifts with loved ones, they are sure to bring warmth and happiness to your holiday season.
So, don your favorite holiday apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to create some magical moments in the kitchen. These cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds but a symbol of the love and care you put into making the holidays special. Enjoy every bite, and Merry Christmas!
