Cranberry Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles Recipe

Luscious Cranberry Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles Recipe

Warm, buttery cranberry cream cheese snickerdoodles dance between sweet and tangy sensations that will make your taste buds sing.

Soft cookie edges crinkle with delicate cinnamon sugar coating.

Each delightful bite promises a perfect balance of creamy and crisp textures.

Seasonal cranberries add a vibrant burst of unexpected flavor to this classic treat.

Home bakers can easily master this simple yet impressive dessert.

Memories of cozy kitchen moments emerge with every crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth morsel.

Whip up these cookies and watch smiles bloom across eager faces.

Snickerdoodles Stuffed with Cream Cheese and Cranberry Swirl

  • Effortless Baking Adventure: Whip up these delightful cookies with minimal effort, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a stress-free treat.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine the tangy sweetness of cranberries with creamy cream cheese and warm cinnamon, creating a unique twist on the classic snickerdoodle that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these cookies are sure to impress with their irresistible blend of textures and flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate, making it super convenient for last-minute entertaining or satisfying sudden cookie cravings with minimal preparation time.

Red Velvet Tree Cake Must-Haves

Primary Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for cookies.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds tangy softness and moisture.
  • Brown Sugar: Gives deep sweetness and caramel notes.
  • Flour: Essential structure for cookie texture.
  • Dried Cranberries: Adds tart bursts of fruity flavor.
Spices and Leavening:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic cookie seasonings.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle, sweet background flavor.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Sweet coating for cookie exterior.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla extract, then mix thoroughly until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 2: Create Magical Dough

Gently fold in flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Keep mixing until a soft dough forms. Sprinkle in dried cranberries and fold them through the dough.

Step 3: Chill The Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour. This helps develop richer flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each into a round ball, press slightly flat, and generously coat with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 10-11 minutes until edges turn golden.

Step 7: Cool And Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and let them completely cool before devouring.

Snickerdoodle Tips That Pair Cranberry with Cream Cheese

  • Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance the cookie's rich, dense texture during baking.
  • Prevent Cranberry Burning: Chop dried cranberries into smaller pieces to distribute evenly and prevent burning at the cookie's edges.
  • Achieve Perfect Sugar Coating: Roll each cookie generously in cinnamon sugar for a crispy, sweet exterior that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
  • Space Cookies Wisely: Leave enough room between cookies on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and prevent them from merging.
  • Handle with Care: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes after baking to firm up and prevent breaking when transferring to a cooling rack.

Store Cranberry Snickerdoodles Soft and Ready

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate to restore softness and enhance flavor.
  • Reheat cookies at 275°F for 3-5 minutes to revive their original texture and warmth, creating a just-baked experience.

Cranberry Orange Mini Cheesecakes Pairings

  • Pair Creamy Chai Latte: Warm, spiced chai tea complements the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies, creating a cozy flavor harmony that elevates the cranberry cream cheese snickerdoodles.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced cookie, with its creamy texture matching the cream cheese base.
  • Enjoy Mulled Wine: Rich, aromatic mulled wine brings out the warmth of cinnamon and adds a sophisticated adult twist to the sweet and tangy cookie experience.
  • Complement Caramel Mocha: The deep, sweet caramel and coffee notes of a mocha perfectly balance the tartness of cranberries and the richness of cream cheese in these delectable cookies.

Red Velvet Tree Cake Holiday Spins

  • Gluten-Free Cranberry Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan cream cheese, and replace egg with flax egg or applesauce.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour instead of regular flour, swap brown sugar with erythritol, and choose low-carb dried cranberries or omit them.
  • Nut-Infused Cranberry Cookies: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.

FAQs

  • Why use dried cranberries in snickerdoodles?

Dried cranberries add a tangy, sweet burst of flavor and interesting texture to the classic snickerdoodle, making the cookie more complex and exciting.

  • Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

No, fresh cranberries are too wet and will make the dough too soft. Dried cranberries work best for maintaining the cookie’s structure and even distribution of fruit.

  • How do cream cheese and brown sugar affect the cookie's texture?

Cream cheese makes the cookies incredibly soft and tender, while brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.

  • Is refrigerating the dough necessary?

Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading, allows flavors to meld, and makes the dough easier to handle when forming cookies.

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles Recipe

Cranberry Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm cinnamon-spiced Snickerdoodle cookies dance with tangy cream cheese and festive cranberries, creating a holiday treat that delights winter gatherings. Bakers will savor these irresistible morsels that blend classic comfort with seasonal cheer.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating/Decoration Ingredients:

(no additional ingredients in this category from the original list)


Instructions

  1. Cream together softened butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and well-blended base.
  2. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform wet mixture.
  3. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Delicately fold dried cranberries into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
  5. Tightly wrap the dough in plastic film and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to enhance flavor and texture.
  6. Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for non-stick baking.
  7. Create uniform cookie portions by scooping dough and rolling into compact spheres.
  8. Gently flatten each dough ball into a gentle disc shape.
  9. Roll each cookie disc in a cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
  10. Arrange coated cookie discs on prepared baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing between each cookie.
  11. Bake for 10-11 minutes until edges turn golden and centers appear slightly soft.
  12. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set and stabilize.
  13. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to complete cooling and achieve optimal texture.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Measure cranberries carefully to avoid overwhelming the delicate balance of spices and sweetness in the cookie.
  • Consider toasting cranberries briefly before adding to the dough to intensify their flavor and add depth to the overall taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 135
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 98 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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