Decadent Holiday Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

Prepare to delight your guests and family this holiday season with an irresistible twist on a classic! These Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a festive celebration in every bite. Combining the tangy richness of cream cheese with the iconic crunch and chocolatey flavor of Oreos, these cookies are exceptionally soft, wonderfully chewy, and truly unforgettable. Get ready to bake a batch of joy that will undoubtedly become a treasured part of your holiday traditions.

For those who simply can’t get enough of Oreo goodness, we have more delightful recipes to explore! Dive into the world of Oreo desserts with our
Easy Oreo Pie, indulge in the decadent
Easy Dreamy Oreo Chocolate Cream Pie, or browse through a fantastic collection of
20 Easy Oreo Desserts For Oreo Lovers! Your sweet tooth will thank you!

Why You’ll Adore These Christmas Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

Christmas is a magical time for creating lasting memories, and what better way to do that than by sharing delicious homemade treats with family and friends? These soft and chewy Oreo cream cheese cookies are designed to bring smiles and warmth to any gathering. They offer a unique combination of textures and flavors that stand out from typical holiday fare.

At its heart, this recipe celebrates four wonderful things that make the holiday season extra special: Holidays, Oreos, Cream Cheese, and classic Cookies! When these beloved elements are combined, they don’t just create a cookie; they create a sensation. The cream cheese lends an unparalleled tenderness and a subtle tang that beautifully balances the sweetness, while the crushed Oreos infuse every bite with their signature chocolate-cream flavor and a satisfying textural contrast. It’s an innovative twist that transforms a simple cookie into something extraordinary.

And for those who can’t resist a spoonful of raw cookie dough, you’re in for a treat! The unbaked dough, rich with cream cheese and speckled with Oreo pieces, is incredibly tempting. While it’s hard to resist, the true reward comes when these delightful balls of dough emerge from the oven, transformed into golden, perfectly baked Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies. Each cookie boasts crispy edges and a wonderfully soft center, offering a taste experience more delicious than you could ever imagine.

These Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies are guaranteed to infuse your dessert table with festive cheer. Their inviting aroma and charming appearance make them perfect for any holiday celebration, from casual family dinners to elegant parties. Don’t delay—start baking a batch (or two!) today and watch them disappear!

The Inspiration Behind Our Festive Cookie Recipe

The journey to perfecting these cream cheese cookies has been a delightful one. The timing for this particular recipe couldn’t have been more serendipitous, coinciding perfectly with our 4th annual Christmas Cookie Recipe Swap. This event is a highlight of the holiday season, a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow bakers and exchange unique recipes. Being a part of this cookie swap for my second year has been a fantastic experience, enriching my holiday baking collection with a bounty of amazing cookie creations.

There’s something universally comforting and joyful about cookies, isn’t there? They truly have a way of sweetening life, especially during the Christmas season when everyone is searching for those special dessert recipes that will bring joy to all. These Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies, with their innovative flavor profile, are precisely the kind of crowd-pleasing treat that perfectly fits that bill, promising to be a hit with everyone who tastes them.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

Crafting these irresistible cookies requires a handful of common pantry staples. The magic happens when these simple ingredients are combined with care and attention. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create your own batch of festive Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies:

• **Softened Cream Cheese:** You’ll need 3 ounces of cream cheese, thoroughly softened to room temperature. This is key for a smooth, lump-free dough and contributes significantly to the cookies’ characteristic soft and tender texture. For an even more pronounced cream cheese flavor, consider using 4 ounces.
• **Salted Butter:** 8 tablespoons (one stick) of salted butter, also softened to room temperature. The butter adds richness and helps create that golden crust. Using salted butter naturally enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.
• **Granulated Sugar:** Approximately ¾ cup is used to sweeten the dough, balancing the tang of the cream cheese and the bitterness of the chocolate Oreos. It also contributes to the desirable crispness around the edges of the cookies.
• **All-Purpose Flour:** The primary dry ingredient, providing the structure for your cookies. You will need 1 cup plus an additional 2 tablespoons to achieve the perfect consistency.
• **Baking Powder:** Half a teaspoon of baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly and ensuring a light, airy crumb rather than a dense one.
• **Oreo Cookies:** About 10-12 Oreo cookies, crushed. Don’t be too meticulous with the crushing; a mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks will add wonderful texture and visual appeal to each cookie.
• **Vanilla Extract:** A tablespoon of pure vanilla extract is essential for adding warmth, depth, and a delightful aromatic quality that complements all the other flavors.
• **Optional: Food Coloring:** For an extra festive touch during the holidays, a few drops of red or green food coloring can be added to the dough. This makes the cookies visually pop and adds to their seasonal charm.

Step-by-Step Guide: Baking Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

Follow these straightforward instructions to create a batch of these holiday-perfect cookies that are sure to impress:

1. **Prepare the Wet Base:** In a large mixing bowl, begin by using an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the softened salted butter to the bowl and continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This ensures a consistent and tender cookie dough.
2. **Combine Sugar and Vanilla:** Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture, beating until it is fully incorporated and the mixture looks visibly light and airy. Next, mix in the vanilla extract until it’s just combined, spreading its delightful aroma throughout the dough.
3. **Infuse Holiday Color (Optional):** If you wish to give your cookies a vibrant holiday hue, gently stir in a couple of drops of your chosen festive food coloring (red or green work wonderfully). Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix on the lowest speed of your electric mixer, or gently fold by hand, until the dry ingredients are just incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher cookies.
5. **Add Oreos and Chill:** Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies using a spatula. Make sure the pieces are evenly distributed. Once folded, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling process is essential; it helps the butter and cream cheese firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading excessively during baking and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. **Preheat Oven and Prep Sheet:** While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even browning.
7. **Scoop and Shape:** Once the dough has chilled, scoop out generous portions, about two tablespoons per cookie. Roll each portion into a smooth, 2-inch ball. Consistency in size helps ensure even baking.
8. **Arrange and Flatten:** Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between each to allow for slight spreading. Gently press down on the top of each ball with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon to slightly flatten them.
9. **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the edges should begin to turn a light golden brown, while the centers will still appear soft and slightly puffy. This indicates they are perfectly baked for a chewy texture.
10. **Cool Completely:** Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to set up without breaking. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delectable Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies!

Storing Your Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies for Freshness

To ensure your Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies remain as fresh and delicious as possible, store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will maintain their quality for up to 5 days. If you wish to enjoy them longer, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Creative Variations for Your Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

While the base recipe for these cookies is absolutely divine, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your batch! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• **Add Extra Goodies:** Elevate the flavor and texture by incorporating other delightful mix-ins into the cookie dough. Consider folding in crunchy candy cane bits for a refreshing minty kick, various chocolate chips (semi-sweet, white chocolate, or milk chocolate) for an added layer of richness, or a medley of colorful holiday sprinkles for a vibrant, festive appearance.
• **Dipping and Decorating:** Once your cookies have cooled completely, transform them into an even more extravagant treat by dipping them into melted dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate, or even almond bark. Before the chocolate sets, you can adorn them with additional crushed Oreo crumbles, more holiday sprinkles, or a delicate dusting of edible glitter. This is an especially fun activity for children, turning baking into a memorable family craft session!
• **Versatile for Any Celebration:** Despite their “Holiday” designation, the irresistible combination of Oreo and cream cheese makes these cookies suitable for any time of year. They are perfect for birthdays, school functions, bake sales, or simply as a special everyday treat. Moreover, these beautifully crafted cookies make excellent homemade gifts, ideal for sharing with neighbors, teachers, and loved ones as a token of appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

Q: Why is chilling the cookie dough so important?

A: Chilling the dough is a critical step that impacts the texture and spread of your cookies. It allows the butter and cream cheese to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they hold their shape better. Chilling also gives the flavors time to meld and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive cookie.

Q: Can I use different types of Oreo cookies?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite Oreo varieties. Golden Oreos would create a lovely vanilla-cream cookie, while mint Oreos would be perfect for a refreshing and festive twist, especially around Christmas. Double Stuf or even flavored Oreos can add unique dimensions. Just make sure to crush them as you would the original ones.

Q: How can I make these cookies even more visually festive?

A: Beyond adding food coloring to the dough, you can roll the raw cookie dough balls in festive red and green sprinkles before baking for an instant pop of color. Once baked and cooled, a simple drizzle of melted white chocolate topped with more sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar can give them a beautiful “snowy” effect, perfect for holiday presentation.

Q: Can I prepare the cookie dough in advance?

A: Yes, this dough is great for making ahead! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it, covered tightly, in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze it, roll the dough into individual balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: My cookies spread too much while baking. What might have gone wrong?

A: Excessive spreading is a common issue and usually occurs for a few reasons. Ensure your butter and cream cheese were softened but not melted or too warm. The most common culprit is insufficient chilling of the dough – always make sure it’s been in the refrigerator for the full recommended hour. Overmixing the flour can also develop too much gluten, which can cause cookies to spread more. Additionally, an oven that isn’t at the correct temperature can affect spread.

If You Love Anything Oreo, You’ve Gotta Try These!

If these Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies have completely won you over with their delightful Oreo goodness, then get ready for more! Here’s a curated list of other fantastic Oreo-inspired desserts that are sure to satisfy your cravings and expand your baking horizons:

• OREO Cheesecake No Bake Bars
• 4 Ingredient Fluffy Oreo Dessert
• Oreo Cookies ‘n’ Creme Dessert
• Easy Microwaveable Oreo Fudge
• Slutty Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies
• Heavenly Oreo Cookie Dream Dessert
• Oreo Dirt Pudding Cake
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo Delight
• Mini Cupcake Golden Oreo Cookie Balls
• Oreos Cookies & Cream Football Dip

Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

By Kim Lange

These delightful Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies are a perfect blend of festive cheer and irresistible flavor. Soft, chewy, and packed with crushed Oreos, they’re an easy-to-make treat for any holiday occasion or cookie swap.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 9-11 mins

Chill Time: 1 hr

Course: Dessert

Servings: 12 Cookies

Keywords: Christmas cookies, cookies, cream cheese, Oreos, holiday baking, festive treats

Ingredients

• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened (use 4 ounces for a stronger cream cheese flavor)
• 8 tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 10-12 Oreo cookies, crushed (with some larger bits for texture)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Food coloring for a festive holiday touch

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then beat in the softened butter.
2. Add the granulated sugar and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
3. If desired, add a couple of drops of holiday-themed food coloring for a festive touch and mix until evenly colored.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop out approximately two tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll it into a 2-inch ball.
8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly press down on each to flatten slightly.
9. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tried this delightful recipe? Share your experience by commenting below!

Acknowledgments: Our Cookie Swap Collaboration

This exquisite Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookie recipe was graciously shared with me by Emily Franceschini from Painting It Purple. A heartfelt thank you to Emily for contributing such a delicious and popular cookie recipe! We also extend immense gratitude to the wonderful **HOSTS of the Christmas Cookie Swap** who make this fantastic annual event possible. Their efforts bring so much joy and culinary inspiration to bakers everywhere. Please take a moment to explore their amazing blogs for more creative recipes and ideas:

• Bread Booze Bacon
• Home. Made. Interest.
• It’s A Keeper
• Our Mini Family
• Cooking on the Front Burner
• Create. Craft. Love.