Making the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This step is essential for ensuring a rich, creamy base for the dough. The butter and cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for easy mixing, so they incorporate well together. Once smooth, gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until the mixture is well combined. The sugar will help to sweeten the dough and create a light texture. Next, beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract will give a subtle, nutty flavor to the cookies, but you can omit it if you prefer a more traditional vanilla flavor.
Incorporating the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt, ensuring an even rise. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies dense. The dough will be soft and sticky, which is normal for this type of cookie.
Folding in the Sprinkles:
Gently fold in ¼ cup of the Christmas sprinkles into the dough. These sprinkles will add a pop of color and a fun, festive touch to the dough. Be gentle while folding to avoid breaking the sprinkles and losing their shape. The sprinkles will add a bit of texture to the cookies and make them extra festive!
Chilling the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm. Chilling the dough is a crucial step, as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. The dough needs to firm up so it can hold its shape and keep that « gooey » center once baked. You can refrigerate the dough overnight if needed, just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Baking the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking. Once the dough has chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. This can be done using a cookie scoop for even portions. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat them evenly. The powdered sugar will create a soft, crackly exterior on the cookies as they bake. Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake and Finish:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. These cookies should have a soft, chewy interior, with a slightly crisp exterior. Once baked, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle with additional Christmas sprinkles while they are still warm. This will ensure that the sprinkles stick to the warm cookies and give them a festive finish.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the cookies set and prevent them from falling apart. Once cooled, enjoy the gooey, rich texture of these Christmas treats.
