Cream cheese snowball cookies are a delightful treat that combine the rich flavor of cream cheese with the softness of cookie dough. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, making them a popular choice during holiday gatherings or as an after-school snack.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk (adjust if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
#### Detailed Steps:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
1. **Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add in the powdered sugar. Mix well to ensure no lumps remain.
3. **Incorporate Milk and Vanilla Extract:** Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract once all the milk is incorporated.
**Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients**
1. **Mix in Flour and Salt:** Slowly add in flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the cookies tough.
**Step 3: Chill the Dough**
1. **Form into a Ball:** Once all ingredients are mixed, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it for at least an hour or overnight for best results.
**Step 4: Shape Cookies**
1. **Roll Dough into Balls:** Divide chilled dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. **Refrigerate Again:** Chill the shaped cookies for another 30 minutes before baking to ensure they hold their shape better during cooking.
**Step 5: Bake**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. **Bake Cookies:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until golden around the edges.
**Step 6: Cool**
1. **Cool on Baking Sheets:** Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to fully cool.
#### Tips:
- For an extra-rich flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
- To avoid overworking the dough, handle it as little as possible after adding flour.
- Adjust the milk if your dough is too dry or wet; start with less and add more as needed.
#### Conclusion:
These Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies are a simple yet impressive treat. Perfect for sharing during festive seasons or any casual gathering, they’re sure to be a hit! Experiment with different flavors by adding a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or using lemon zest for a zesty flavor.
By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create delicious cream cheese snowball cookies that will delight everyone who tries them. Happy baking!