Transform your holiday dessert spread with this irresistibly creamy Christmas Cookie Dip that captures all the joy and sweetness of the season. Drawing inspiration from classic cream cheese frosting while maintaining a perfectly dippable consistency, this crowd-pleasing treat has become a staple at my holiday gatherings. The beauty lies in its simplicity – a few quality ingredients come together to create a showstopping dessert that’s perfect for parties.
Why This Cookie Dip Works
This no-bake dessert dip combines the rich, tangy notes of cream cheese with sweet vanilla and butter to create a frosting-like consistency that’s sturdy enough for dipping yet perfectly creamy. The addition of colorful sprinkles transforms it into a festive centerpiece that captures the whimsy of the holiday season.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup holiday nonpareil sprinkles, plus extra for garnish
For Serving:
- Graham crackers
- Butter cookies
- Vanilla wafers
- Pretzels
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, apple slices)
Detailed Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Begin with properly softened ingredients. Let the cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for 1 hour before starting. This ensures a smooth, lump-free dip.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed after each addition to prevent a sugary cloud. Once all sugar is incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat for an additional minute.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Adding Festive Touches
- Gently fold in most of the sprinkles, reserving some for the top. The warmth from the mixture may cause some sprinkles to bleed color – this creates a lovely marbled effect.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula. Create decorative swirls if desired.
- Garnish generously with remaining sprinkles just before serving.
Optional Color Variations
For a more dramatic presentation:
- Divide the mixture into portions
- Tint each portion with food coloring
- Layer or swirl the colors together in the serving bowl
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange graham crackers, cookies, or pretzels in a circle around the dip
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve
- If refrigerated, let stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal dipping consistency
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Pro Tips for Success
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor
- Sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps
- Add sprinkles just before serving to maintain their crunch
- Keep dippers bite-sized for easy serving
- Consider serving in individual portions for parties
Nutrition Information
Per 2 tablespoon serving (without dippers):
- Calories: 165
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 58mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
This Christmas Cookie Dip is more than just a dessert – it’s an interactive treat that brings people together. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or casual family gatherings, it’s a versatile dish that pleases both children and adults alike. The combination of smooth, creamy texture and festive appearance makes it an instant centerpiece at any holiday dessert table.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and add sprinkles just before serving. The flavors actually improve after the ingredients have had time to meld together.
