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Best Easy Christmas Tree Cake Dip with Sugar Cookie Dippers

Best Easy Christmas Tree Cake Dip with Sugar Cookie Dippers - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake dessert dip that looks like Christmas in a bowl. Creamy white chocolate and cherry dip surrounded by festive sugar cookie trees, perfect for holiday parties and cookie exchanges.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
  • Green food coloring (optional)
  • 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
  • 1/4 cup green sanding sugar or sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup white frosting

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time on low speed. Once incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and green food coloring (if using) on low until combined.
  4. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Let cool for 1 minute, then gently fold into the dip with a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.
  5. Pat chopped maraschino cherries dry with paper towels, then gently fold them into the dip until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Transfer dip to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges are just barely golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If desired, brush tops with white frosting and sprinkle with green sanding sugar while still warm.
  9. Arrange sugar cookie dippers around the bowl of chilled dip on a festive platter. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until party time.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese and butter are truly softened (not melted) for best texture. Let melted white chocolate cool before folding in to prevent runny dip. Pat cherries very dry to avoid watery dip. Underbake cookies slightly for better dipping. Dip can be made up to 2 days ahead; flavor improves after a day. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, and dairy-free white chocolate chips. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free white chocolate chips and gluten-free sugar cookie dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas dip, cake dip, sugar cookie dippers, holiday dessert, no-bake dessert, cream cheese dip, white chocolate cherry dip