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Lighter Christmas Tree Cake Dip with Easy Sugar Cookie Dippers

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A lighter, creamy dip that captures the nostalgic taste of frosted holiday snack cakes, made with a secret swap of Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese. Paired with easy sugar cookie dippers, it’s a festive, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Green food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for rolling)
  • 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles (optional, for pressing into dough)

Instructions

  1. Make the sugar cookie dippers first. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Unwrap the refrigerated sugar cookie dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds, then cut each round into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. If desired, roll sticks in granulated sugar and press a few sprinkles on top. Place about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just bar…
  2. While cookies bake, make the dip. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened reduced-fat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add Greek yogurt and beat until fully combined.
  3. Add marshmallow fluff, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat on low speed at first, then increase to medium and beat for another 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk; if too thin, chill for 10 minutes.
  4. Add green food coloring, starting with 2-3 drops of gel. Beat until color is evenly distributed. Fold in 2 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Transfer dip to a serving platter or shallow bowl. Using an offset spatula or back of a spoon, shape dip into a Christmas tree cone—wider at the bottom, tapering to a point at the top. Sprinkle remaining rainbow sprinkles over the top, pressing gently into the dip. Optionally add a star-shaped sprinkle or pretzel stick at the top.
  6. Cover platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. When ready to serve, arrange cooled sugar cookie dippers around the base of the tree, sticking them into the dip slightly. Serve immediately with extra dippers on the side.

Notes

Soften cream cheese properly to avoid lumps. Don’t overmix after adding sprinkles to prevent color bleeding. Chill dip thoroughly for at least 30 minutes to set. Watch cookie dippers closely as they can burn quickly. Taste dip before adding sprinkles and adjust sweetness or extract as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas tree cake dip, lighter dip, sugar cookie dippers, holiday dip, Greek yogurt dip, festive dessert, easy holiday recipe

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/lighter-christmas-tree-cake-dip-with-easy-sugar-cookie-dippers/