Cream Cheese Sticks
Cream Cheese Sticks are flaky, buttery pastries filled with sugar and nuts, perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings with a delightful sweet crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut butter and cream cheese into flour as for pie crust.
- Add evaporated milk and knead dough for 2 minutes with an electric beater or 4 minutes by hand.
- Refrigerate dough overnight.
- Using one-quarter of the dough at a time, roll on a floured board to the thickness of a pie crust.
- Brush on evaporated milk; sprinkle with sugar and finely chopped nuts.
- Cut into strips 2 inches long by 1 inch wide using a pastry cutter or sharp knife.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for about 12 minutes.
- Immediately remove sticks to cooling racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier texture, ensure your butter and cream cheese are very cold before cutting them into the flour. If you want to reduce calories, consider using light cream cheese. You can also swap out the nuts for seeds if you have nut allergies, or omit them entirely for a simpler flavor. For an extra touch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cream cheese sticks make a delightful snack or appetizer and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them alongside a fruit platter or a dip like honey or chocolate sauce for a sweet contrast. They are a great addition to a dessert table, especially when featured with other treats such as Petite Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cream cheese sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Sticks contains roughly 257 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly, so adjust the sugar accordingly if you use a sweeter cheese.
How can I make the dough easier to roll out?
If the dough is too sticky, try dusting both your work surface and the rolling pin with additional flour. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dough for an additional 30 minutes to make it firmer and easier to handle.
What can I serve with cream cheese sticks?
Cream cheese sticks are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Consider pairing them with fresh fruits, a sweet dipping sauce, or even a savory spread. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside items like Double Bran Gem Muffins.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).