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Want an adorable Christmas treat that'll wow your guests? These cute Strawberry Santas bring instant smiles with their charming looks. I'm obsessed with how easily these festive nibbles come together using just fresh berries and a smooth cheesecake mixture. The coolest thing? You'll need only four ingredients and 15 minutes. Your friends won't believe you made them yourself.
The Charm Of These Tiny Santas
My kids can't get enough of these Strawberry Santas during the holidays. They're actually somewhat healthy at under 50 calories each. The rich filling isn't too sweet, and my little ones love getting their hands messy helping me put them together. We've made this our yearly Christmas activity, and I melt watching them proudly show off their berry creations.
Items You'll Grab From Your Pantry
- Strawberries: Find 12 large, ripe ones with similar shapes. Rinse them well and dry them completely.
- Whipped Cream Cheese: You'll want one 8 ounce container. Both regular and reduced-fat versions work wonderfully.
- Powdered Sugar: Just 2 tablespoons gives the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A single teaspoon adds that perfect flavor boost.
- Decorations: Black and red frosting tubes for facial features, or try mini chocolate chips or small raisins instead.
How To Make Strawberry Santas
- Prep Your Berries
- First wash your strawberries thoroughly. Slice off the green stems so they'll stand properly then cut each berry into three sections creating the base middle and hat.
- Create The Filling
- Take your mixing bowl and beat together the cream cheese sugar and vanilla until it's completely smooth. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Assemble Your Tiny Santas
- Set down the bottom piece pipe some filling add the middle section and cap with the pointy end. Finish with a small dollop for Santa's pom-pom then dot on those cute little faces.
Try These Fun Variations
You can swap in slices of banana for a different flavor or try using ricotta for something unexpected. My sister always makes hers with thick Greek yogurt and when my vegan buddies visit I use plant-based cream cheese instead. Don't stop with the standard decorations either - tiny candy pieces colored sugar or even berries make great facial features.
Handy Hints For Success
These sweet treats don't hang around well so I always put them together just before company arrives. Any leftovers will stay decent in your fridge for a day or two in an airtight container though they might lose some firmness. Don't even think about using frozen berries here - fresh ones are absolutely necessary.
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Delightful Holiday Showstoppers
Trust me, these Strawberry Santas will become the star attraction at your Christmas gathering. They're not just light and tasty - they're downright adorable. Everyone's face lights up when they spot them on the dessert table. They've got that perfect mix of fun and festivity that captures the Christmas spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long do strawberry Santas stay fresh?
Strawberry Santas stay fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best to serve them the same day you make them for the freshest taste and best appearance.
- → Can I make these ahead for a party?
You can prepare these treats a few hours before your party. Store them in the fridge until ready to serve, but avoid making them more than a day in advance as strawberries can get soggy.
- → What if my strawberries are too small?
Look for large, firm strawberries at the store. If you only have small ones, adjust the amount of filling and make mini Santas - they'll be just as cute but bite-sized.
- → Why is my cream cheese filling too runny?
Make sure to use cold cream cheese and don't over-mix it. If the filling seems too soft, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before piping onto the strawberries.
- → Can I use different decorations for the face?
Yes, you can use mini chocolate chips for eyes or different colored icing. Some people use sesame seeds for eyes or even tiny candy decorations.