Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature, 1 splash (about 2 tsp.) vanilla extract (or vanilla paste), and 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal (or ½ tsp. Morton ...

Cream cheese plays a big role in the holiday season. From festive Christmas cheesecakes to lox and bagels on New Year’s Day, we all really appreciate that schmear. A crucial ingredient has been ...

From there, you can build. I like adding a splash of dairy — cream, half-and-half or even buttermilk — to soften the cream cheese and create a silkier texture.

Fluffy and tart-sweet, these swirly cranberry rolls get topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting after they come out of the oven. A tray of 12 makes a cozy breakfast or brunch on cold mornings.