Festive Strawberry Santas

This festive strawberry treat transforms ordinary berries into adorable little Santas perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of juicy strawberries with sweetened cream cheese creates a delightful dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

I first made these Strawberry Santas for my daughter's school Christmas party and they were such a hit that they've become our signature holiday tradition. The children's faces light up just as brightly as these little edible Santas.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: Choose large firm berries with vibrant color for the best presentation
• Whipped cream cheese: Creates a smooth creamy filling that pipes beautifully and holds its shape
• Powdered sugar: Adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the natural berry flavor
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese with warm aromatic notes
• Decorative icing: The small tubes of red and black icing make creating Santa faces quick and easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the strawberries:

Wash the berries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Carefully cut each strawberry into three pieces first removing the stem to create a flat base then cutting horizontally about two thirds up to separate the hat from the body.

Mix the filling:

Combine cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Beat until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps. The consistency should be firm enough to hold its shape when piped.

Fill the piping bag:

Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. If you dont have a piping bag a zip top bag with the corner snipped works in a pinch.

Assemble the base:

Place the bottom portion of each strawberry flat side down on your serving plate. Pipe a generous mound of the cream cheese mixture on top creating a rounded dome that will serve as Santas face and beard.

Add the hat:

Gently place the pointed strawberry tip on top of the cream cheese to form Santas hat. Add a small dot of cream cheese to the very tip of the hat for the pompom.

Create the face:

Using the black decorative icing add two tiny dots for eyes. With the red icing you can add a small nose if desired. Work carefully as the icing can be difficult to remove if you make a mistake.

Save

The first time I made these my four year old insisted we leave some for Santa on Christmas Eve. When we found them gone the next morning with just a tiny bit of cream cheese in Santas beard her belief in holiday magic was absolutely cemented.

Storage Tips

While best enjoyed immediately Strawberry Santas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container. The berries will release moisture over time which may cause the cream cheese filling to soften so enjoy them as fresh as possible.

Make Ahead Options

If youre planning for a party prep components separately. Wash and cut strawberries up to 8 hours ahead storing them covered in the refrigerator. The cream cheese filling can be made a day in advance and kept in the piping bag in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these cute Santas on a platter with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green color. They pair beautifully with hot chocolate for children or champagne for adults at holiday gatherings. Consider serving them alongside other red and white treats like meringue cookies or white chocolate covered pretzels for a festive dessert table.

Customization Ideas

For chocolate lovers add mini chocolate chips for eyes instead of icing. Create Mrs. Claus versions by adding tiny bows made from thin strawberry slices. For a slightly different flavor profile mix a touch of orange zest into the cream cheese filling to complement the strawberries.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long do Strawberry Santas stay fresh?

Strawberry Santas are best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Note that they will start to lose their freshness relatively quickly.

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, while the recipe calls for sweetened whipped cream cheese, you could substitute with stabilized whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, or even vanilla frosting for different flavors and textures.

→ How do I make the faces on the Strawberry Santas?

The faces are created using decorative red and black icing. You'll need a very small piping tip or store-bought decorating pens to carefully add the eyes and other facial features after assembling the body and hat.

→ Are Strawberry Santas suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The standard version contains dairy from the cream cheese. For dairy-free versions, consider substituting with coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. They are naturally gluten-free as prepared in the original recipe.

→ What size strawberries work best for this treat?

Large strawberries work best as they provide enough surface area to create distinct Santa parts and facial features. Look for firm, ripe strawberries that stand well when the bottom is cut flat.

→ Can I prepare Strawberry Santas in advance for a party?

You can prepare them a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, for the freshest appearance and taste, it's best not to make them more than 4-6 hours before serving as the strawberries may release moisture over time.