Name: Vibrant Christmas Sprinkle Cookies for Festive Cheer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup sugar (granulated); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sprinkles (holiday-themed)

The moment those vibrant sprinkles touch the dough, everything feels festive and fun. These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies bring a radiant splash of color and cheer to your holiday table, making them simply irresistible for every gathering. With a soft and buttery texture that melts in your mouth, this easy recipe is perfect for busy bakers, allowing you to whip up a batch in just 20 minutes. Not only do they add a playful element to your dessert spread, but they’re also quick enough to fit into any hectic holiday schedule. So why not transform your holiday baking into a joyful experience with these delightful treats? Curious about how to make these cheerful cookies shine in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why Are Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Irresistible?

Vibrant, festive delight: These cookies aren’t just desserts; they’re a colorful celebration! Quick preparation: In only 20 minutes, you can have a batch ready, perfect for those busy holiday moments. Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Soft and buttery, they’re a treat everyone will love. Versatile fun: Personalize them with different sprinkles or flavors for any occasion. Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for parties, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Whether served alongside hot cocoa or at festive gatherings, these cookies will brighten your holiday spirit! For more delightful holiday treats, consider checking out our Tiramisu Christmas Cookies and Christmas Trifle Layers.

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Batter
• Unsalted butter – Provides richness and moisture; can substitute with margarine or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to your cookies; consider using coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture; using room temperature eggs helps with better integration.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor; almond extract is a wonderful substitution for a twist.
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise for a lighter texture; do not confuse with baking powder without adjusting the ratios.
• Baking powder – Works in tandem with baking soda for fluffy cookies; essential for the perfect rise.
• All-purpose flour – This is the base that gives cookies their structure; a gluten-free blend can be swapped for a gluten-free option.

For the Decoration
• Sprinkles – Adds a pop of color and fun; holiday-themed sprinkles are perfect for festive decoration.

With these ingredients, you’re just steps away from delighting friends and family with your vibrant Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a baking sheet by coating it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures that your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies won’t stick, making for easy removal once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 2-3 minutes. This aeration will help your cookies achieve that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them irresistible.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack an egg into the buttery sugar mixture and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until the egg is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth and creamy. This step adds moisture and enhances the flavor of your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, making the dough a pleasure to work with.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, and all-purpose flour until well combined. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help the cookies rise perfectly. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated to avoid tough cookies.

Step 5: Roll in Sprinkles
Prepare a plate with colorful sprinkles. Scoop approximately 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Next, roll each dough ball in the sprinkles until completely coated. This adds a festive flair to your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, ensuring they are as beautiful as they are tasty.

Step 6: Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange the sprinkle-covered cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. This uniform placement helps achieve even baking and ensures your cookies won’t stick together in the oven.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are just set and lightly golden around the edges. The cookies should remain soft in the center for that delightful chewy texture; they will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 8-10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial for the cookies to set properly without losing their soft texture. After cooling, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!

Expert Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Butter Matters: Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and a lighter cookie texture. Cold butter makes it harder to achieve that fluffy consistency.
Don’t Overmix: When adding flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we’re definitely trying to avoid!
Temperature Check: Watch your baking time closely; cookies should be set and lightly golden on the edges. Pull them out of the oven while they still look a little soft in the middle for that perfect chewy texture.
Sprinkle Selection: Choose holiday-themed sprinkles for that extra festive flair! Regular sprinkles can lose their color while baking, so make sure to use vibrant options.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate better into the dough, leading to a smoother cookie batter that bakes evenly.
Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a bit. This step helps them firm up without getting hard, ensuring each bite of your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is soft and delightful.

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Embrace your creativity and make these Christmas Sprinkle Cookies uniquely yours with exciting twists and substitutions!

Dairy-Free: Use margarine or dairy-free butter instead of unsalted butter to create a deliciously buttery cookie suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
Sugar Swap: Substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor; note this will change the cookie’s color slightly.
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing minty twist that pairs beautifully with the holiday spirit. There’s something wonderfully festive about the combination of chocolate and peppermint that can elevate your cookie experience!
Texture Twist: Incorporate oats or finely chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Nut-Free: For those avoiding nuts, simply skip adding any nuts and ensure any sprinkles used are nut-free to guarantee everyone can join in on the cookie joy.
Different Sprinkles: Use seasonal sprinkles that match other holidays throughout the year. Rainbow sprinkles can make these cookies a hit for birthday parties, too!
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in mini chocolate chips along with the sprinkles for a delightful surprise that sweetens each bite and plays well with the soft texture of the cookies.
Fruity Flavor: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried fruit, such as cranberries or chopped apricots, for a burst of sweetness and chewiness that adds a new layer of flavor complexity.

Want to fill your holiday table with even more festive treats? Explore our Gingerbread Cookie Christmas and the joyous Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream for a delightful spread.

What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

The warmth of the holiday season calls for delightful pairings to make your dessert table even more inviting and festive.

Hot Cocoa: The creamy, chocolatey goodness of hot cocoa complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy treat everyone will adore. A sprinkle of marshmallows on top adds a fun touch!
Spiced Cider: This warm beverage, infused with cinnamon and clove, offers a comforting contrast to the buttery texture of the cookies, enhancing the overall holiday experience. It’s like a winter hug in a cup!
Peppermint Bark: The cool, refreshing taste of peppermint bark is a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy cookies. The crunch of the bark adds another layer of texture that will keep you reaching for more.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside these colorful cookies for a delightful dessert. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the soft sprinkles!
Fruit Platter: A vibrant fruit platter with strawberries, oranges, and apples provides a refreshing and healthy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, creating balance on your dessert table.
Gingerbread Tea: This aromatic tea with hints of spice feels festive and heartwarming. Sipping on gingerbread tea while enjoying the sugary delight of the cookies will transport you to a cozy winter wonderland.
Chocolate Milk: A childhood favorite that’s beloved by both kids and adults, this rich drink harmonizes perfectly with the cookies, making for a nostalgic and comforting pairing.
Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a fun cookie decorating station for kids and guests to enjoy! Providing additional sprinkles, icing, and toppings will allow everyone to personalize their Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Fridge: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and soft.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For the best taste, thaw dough overnight in the fridge before baking. If reheating baked cookies, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore softness.

Airtight: Make sure to layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking in your storage container to prevent sticking, ensuring your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies remain delightful to eat!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the instructions until rolling in sprinkles, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, roll the chilled dough in sprinkles and place them on the baking sheet. This method keeps the cookies just as delicious and ensures the sprinkles adhere nicely without losing their vibrancy. If you want to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the rolled cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfectly festive treats!

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting sprinkles?
Absolutely! When choosing sprinkles, opt for holiday-themed or vibrant options that won’t lose their color while baking. Confetti-style sprinkles work great as they tend to hold their hue and add a festive flair to your cookies!

How should I store my Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
For best results, store your decorated cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness. If you need to store them longer, keep them at room temperature in a container for up to 3 days. Just remember, the cookies are best when eaten fresh!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze the dough, roll it into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to several factors. First, ensure your butter is at room temperature, not melted. If it’s too warm, your dough will lose structure. Additionally, be cautious not to overmix your flour after adding it; this can develop gluten, leading to flatter cookies. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for a thicker cookie!

Are Christmas Sprinkle Cookies suitable for those with allergies?
Always check your ingredients if allergies are a concern! This recipe contains butter, eggs, and gluten (from flour), which are common allergens. However, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free butter and replacing the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). For gluten-free options, use a certified gluten-free flour blend.

How can I maintain the soft texture of my cookies?
To keep your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies soft, ensure you don’t overbake them; they should be just set and lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 8-10 minutes after taking them out of the oven so they can firm up without becoming hard. Storing them in an airtight container also helps retain their moisture.