Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

The holidays are here, and nothing says Christmas quite like a plate of colorful, soft, and chewy cookies. Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines tender sugar cookie dough with festive sprinkles, making them the perfect addition to Santa’s cookie plate or a family cookie exchange.

These cookies are simple to make, kid-friendly, and bring the spirit of the season right into your kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and a sprinkle of holiday magic, you can create a batch of cookies that look as joyful as they taste.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

There are so many reasons to make these cookies this holiday season:

• Festive and Fun: Colorful sprinkles add instant holiday cheer.
• Soft and Chewy: Perfectly tender with just the right amount of chewiness.
• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time makes them ideal for last-minute baking.
• Kid-Friendly: Simple steps make this a fun family activity.
• Perfect Portion Size: Bite-sized cookies are great for sharing or gifting.
• Made with Pantry Staples: No need for specialty ingredients—you likely have everything already!

Ingredients Breakdown

Accurate measurement ensures perfect cookies every time. Here’s the ingredient list, organized for clarity:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp (233g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp (28g) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Coating

• 1 cup – 1 1/4 cups Christmas sprinkles

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make these cookies efficiently, gather the following tools:

• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to make perfect Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer on medium speed to cream together:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar

Beat until light in color and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. You should notice the mixture becoming pale and airy.

4. Add Egg and Egg Yolk

Mix in:

• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk

Blend until fully combined, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture.

5. Add Vanilla Extract

Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract until incorporated.

6. Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep cookies tender. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, perfect for shaping.

7. Shape and Coat Cookies

Form 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough. Roll each ball gently in the remaining Christmas sprinkles to coat them evenly. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each, as the cookies will spread slightly during baking.

8. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 7–9 minutes. The centers should appear soft while the edges are just set. Cookies may look slightly puffy when removed but will settle as they cool. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture.

9. Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step ensures they maintain their soft and chewy consistency.

Tips & Variations

• Soft Texture Tip: Bake until just set in the center; cookies will firm up as they cool.
• Sprinkle Fun: Use different types of festive sprinkles—metallic, pastel, or holiday-themed shapes.
• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a subtle nutty undertone.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Let kids roll the dough balls and coat them in sprinkles for a fun baking session.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste: Sweet, buttery, and rich with a tender crumb that pairs perfectly with the colorful, crunchy sprinkles.

Texture: Soft in the center with a slight chew and a hint of crisp around the edges.

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm from the oven, or package in festive tins for gifting. Great alongside milk, hot chocolate, or a cup of tea.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	113
Sugar	8.9 g
Fat	6.9 g
Carbohydrates	17.2 g
Protein	1.3 g
Sodium	70.8 mg
Cholesterol	23.8 mg
Fiber	<1 g

Dietary Notes: Contains eggs, dairy, gluten, and sugar. Not vegan or gluten-free unless modifications are applied.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cookie Dough: Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• Baked Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezing: Cookie dough can be frozen before baking for up to 1 month; baked cookies can be frozen for 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, replace butter with vegan butter and use an egg substitute, such as a flax egg.

2. How do I prevent sprinkles from bleeding color?
Add sprinkles just before baking. Some sprinkles may lose brightness if left on dough too long before baking.

3. Can I use non-holiday sprinkles?
Absolutely! Any sprinkles or decorative sugars will work.

4. Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
Yes, adjust baking time accordingly—slightly longer for larger cookies, slightly shorter for mini cookies.

5. Will these cookies keep their soft texture?
Yes, as long as they are stored in an airtight container and not overbaked.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	5 min
Cream Butter & Sugars	2–3 min
Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients	5 min
Shape & Coat Dough	5 min
Bake	7–9 min
Cool	5 min
Total	18 min

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on a festive platter for holiday gatherings.
• Layer in a tin with parchment paper for gifting.
• Serve with milk or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate-Dipped Sprinkle Cookies: Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
2. Almond Sprinkle Cookies: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract for a nutty twist.
3. Mini Cookies: Make smaller 1-tsp dough balls for bite-sized treats perfect for gift bags.
4. Double Sprinkle Cookies: Mix some sprinkles into the dough for extra color inside and out.

Ingredient Spotlight

Christmas Sprinkles

Sprinkles are more than decoration—they add a festive touch and a subtle crunch. Choose high-quality sprinkles to prevent color bleeding and maintain vibrant hues.

Unsalted Butter

Butter provides richness and tender texture. Ensure it’s room temperature for smooth creaming with sugar.

Pro Baking Tips

• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
• Avoid overmixing once flour is added to preserve soft texture.
• Slightly underbake to ensure a tender, chewy center.
• Roll dough balls in extra sprinkles for bright, festive cookies.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Unbaked Dough: Freeze in balls for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen adding 1–2 minutes.
• Baked Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Expanded Conclusion

These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a joyful, festive treat that brings the magic of the holiday season into your home. Soft, chewy, and adorned with colorful sprinkles, they’re perfect for Santa’s plate, family gatherings, or gifting to loved ones.

Baking them is simple, fun, and a wonderful way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying a warm cookie straight from the oven or sharing them with friends, these cookies are a delightful celebration of sweetness and holiday spirit.

Bring out the sprinkles, preheat the oven, and let the festive baking begin—these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition!

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