These Christmas Sprinkle Cookie Cups are the ultimate festive treat to brighten up your holiday dessert table. With a buttery cookie base filled with creamy white chocolate and topped with vibrant holiday sprinkles, they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and crunch, making them perfect for both kids and adults.
Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night of holiday baking, these cookie cups are a fun and easy recipe to make with loved ones. The colorful sprinkles and velvety white chocolate filling add a touch of magic to your Christmas celebrations, ensuring they’ll be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for filling)
- 1/4 cup holiday-themed sprinkles (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup of holiday sprinkles.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place each ball into a mini muffin pan cup. Press the center of each ball gently with your thumb to create a small indent.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spoon melted white chocolate into each cookie cup and top with holiday-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Allow the chocolate to set before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 140 kcal | Servings: 24 cookie cups
History and Inspiration
Cookie cups are a creative twist on traditional cookies, allowing bakers to add a variety of fillings and decorations to suit the occasion. The Christmas Sprinkle Cookie Cups, in particular, bring together the festive charm of holiday sprinkles and the indulgent creaminess of white chocolate, making them a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season. This recipe is inspired by the joy of decorating cookies with family, where sprinkles and colors add an extra layer of fun and festive spirit.
Customizations and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize it:
- Filling Options: Instead of white chocolate, try using milk or dark chocolate, cream cheese frosting, or even a dollop of Nutella for a different flavor.
- Sprinkle Themes: Swap the holiday sprinkles for other seasonal themes like pastel colors for Easter, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or spooky sprinkles for Halloween.
- Flavored Dough: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract, orange zest, or almond extract to the dough for a unique twist.
- Toppings: Garnish with crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Cups
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: To ensure your cookie cups release easily, use a non-stick mini muffin pan or line the cups with parchment paper liners.
- Even Size: Roll your dough balls evenly to ensure the cookie cups bake uniformly. A cookie scoop can help with this.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookie cups should be lightly golden around the edges. Overbaking can make them too crunchy and difficult to fill.
- Cooling is Key: Let the cookie cups cool completely before filling them to avoid the white chocolate melting unevenly.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer and thaw as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Dessert Table: These cookie cups make a festive centerpiece for your holiday dessert spread.
- Gift Idea: Package them in a decorative tin or clear bag tied with a holiday ribbon for a homemade gift.
- Pairing: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a festive holiday punch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Perfect for little hands to help with rolling dough, pressing the centers, and sprinkling decorations.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh when needed.
- Customizable Flavors: Endless possibilities to switch up the filling and toppings.
- Holiday Appeal: Vibrant sprinkles and creamy filling make these a standout treat at any celebration.
Nutritional Insights
For those conscious of their indulgences during the holidays, each cookie cup contains approximately 140 kcal. These are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without going overboard, making them a delightful and guilt-free treat in moderation.
What Makes Christmas Sprinkle Cookie Cups Special?
These Christmas Sprinkle Cookie Cups are a festive take on classic cookie recipes, designed to bring holiday cheer to your dessert table. Their eye-catching design, made with vibrant sprinkles and a creamy white chocolate filling, makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and even as edible gifts. The recipe is simple, kid-friendly, and versatile, making it an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy decorating these cookie cups with sprinkles and fillings.
- Perfect Holiday Treat: These cookie cups are designed to spread joy during the festive season, combining delicious flavors with a colorful presentation.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for last-minute holiday prep.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Cultural Connection
Sprinkle-covered desserts have long been associated with celebration and joy across different cultures. These cookie cups reflect the spirit of togetherness during the holiday season, with their colorful sprinkles symbolizing the brightness and warmth of Christmas festivities.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookie cups up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the filling and decorations closer to serving time for maximum freshness. - Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-made sugar cookie dough works well as a substitute. Just be sure to add your holiday sprinkles for that festive touch. - What other fillings can I use?
In addition to white chocolate, you can use cream cheese frosting, caramel, chocolate ganache, or even fruit preserves for a variety of flavors. - Are these cookie cups freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookie cups (without filling) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding the filling and decorations.
Recipe Success Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling helps it hold its shape better during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding the melted white chocolate, leave a little room at the top to avoid overflow.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Christmas Dessert Boards: Add these cookie cups to a holiday-themed dessert platter with truffles, fudge, and peppermint bark.
- DIY Decoration Station: Let guests or kids fill and decorate their own cookie cups with different toppings for a fun, interactive dessert activity.
- Holiday Party Favor: Pack these in festive boxes as take-home treats for your guests.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Cookie Cup)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
Perfect Occasions for These Cookie Cups
- Christmas Eve gatherings
- Holiday cookie swaps
- School or office holiday parties
- Christmas morning brunch treats
- New Year’s Eve dessert table
Conclusion
Christmas Sprinkle Cookie Cups are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their combination of buttery cookie bases, creamy white chocolate filling, and vibrant sprinkles creates a treat that is as festive as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking with family, preparing for a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in the spirit of the season, these cookie cups are sure to impress.
Their simplicity, versatility, and charm make them a go-to recipe for spreading holiday cheer. With endless customization options, they can be tailored to suit any occasion or taste. Share them with loved ones, gift them to friends, or enjoy them as a sweet moment of self-care during the busy holiday season. These cookie cups truly capture the joy and magic of Christmas in every bite.