Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are the ultimate festive treat to sweeten your holiday season. Soft, buttery, and packed with colorful sprinkles, they bring a pop of cheer to any cookie tray. Perfect for family gatherings, cookie swaps, or leaving a treat for Santa, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Not only are these cookies a delight to taste, but they’re also easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. The recipe is versatile and ideal for baking with kids, letting them decorate with sprinkles for their personalized touch. Serve these at your holiday parties or enjoy them with a warm mug of cocoa by the fire.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles (plus extra for decoration)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in ½ cup of sprinkles.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Slightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon and top with additional sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 140 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
History and Popularity
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies have become a festive favorite in many households, particularly in North America and Europe, where holiday baking is a cherished tradition. These cookies, with their colorful sprinkles and buttery texture, often symbolize the joy and creativity of the holiday season. They are inspired by classic sugar cookie recipes but add a touch of whimsy and cheer with vibrant sprinkles. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or as a gift, these cookies bring smiles to both kids and adults alike.
Baking Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
- Mixing Sprinkles: Use nonpareils (round sprinkles) or jimmies (long sprinkles) for best results. Avoid sugar crystals, as they can bleed color into the dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.
- Even Baking: Bake one tray at a time in the center rack for consistent results. If baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through.
Customization Ideas
- Festive Flavors: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract or peppermint extract for a seasonal twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Mix in white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
- Color Themes: Use themed sprinkles for different occasions, like red and green for Christmas, or blue and white for winter celebrations.
- Frosted Fun: Add a thin layer of vanilla or cream cheese frosting before decorating with sprinkles for extra indulgence.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature slightly before baking for easier handling.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are ideal for creating warm, festive memories in the kitchen. They are:
- Kid-Friendly: Children love helping with the sprinkle decorations.
- Quick to Bake: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Versatile: Easily adapted to dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or plant-based butter.
- Giftable: Package them in holiday-themed boxes or jars for delightful homemade gifts.
Pairing Suggestions
- Drinks: Pair these cookies with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a festive eggnog latte.
- Dessert Boards: Include them as part of a holiday dessert platter with brownies, gingerbread cookies, and peppermint bark.
- Cheese Platters: For a unique twist, serve them alongside creamy cheeses like mascarpone or brie for a sweet-and-savory treat.
Origins and Significance of Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
The tradition of holiday cookies dates back centuries, with roots in European Christmas markets and festive baking traditions. Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a modern adaptation of classic sugar cookies, featuring vibrant sprinkles that evoke the joyful spirit of the season. They are often baked as a family activity, creating sweet memories while adding a touch of personal creativity to the holidays.
These cookies also embody the sense of giving and sharing that defines the holiday season. Packed in tins or festive bags, they make thoughtful gifts for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: Even novice bakers can whip these up with ease, making them a go-to recipe for holiday celebrations.
- Customizable: Adjust the colors and shapes of the sprinkles to match any theme, from traditional red and green to a winter wonderland palette of blues and whites.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies strike a balance between soft and chewy, with a slight crispness at the edges.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or as an accompaniment to warm holiday beverages.
Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Measuring Flour Properly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for precise results. Too much flour can lead to dense cookies.
- Soft Butter is Key: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- Prevent Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies during baking. They should come out just as the edges begin to turn golden for a soft interior.
- Room for Sprinkles: Gently press extra sprinkles onto the tops of the cookies before baking for an evenly distributed festive look.
Nutritional Information
While these cookies are a delightful indulgence, you can offer a lighter version by substituting:
- Whole Wheat Flour: For added fiber and nutrients.
- Natural Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to reduce refined sugar content.
- Plant-Based Butter: For a dairy-free or vegan-friendly option.
Ideas for Fun Variations
- Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and use chocolate sprinkles for a rich twist.
- Citrus Infusion: Zest a lemon or orange into the dough for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Marbled Cookies: Divide the dough into two parts, dye one half red or green with food coloring, and swirl them together before baking.
- Stuffed Surprise: Flatten the dough and wrap it around a piece of chocolate or caramel for a gooey center.
Festive Presentation Tips
- Cookie Boxes: Arrange these cookies in decorative holiday boxes lined with parchment paper for gifting.
- Edible Decorations: Drizzle white or dark chocolate over the baked cookies and sprinkle crushed candy canes for added flair.
- Holiday Dessert Table: Pair these cookies with other festive treats like gingerbread men, fruitcake, or holiday fudge for a stunning dessert spread.
Pairing Recommendations
- Drinks: Serve these cookies with a rich hot chocolate, spiced chai, or a creamy eggnog for a cozy winter treat.
- Ice Cream: Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or serve alongside peppermint ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Conclusion
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a festive favorite, perfect for sharing holiday cheer. With their buttery texture, vibrant sprinkles, and easy preparation, they’re a delightful addition to any celebration. Whether gifting, baking with family, or enjoying a cozy treat, these cookies capture the magic of the season. Happy baking!