Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Name: Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter, softened; 0.75 cup Granulated sugar; 1 large Egg; 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract; 2.5 cups All-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Christmas sprinkles

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What are Sprinkle Cookies? Remember those magical holidays when everything felt magical, and every house smelled like cinnamon? What are cookies? They’re like bottling up that feeling and making it edible. They are buttery, soft, and bursting with festive sprinkles. Think of them like sugar cookies, but amplified with extra butter and a melt in your mouth texture. Is it easier to make these than gingerbread men?

What are Christmas sprinkle cookies?

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are essentially a buttery Sugar Cookie decked out in festive sprinkles. Think of them as your classic sugar cookie’s fun, flamboyant cousin! They get their name, obviously, from the vibrant sprinkles that adorn them, transforming a simple, simple object into something spectacular. How do you make a holiday treat into an entertaining spectacle? Is it a buttery, slightly chewy cookie that screams “Christmas! ” with every bite. What are some great cookie exchange ideas? Cocoa by the fire. The magic is in the simplicity – a straightforward dough made extraordinary with the addition of spices.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me tell you, there are a million Sugar Cookie recipes out there, but this Christmas Sprinkle Cookies recipe? It’s the one I always come back to. What I love most about this is how reliably soft and chewy they turn out, no matter what. The flavor is just perfect—a delicate balance of butter and vanilla, without being overly sweet.
What truly sets these apart is their simplicity. It’s a straightforward recipe, perfect for getting the kids involved. We’ve made these countless times during the holidays, and it’s always a fun family activity. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
But, if I’m honest, what really seals the deal is the sheer joy these cookies bring. The vibrant sprinkles instantly brighten any day, and they’re always a hit at parties and gatherings. I made a batch for a cookie exchange last year, and they were gone in minutes! Seriously, these cookies are happiness in edible form. They remind me a bit of those Lofthouse cookies from the grocery store, but so much better because they are homemade. You know exactly what’s going in them!

How do you make Christmas sprinkle cookies?

Quick Overview

Making these Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is so much easier than you might think! It’s basically a simple Sugar Cookie dough, a quick roll in sprinkles, and into the oven they go. The magic is in not overbaking them, which keeps them soft and chewy. Trust me, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this recipe. The best part is the decorating – let your creativity shine with all sorts of colorful sprinkles!

Ingredients

For the main battery:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Use good-quality butter for the best flavor. Make sure it’s properly softened, not melted, for a smooth dough.
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
* 3/4 cup powdered sugar: Gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
* 2 large eggs: Adds richness and binds the ingredients together.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies. I always use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty flavor. If you don’t like almond extract, you can omit it.
* 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For the Sprinkles: What are some
* 1/2 cup festive sprinkles: Use your favorite blend of colors and shapes. I love using a mix of jimmies, nonpareils, and sanding sugar for a variety of textures and visual appeal.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I clean cookies? I always do this, and it’s saved me so many burnt cookie disasters!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside. Light and fluffy. Is it possible to make a dough with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes? Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This is a crucial step for achieving the right texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). I always add the extracts last to preserve their flavor. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. I like to stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour visible and then finish mixing by hand.

Step 5: Roll into Balls

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. I find that using a cookie scoop helps to keep cookies uniform in size.

Step 6: Roll in Sprinkles

How do I pour sprinkles into a shallow dish? How do you roll a ball of dough in sprinkles? What are some creative ways to use sprinkle blends? My kids absolutely love this part!

Step 7: Bake

Place the sprinkle-covered Cookie Dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still be soft in the center. It’s better to slightly underbake them than overbake them, as they will continue to set as they cool.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they’re still warm and soft.

Step 9: Enjoy

Cookies are best eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Temperature for up to 3 days. What are some good ways to enjoy them with a glass of milk or coffee?

What is the best way to serve it?

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. What are some of my favorite ways to serve them?

For Breakfast:What is a good start to the day? I sometimes crumble them over yogurt for a fun breakfast treat.

For Brunch:Arrange the cookies on a platter with fresh fruit and cheeses for an elegant brunch. Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider for a festive touch.

As Dessert:What is a good dessert to serve after your holiday meal? Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. What are some of the best holiday cookies to snack on while watching a movie? My family always makes a batch to enjoy during our annual Christmas movie marathon!

How do you make a perfect Christmas sprinkle cookie?

How do I make these cookies? What are some of my top tips?

Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is properly softened. Should a finger be soft enough to press into, but not melted? This ensures that it creams properly with the sugar, resulting in a light and airy dough.

Measuring FlWhat is the best way to measure flour? How do you level flour with a knife? Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in dry, dense cookies.

What is Chilling the Dough?While not strictly necessary, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls can help to reduce the lumpiness. How do I make it easier to handle? How do you prevent cookies from spreading in the oven?

Sprinkle Variety: What isDon’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sprinkles. I love using a mix of colors, shapes, and sizes for fun and festive look. Can you use edible glitter for extra sparkle?

Baking Time:Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. Is it possible to get a golden-brown thigh? Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.

Cooling Time:How do you store cookies? How do I prevent my shoes from becoming soggy?

Extract Flavors:Don’t skimp on the vanilla extract. It really enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. I sometimes add a touch of almond extract as well for more complex flavor profile. What is the best way to spend a little money?

Sprinkle Adhesion: Press the sprinkles gently into the cookie dough to ensure they stick. You can also lightly brush the dough with milk or egg wash before rolling it in the sprinkles to help them adhere.

Baking Sheet Rotation: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure the cookies bake evenly. This is especially important if your oven has hot spots.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies fresh and delicious. Here’s how I recommend storing them:

Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent the sprinkles from fading.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Unbaked Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough for later use. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sprinkles, and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

I usually bake a big batch of these before Christmas and freeze half of them. That way, I always have a sweet treat on hand for unexpected guests or holiday cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and follow the recipe as directed. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this helps to bind the ingredients together and prevents the cookies from becoming crumbly. You might need to add a little extra liquid (milk or water) if the dough seems too dry.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you *can*, I really wouldn’t recommend it. The butter is what gives these cookies their amazing flavor and texture. Margarine just won’t deliver the same results. If you absolutely have to substitute, use a high-quality butter substitute, but be prepared for the cookies to taste slightly different.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this recipe is specifically for cookies, you could potentially adapt it for muffins. You would need to adjust the baking time and temperature, as muffins typically require a slightly higher temperature and longer baking time than cookies. I would recommend baking them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You may also want to add a bit more liquid to the batter to achieve a muffin-like consistency.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also substitute some of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. I would also recommend using unsweetened sprinkles to further reduce the sweetness.

What can I use instead of sprinkles?

If you don’t have sprinkles on hand, you can use a variety of other toppings. Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate shavings all make great alternatives. You can also drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate or a simple glaze. Get creative and use whatever you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a tradition. They’re a way to bring joy and sweetness to the holiday season, and they’re a perfect activity to share with loved ones. What makes these cookies so special is their simplicity and the sheer fun of decorating them with colorful sprinkles. It is a simple recipe, but it creates such beautiful and tasty cookies, I encourage you to give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes, like my classic Chocolate Chip Cookies or my festive Gingerbread Cookies. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

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