Introduction to Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Ah, the holiday season! It’s a time filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats. One of my absolute favorites is Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies. These delightful cookies are not just a feast for the taste buds; they’re a visual treat too! With their colorful sprinkles, they bring a festive spirit to any gathering.
Whether you’re a busy mom juggling work and family or a professional looking to impress your loved ones, this recipe is a quick solution. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone smiling!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
These Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of ease and flavor. They come together in no time, making them perfect for busy days. The buttery sweetness paired with colorful sprinkles creates a festive treat that everyone adores. Plus, they’re versatile! You can customize them with different sprinkles or flavors. Whether for a holiday party or a cozy family night, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients for Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and texture.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure your cookies are light and airy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- White sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their lovely texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, comforting flavor that makes cookies irresistible.
- Almond extract: Just a hint adds a delightful twist to the flavor profile.
- Colored sprinkles: These are the stars of the show! They add a festive touch and a bit of crunch.
Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the almond extract for more vanilla or even try lemon zest for a fresh twist. The exact measurements for each ingredient are at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print and use!
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your home smell like a holiday wonderland.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agents throughout the flour. Whisk them together until well combined. This simple act sets the stage for fluffy, delightful cookies!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until smooth. This process is key to achieving that light, airy texture we all love in cookies. The sugar crystals create tiny air pockets in the butter, which helps the cookies rise beautifully. Don’t rush this step; take your time to get it just right!
Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together while adding moisture. The extracts bring warmth and depth to the flavor. You’ll notice the mixture becoming creamy and fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Mix until just combined; overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s ready for shaping.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Now it’s time to shape your cookies! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic cookie look. Plus, it’s a fun way to get the kids involved!
Step 7: Add Sprinkles
Here comes the fun part—adding sprinkles! Sprinkle a generous amount of colored sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking. You can get creative here! Try using different shapes or colors to match your holiday theme. The sprinkles not only add a festive touch but also a delightful crunch!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Pop your cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. A little trick? If they look slightly underbaked, that’s perfect! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. If you store them too soon, they might become soggy. Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Now, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your delicious Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s vital for even baking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Experiment with different sprinkles for a fun twist.
- Check cookies a minute or two early to avoid overbaking.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheets: If you don’t have these, a flat oven-safe tray works too.
- Mixing bowls: Any size will do, but a large bowl is best for creaming.
- Whisk: A fork can substitute in a pinch for mixing dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy; you can use a kitchen scale if needed.
- Wire racks: If you lack these, a plate will work for cooling your cookies.
Variations
- For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate sprinkle sugar cookies.
- Try using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly.
- Incorporate citrus zest, like lemon or orange, for a refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Swap out the colored sprinkles for crushed candy canes for a festive peppermint flavor.
- For a nutty flavor, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve them alongside a festive fruit platter for a colorful holiday spread.
- For a fun presentation, stack cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon as a delightful gift.
- Enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
FAQs about Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking. This is a great time-saver during the busy holiday season!
What can I use instead of colored sprinkles?
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even edible glitter for a festive touch. The key is to add something that brings joy and color to your cookies!
How should I store my Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months!
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, I recommend sticking with unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Butter gives these cookies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality we all love!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape!
Final Thoughts
Making Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories. The aroma wafting through your home, the laughter of family gathered around, and the joy of sharing these colorful treats are what the holidays are all about. Each bite is a reminder of love and togetherness, making them perfect for any celebration. So, whether you’re baking solo or with your kids, embrace the process and let the festive spirit shine through. These cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your holiday gatherings, one sprinkle at a time!
Print
Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies that Delight Every Bite!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive sugar cookies topped with colorful sprinkles, perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons colored sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
- Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, do not overbake.
- Feel free to use different types of sprinkles for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas, cookies, sugar cookies, holiday baking, festive treats


