Name: Christmas Sprinkle Cookies That Are Soft, Chewy, and Joyful
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 1 pinch fine sea salt; 0.75 cups unsalted butter (melted and softened); 0.5 cups granulated sugar; 0.5 cups light or dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure); 1 large egg (or a flax egg for vegan option); 0.5 cups Christmas sprinkles (or chocolate chips for variation)

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Bright colors dance across my kitchen counter as I reach for a jar of festive sprinkles, ready to bake Christmas Sprinkle Cookies that are bound to spread cheer. With the holiday season fast approaching, these easy-to-make, soft and chewy cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply indulging in that much-deserved sweet moment. The best part? You can whip them up in just five minutes, making them a fantastic addition to any holiday baking list. Imagine the delight on loved ones’ faces as they bite into these cheerful treats—each cookie offering a soft texture and a fun surprise of sprinkles! So, are you ready to turn your kitchen into a festive wonderland? Let’s get baking!

Why Are Christmas Sprinkle Cookies a Must-Bake?

Irresistible Festivity: These cookies bring a splash of holiday joy to your baking lineup! The vibrant sprinkles instantly brighten up any dessert table.

Easy to Make: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll find this recipe is perfect for busy holiday schedules, letting everyone join in the fun.

Soft and Chewy: Expect a delightful combination of textures, with a soft interior and slight crispness at the edges—resulting in a cookie that simply melts in your mouth!

Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment! Add chocolate chips or crushed pretzels for a twist. You can also swap out sprinkles for seasonal shapes to match various celebrations.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Just like our Cosmic Brownie Cookies, they’re perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying at home.

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bake these delightful treats!

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides necessary structure; gluten-free flour is a great substitute.
Baking Soda – This leavening agent helps the cookies rise; avoid using baking powder without adjusting other ingredients.
Baking Powder – Works alongside baking soda for that delightful fluffiness in every bite.
Fine Sea Salt – Enhance the sweetness with just a pinch; you can also use table salt as a substitute.
Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor and moisture; remember to soften it for better mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and affects the cookie stretch; opt for brown sugar for an even chewier cookie.
Light or Dark Brown Sugar – Brings in moisture and a rich flavor; can be swapped for granulated sugar if needed.
Vanilla Extract – A splash of flavor magic; pure vanilla always wins over imitation.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent to hold everything together; for a vegan alternative, a flax egg works beautifully.
Christmas Sprinkles – Brighten up your cookies with festive fun; feel free to switch them for chocolate chips for extra delight!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of light brown sugar. Use a whisk to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This step creates a rich base for your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, enhancing their flavor and texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the wet ingredient mixture. Use your whisk to blend these ingredients thoroughly until they’re fully combined. This process incorporates air into the dough, providing a lighter texture while boosting the delightful flavor of your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this ensures the dough remains soft and chewy.

Step 4: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in ½ cup of colorful Christmas sprinkles into the cookie dough. Make sure the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a festive touch in every bite. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld and enhances the cookie structure.

Step 5: Preheat Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring that your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies bake evenly and won’t stick. This step is crucial as it allows for even baking, giving your cookies that perfect golden edge and soft center.

Step 6: Scoop Cookies
After chilling, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the dough balls about 3-4 inches apart. This spacing allows for proper spreading during baking, creating a lovely shape for your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies. Aim for about 12 scoops per sheet to ensure they bake simultaneously.

Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn golden while the centers remain slightly soft. If desired, feel free to gently press more sprinkles on top with tweezers right after removing them from the oven for a festive finish.

Step 8: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely on the rack, ensuring they achieve their soft and chewy texture while delighting in the colorful sprinkles.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy holiday baking without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first four steps of the recipe. Simply chill the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and bake as instructed, knowing that your cookies will turn out just as delicious and festive! Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months—just bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for equally cheerful results!

Storage Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, perfect for enjoying daily treats!
Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, you might want to refrigerate them for an extra layer of freshness. They can last up to 7 days in the fridge without losing their delightful texture.
Freezer: To preserve the cookie dough, freeze raw cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy a warm cookie later, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness to your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!

What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Treat your loved ones to a delightful spread that pairs perfectly with these festive cookies!

Warm Milk: A classic pairing, warm milk soothes and enhances the sweetness of the cookies, making every bite a cozy experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert that combines soft, chewy textures with creamy richness.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Embrace the holiday spirit with a rich cup of hot chocolate infused with peppermint, a delicious complement to the festive flavors of the cookies.
Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and oranges add a refreshing contrast that cuts through the sweetness, brightening your festive table.
Spiced Chai: The warm spices in chai tea resonate beautifully with the cookies, while its creamy texture rounds out this comforting combo.
Christmas Punch: A fizzy, fruity punch not only looks visually stunning but also enhances the joyful atmosphere when served alongside your cookie treats.
Cheese Board: Add a bit of sophistication! Soft cheeses with crackers and nuts can balance the sweetness while providing a savory bite—perfect for a holiday gathering.

Expert Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Accurate Measurements: Weigh your ingredients with a kitchen scale for precision; this ensures your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies have the right texture and consistency.
Space Matters: Avoid overcrowding your baking sheets. Proper spacing allows cookies to spread evenly and prevents them from merging together.
Chill for Perfection: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the flavors develop and keeps your cookies soft and chewy rather than flat.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; over-baking will lead to a crunchy texture instead of the soft, chewy finish you desire.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to play with flavors! A dash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies to new delicious heights.

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Variations and Substitutions

Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen! Customizing these holiday cookies can add a personal touch to your family traditions.

Cocoa Delight: Substitute half of the flour with cocoa powder for a delightful twist of chocolatey goodness. Imagine biting into a rich, chocolaty cookie with sprinkles bursting with festivity!
Chocolate Fest: Incorporate ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in each bite. These tiny morsels will melt beautifully, complementing the chewy texture of your cookies perfectly.
Crunchy Twist: Mix in crushed pretzels for a savory element and added crunch. The contrast of flavors will make your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies unique and utterly delightful, sure to impress everyone at the holiday gathering.
Vegan Option: Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan-friendly treat. This simple swap doesn’t compromise the joy of cookies while allowing everyone to join in the festive fun.
Flavor Fusion: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor that elevates these cookies. It’s a delightful twist that pairs wonderfully with those colorful sprinkles.
Holiday Sprinkles: Exchange traditional Christmas sprinkles for shapes and colors celebrating other holidays, like hearts for Valentine’s Day or ghosts for Halloween. Your cookie creations will delight year-round!
Spiced Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour to infuse warmth and holiday spirit into your cookies. As the spices bake, they’ll fill your kitchen with aromas that evoke joyful memories of the season.
Festive M&Ms: Swap sprinkles for red and green M&M’s for a chocolatey, festive look. The bright, bold colors will not only make these cookies eye-catching but also create a delightful crunchy surprise in every bite.

Feel free to embrace any of these variations while baking your cookies—after all, every holiday gathering can utilize a little more cheerful creativity! And if you’re looking for another fun cookie to try, you might enjoy our delicious Cosmic Brownie Cookies. Happy baking!

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of flour is best for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
All-purpose flour is the best choice for achieving the right texture in your cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, you can safely substitute it with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just ensure it has a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, for the best results.

How should I store my Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
Store your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and chewy. Alternatively, if you live in a warmer climate, refrigerate them for up to 7 days. These cookies also freeze well; place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the raw cookie dough for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze the raw cookie dough, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply pop them directly into the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively during baking, it might be due to warm dough or too much butter. To fix this, make sure to chill the dough for the full 30 minutes as suggested. If they still spread, consider reducing the butter slightly in your next batch or increasing the flour by a tablespoon to help them hold their shape better.

Can I make these cookies vegan-friendly?
Yes! For a vegan version of Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, substitute the egg with a flax egg. To make this, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like. Additionally, replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, they are not safe for pets as they contain ingredients like sugar and butter, which can be harmful to dogs and other pets in high amounts. Always keep your homemade treats away from them and stick to pet-safe snacks instead.