Nothing says Christmas joy like a plate of freshly baked Christmas sugar cookies with sprinkles. These delightful treats are soft, chewy, and bursting with buttery flavor, all while looking festive with their colorful sprinkles. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just leaving a sweet surprise for Santa on Christmas Eve. The best part? These cookies are simple and fuss-free—no need for rolling pins or cookie cutters.
This recipe is ideal for home cooks, busy parents, students, or anyone looking for a quick, fun, and easy baking experience during the holiday rush. Get your mixing bowls ready, gather your sprinkles, and let’s make some delicious holiday magic! And if you’re in the mood for even more holiday treats, try this easy and addictive Christmas crack recipe with pretzels for another festive treat.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookies
These Christmas sugar cookies with sprinkles tick all the boxes when it comes to festive baking. Here’s why they’re bound to become a holiday favorite:
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth softness with crispy edges. The perfect texture for holiday snacking!
- Festive and Colorful: Red and green sprinkles make them look like they came straight from Santa’s workshop.
- Simple to Make: No rolling, no cutting—just scoop, sprinkle, and bake.
- Kid-Friendly: A great recipe to get kids involved. They’ll love adding sprinkles and shaping the dough balls.
- Quick Prep Time: These cookies come together quickly, which is perfect for those last-minute baking urges.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, wrapping them up as gifts, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies will be the highlight of your dessert tray. For more festive fun, add this Christmas tree cake cheesecake to your holiday dessert lineup for a festive and easy showstopper.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make the perfect Christmas sugar cookies with sprinkles, you’ll need just a few core ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what each ingredient does in the recipe:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and stability for the cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt content.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve that classic crisp edge.
- Brown Sugar (Optional): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor for extra chewiness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a soft, chewy texture.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the butter.
- Festive Sprinkles: Jimmies, nonpareils, or sanding sugar add a fun, colorful finish.
For a peppermint twist, you can also add a few drops of peppermint extract. Don’t forget to have some extra sprinkles on hand for decorating!
The Science Behind the Cookie: Baking Soda, Baking Powder, and Cream of Tartar
Baking may seem simple, but there’s a bit of science involved. Understanding the role of baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar can help you bake the perfect cookies every time.
- Baking Soda: This is a base that reacts with acidic ingredients (like brown sugar) to create carbon dioxide. This reaction helps the cookies spread and gives them that classic chewy texture.
- Baking Powder: Contains both an acid and a base. It activates twice—once when it gets wet, and again when it’s heated. This gives the cookies a nice lift.
- Cream of Tartar: Often paired with baking soda, cream of tartar helps stabilize the reaction. It also adds a slight tang that can balance the sweetness and keeps cookies from spreading too much.
By balancing these ingredients, you get cookies that are soft, chewy, and have just the right amount of rise.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Christmas Sugar Cookies
Let’s dive into the process of making these delicious Christmas sugar cookies with sprinkles. Follow these simple steps for perfect cookies every time.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature) with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough for a soft texture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add 2 large eggs (room temperature) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. If you want a peppermint twist, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract as well. Beat until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, or your cookies could become tough.
- Add Sprinkles
- Stir in about ½ cup of festive sprinkles (jimmies work best here). The more, the merrier!
- Chill the Dough
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours). This helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake the Cookies
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Bake for 8-12 minutes until the edges are just set and the tops are still soft.
- Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Christmas Sugar Cookies
Want to make sure your cookies turn out perfect every time? Keep these tips in mind:
- Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps develop the flavors.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Over-Mix: Mix just until the ingredients come together to avoid tough cookies.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: These prevent sticking and help cookies bake evenly.
- Avoid Overbaking: Take the cookies out when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Creative Decorating Ideas
Take your cookies to the next level with these fun decorating ideas:
- Extra Sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in more sprinkles before baking for a colorful finish.
- Icing Drizzle: Add a drizzle of vanilla or peppermint icing for extra sweetness.
- Edible Glitter: Sprinkle some edible glitter for a magical, sparkling touch.
- Holiday-Themed Sprinkles: Use red and green jimmies, gold nonpareils, or holiday-themed shapes for variety.
These cookies are perfect for adding to your Christmas cookie tray or giving as DIY gifts to friends and family.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
Looking for a twist on the classic recipe? Here are a few variations:
- Peppermint Sugar Cookies: Add peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Frosted Sugar Cookies: Top with vanilla or cream cheese frosting and more sprinkles.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Brown Butter: Brown the butter before creaming for a nutty flavor.
And if you want more unique flavors, these soft and chewy matcha crinkle cookies are a must-bake.
How to Store and Freeze Your Cookies
- Storing: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute.
- Make-Ahead: Bake cookies in advance and store them for holiday events or last-minute gifts.
Including Kids in the Baking Fun
This recipe is perfect for baking with kids! They can:
- Add Sprinkles: Let them dip dough balls into sprinkles.
- Mix Dough: Give them the chance to help with mixing.
- Shape Cookies: Let them roll out the dough balls.
Baking together creates wonderful holiday memories.
Troubleshooting Common Cookie Issues
- Spreading Too Much: Chill the dough before baking.
- Dry Dough: Add a splash of milk if the dough is too dry.
- Not Soft Enough: If your cookies come out too crisp or hard, remove them from the oven a minute earlier. Slight underbaking ensures a soft, chewy center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Cookies Too Flat: This can happen if the butter was too warm or if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps firm up the butter and prevents spreading.
- Uneven Baking: Ensure you’re using a light-colored baking sheet and rotate the pan halfway through baking. Dark sheets can cause the bottoms to brown too quickly.
Add a Festive Touch to Your Holiday Cookie Tray
These Christmas sugar cookies with sprinkles deserve a spot on your holiday dessert tray. They pair beautifully with other festive treats like:
- Gingerbread Cookies: Classic, spicy cookies perfect for the holidays.
- Crinkle Cookies: Add variety with powdered sugar-coated crinkle cookies.
- Peppermint Bark: A delightful mix of chocolate and peppermint.
For more festive cookie ideas, try this easy and addictive Christmas crack recipe with pretzels for another festive treat. These cookies also make perfect DIY gifts. Stack a few in a cellophane bag, tie it with a ribbon, and add a personalized tag for a thoughtful and delicious present.
FAQs
1. How do I make my cookies chewier?
- For extra chewy cookies, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar and slightly underbake them. Removing them when the centers are soft ensures a chewy texture.
2. Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding about 1 extra minute to the baking time.
3. What sprinkles work best for these cookies?
- Jimmies (the long, cylindrical sprinkles) work best because they hold their shape during baking. Nonpareils and sanding sugar are also great for extra crunch.
4. Why do I need to chill the dough?
- Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and develops richer flavors. It’s an essential step for achieving the perfect texture.
5. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
- Yes! Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture might change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
Conclusion
These Christmas sugar cookies with sprinkles are the perfect combination of simplicity, festive flair, and mouthwatering flavor. They’re ideal for any holiday celebration, whether you’re hosting a party, participating in a cookie exchange, or leaving out treats for Santa. The best part is that they’re easy enough for everyone to make, from seasoned bakers to enthusiastic beginners.
If you’re looking for more unique and delicious recipes to fill your holiday cookie tray, discover the truth about matcha cookies and their caffeine content in this fun guide. And don’t forget to try other festive recipes like soft and chewy matcha crinkle cookies and the delightful Christmas tree cake cheesecake.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of sweet treats!