Have you ever wondered why some cookies feel extra magical during the holidays, even when they’re made with simple ingredients? Maybe it’s the colorful sprinkles, the soft centers, or the sweet smell that fills the whole house. Christmas Sprinkle Cookies do all of this and more. They’re the kind of cookies that make people smile before they even take a bite. And the best part? They are incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. In this post, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Christmas Sprinkle Cookies at home with simple steps anyone can follow.
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with festive sprinkles. They come together quickly with simple ingredients, making them a perfect holiday treat for parties, gifting, or last-minute baking. With buttery dough and colorful sparkle, they’re a holiday favorite that both kids and adults love.
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas sprinkles (red, white, green)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Add Sprinkles: Roll each dough ball in Christmas sprinkles until fully coated.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Notes
For extra festive color, press a few additional sprinkles onto the tops before baking. Do not overbake—these cookies stay softer when the centers are slightly underdone. Dough balls can be frozen for future baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are soft, chewy sugar cookies rolled in festive sprinkles. They bake quickly, taste amazing, and look beautiful on any holiday tray. What makes this recipe special is how simple it is. You don’t need fancy tools. You don’t need hours of time. And you don’t need expert skills. These cookies come together in less than 30 minutes, and even kids can help make them. The difficulty level is easy, making this recipe perfect for busy families, last-minute baking, or anyone who wants a festive treat without a lot of work.
The cookies also stay soft for days, freeze well, and can be made ahead of time. Their holiday colors make them perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or gifts.
Essential Ingredients
Here is what you need to make Christmas Sprinkle Cookies at home.
Butter
Use unsalted butter for the best flavor. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes smoothly.
Sugar
Granulated sugar gives the cookies their classic sweetness and crisp edges.
Egg
Adds structure and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
Vanilla Extract
Gives the cookies a warm and comforting flavor.
Flour
All-purpose flour works best and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Baking Powder
Makes the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
Salt
Just a little salt balances the sweetness.
Sprinkles
This is the fun part. Use red, white, and green sprinkles for the Christmas look, or any mix you love. Jimmies, nonpareils, and sanding sugar all work, but jimmies hold their shape best.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Butter: You can use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Sugar: Coconut sugar will make the cookies darker but still tasty.
Egg: Use a flax egg to make the cookies vegan.
Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour works if it has xanthan gum.
Sprinkles: Change the colors for any holiday or theme.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air, which helps the cookies bake up soft.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure everything is fully combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix or your cookies may turn tough.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Roll in Sprinkles
Pour your sprinkles into a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in sprinkles until completely coated. This gives the cookies that bright Christmas look.
Step 7: Bake
Place the sprinkled dough balls on your baking sheet. Leave space between each one because they will spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. This helps them set without becoming dry.
Assembly
These cookies don’t require much assembling, but here are tips to make them look beautiful.
Roll your dough balls evenly so all cookies bake at the same rate.
Press a few extra sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking for a fuller look.
For a glossy finish, brush the tops lightly with a tiny bit of water before rolling in sprinkles.
Serve the cookies on a holiday plate to make their colors stand out.
If you want to build a cookie platter, these cookies pair well with chocolate crinkles, gingerbread cookies, and peppermint bark. Their bright sprinkles make them the star of the tray.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing the Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to one week.
Refrigerator: Store up to 10 days.
Freezer (Baked): Freeze for up to 3 months. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer (Dough): Roll the dough into balls and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, roll in sprinkles, and bake.
Reheating
If you like warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for 5 to 7 seconds. This makes them soft and fresh again.
Make-Ahead Tips
Make the dough up to 48 hours ahead and chill.
Form dough balls ahead of time and freeze for holiday parties.
Keep bowls of different sprinkles ready so kids can decorate their own cookies.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Add mini chocolate chips to the dough before rolling in sprinkles.
Lemon Christmas Cookies
Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a bright, citrus twist.
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Replace 1⁄4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a deeper flavor and a pretty chocolate color.
Almond Sprinkle Cookies
Replace the vanilla with almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.
Stuffed Cookies
Place a small piece of white chocolate or Hershey’s Kiss inside the dough before rolling.
Conclusion
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are more than just a holiday treat. They are fun to make, easy to bake, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Their soft centers, sweet flavor, and colorful sprinkles make them a favorite for all ages. Once you make them, you’ll want to bake them every year. Feel free to add your own twist and make this recipe part of your family’s holiday tradition. Baking should feel fun, simple, and joyful, and these cookies capture that feeling in every bite.
FAQs
What makes Christmas Sprinkle Cookies soft?
The key is not overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges set but the centers still look soft.
Can I use different sprinkles?
Yes. Any type works, but jimmies stick the best and don’t bleed color.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes. Freeze rolled dough balls for up to 3 months.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles very well for parties and cookie exchanges.
Are these cookies good for kids to help with?
Yes. Kids love rolling the dough and dipping the cookies in sprinkles.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
Are these cookies healthier than store-bought ones?
They are fresher, contain no artificial preservatives, and let you control the ingredients.
