Step into the festive spirit with our delightful Christmas Sprinkle Cookies – the ultimate holiday treat! These aren’t just any sugar cookies; they’re incredibly chewy, brimming with vibrant red and green Christmas sprinkles, and crowned with a luscious, whipped frosting, finished with an extra shower of sprinkles. Crafted in an easy-to-make drop-style, these cookies promise a touch of homemade magic and festive cheer to your holiday gatherings, potlucks, or quiet evenings by the fire. Their soft texture and celebratory look make them an instant favorite for both young and old, embodying the joy and tradition of the season in every delicious bite.
The holidays are a time for warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious baked goods. Our Christmas Sprinkle Cookies capture all these elements in one irresistible package. Imagine a cookie that is perfectly soft and chewy, with a hint of brown sugar that adds depth to its classic sugar cookie base. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor and texture, made even more special by the playful crunch and festive colors of Christmas sprinkles woven throughout the dough. To elevate them further, a fluffy, subtly salted whipped frosting provides a beautiful contrast to the sweet cookie, ensuring these treats stand out on any dessert table.
For those looking to expand their holiday baking repertoire, explore some of our other festive creations:
- Charming Christmas Reindeer Cupcakes
- Bright Christmas Light Cupcakes
- Rich Gingerbread Chocolate Cookies
Why You’ll Adore These Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
There are countless reasons why these Christmas Sprinkle Cookies will become a treasured part of your holiday baking tradition. We’ve designed this recipe to be not only incredibly delicious but also straightforward and enjoyable to make.
- Unbelievably Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies: Forget dry, crumbly cookies! Our recipe uses a careful balance of granulated and light brown sugar, along with precise butter and egg temperatures, to create drop-style cookies that are exceptionally soft in the center with perfectly chewy edges. This texture is what makes them so satisfying and utterly addictive, offering a comforting mouthfeel that truly evokes the spirit of homemade goodness.
- The Magic of Christmas Sprinkles: What’s Christmas without a burst of festive color? These cookies are generously loaded with classic red and green jimmie sprinkles, not only making them visually stunning but also adding a delightful, subtle crunch. We incorporate sprinkles directly into the dough and then shower them on top of the frosting for maximum festive impact. It’s the simplest way to make every cookie a mini celebration!
- Cloud-Like Whipped Frosting: The frosting is a game-changer. Unlike heavy, overly sweet buttercream, our whipped frosting is light, airy, and incredibly smooth. We incorporate a hint of salt, which is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors, preventing the frosting from being cloying. This delicate frosting melts in your mouth, perfectly complementing the soft cookie base.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, even those new to holiday baking. The step-by-step instructions are clear, and the process is forgiving, ensuring beautiful results every time. It’s also a fantastic recipe to get kids involved in the kitchen, fostering wonderful holiday memories as they help mix, scoop, and decorate these cheerful treats.
Key Ingredient Spotlight: What You Need to Know
Understanding your ingredients is key to successful baking. Here’s a deeper look into the components that make these Christmas Sprinkle Cookies so special:
- Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature for Cookies, Slightly Cold for Frosting): Precision in butter temperature is vital. For the cookie dough, room temperature butter creams smoothly with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter texture. For the whipped frosting, slightly cold butter helps achieve that airy, fluffy consistency. Remember to pull butter out 2 hours before baking to reach the ideal room temperature – it should yield slightly to a gentle press, but not be greasy.
- Brown Sugar (Light): While the original mentions light or dark, we highly recommend light brown sugar for these cookies. It adds a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture, contributing to that irresistible chewiness without overpowering the delicate sugar cookie taste. Dark brown sugar can be too intense for this specific cookie’s flavor profile. Make sure it’s packed when measuring for accuracy.
- Large Egg (Room Temperature): A room temperature egg emulsifies better with the butter and sugar, creating a smoother, more uniform dough. This leads to a better texture in your finished cookies. Just like butter, take your egg out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start baking.
- Christmas Sprinkles (Jimmies): The type of sprinkle truly matters here! We specifically recommend using jimmie sprinkles (the elongated, cylindrical kind) over nonpareils (the tiny, round balls). Nonpareils tend to bleed their color into the dough during baking, creating a muddy look, whereas jimmies hold their shape and vibrant color much better.
- Powdered Sugar (Sifted): Sifting powdered sugar for the frosting is non-negotiable for a truly smooth, grit-free finish. Even if it looks fine, powdered sugar can clump, and these small lumps will create a less-than-perfect frosting texture. A fine-mesh sieve is your best friend here.
- All-Purpose Flour: Proper measurement of flour is critical. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry, dense cookies.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For the best flavor, always opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation. It makes a significant difference in the overall taste of both the cookies and the frosting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Follow these detailed instructions to create a batch of festive, chewy, and deliciously frosted Christmas Sprinkle Cookies that will impress everyone.
STEP 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients and Cream Wet Ingredients. Start by sifting your all-purpose flour into a medium-sized bowl. This crucial step ensures a smooth cookie dough, free of lumps. To the sifted flour, add your baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution, then gently fold in your half-cup of Christmas jimmie sprinkles. Set this festive mix aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with both the white granulated sugar and the light brown sugar on high speed for at least 2 minutes. The mixture should become light, pale, and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated, which is essential for soft cookies. Next, crack in your room temperature large egg and pour in the pure vanilla extract. Continue beating on high for another full minute until everything is well combined and creamy.
STEP 2: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the prepared dry ingredient mix (flour, leaveners, salt, and sprinkles) into the wet mixture. Mix only until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Stop as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.
STEP 3: Chill the Cookie Dough. Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. This chilling step is vital for several reasons: it allows the flour to fully hydrate, the flavors to meld, and, most importantly, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they maintain a thick, chewy texture. The dough should be firm and cold to the touch before proceeding.
STEP 4: Scoop and Bake the Cookies. While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper – never bake directly on the sheet or use silicone mats for these cookies, as parchment paper helps prevent spreading. Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop out uniform balls of the chilled dough. For perfectly round cookies, gently roll each scooped portion between your palms to smooth them out. Arrange no more than 6 cookie dough balls per baking sheet, ensuring ample space between each, as they will spread a bit during baking. Crowding the tray can lead to uneven baking and less desirable results. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. They may look slightly underdone in the middle, but they will continue to cook as they cool, ensuring that coveted chewy texture. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is crucial before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
STEP 5: Prepare the Whipped Frosting. While the cookies are cooling, start on your delightful whipped frosting. Begin by beating the slightly cold unsalted butter in a clean mixing bowl with an electric mixer on high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes pale and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated, then increasing to high. Once all the sugar is in, add the pure vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat the frosting on high speed for another 3-5 minutes. The key here is to whip it until it transforms into a light, incredibly fluffy, and airy consistency. The salt will subtly cut through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.
STEP 6: Frost the Cooled Cookies. Once the cookies have cooled completely (this is very important!), take about 1 tablespoon of the whipped frosting for each cookie. Use an offset icing spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the frosting evenly over the top of each cookie. You can create charming swirls or simply smooth it out for a classic look.
STEP 7: Add Extra Festive Sprinkles. For the grand finale, generously top each frosted cookie with an additional sprinkle of red and green Christmas jimmies. This not only enhances their festive appeal but also adds a lovely textural element. Now your beautiful Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are ready to be admired and enjoyed!
Essential Baking Tips for Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easier than you think with a few simple tricks. Pay close attention to these baking tips to ensure your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Preventing Cookie Spreading
No one wants flat, crispy cookies when they’re aiming for chewy and soft. Here’s how to ensure your cookies maintain their beautiful shape and thickness:
- Thoroughly Chill the Dough: This is arguably the most crucial step. Cold dough means that the butter within it remains solid longer in the oven, melting gradually rather than spreading out rapidly. This allows the cookie to set and rise slightly before the butter fully melts, resulting in a thicker cookie. Don’t skip the minimum 30-minute chill time; longer is often better.
- Ensure Cookie Dough Balls are Cold: After you’ve scooped your dough balls, if your kitchen is warm or if you’re working in batches, place the scooped cookie dough balls back into the fridge for another 10-15 minutes until they are very cold and firm again. This double-chilling method significantly reduces spread.
- Always Bake on Parchment Paper: For these cookies, parchment paper is your best friend. It provides a non-stick surface that helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents sticking. Avoid baking directly on a plain cookie sheet, which can cause excessive spreading due to heat conductivity, and refrain from using silicone baking mats, as they can sometimes promote more spread in certain sugar cookie recipes.
Mastering the Whipped Frosting
The texture of your frosting elevates these cookies from good to exceptional:
- Whip Butter First, Then Frosting: To achieve that signature light and fluffy whipped texture, start by beating the slightly cold butter on high speed for a full 2-3 minutes on its own until it’s notably pale and airy. Only then, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and other ingredients. This initial aeration of the butter is key to creating a truly light frosting. Continue beating the full mixture on high speed until it’s visibly light and fluffy.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: It might seem counterintuitive to add salt to a sweet frosting, but it makes a world of difference. The small amount of salt in the frosting perfectly balances out the sweetness from the powdered sugar and cookies. It prevents the frosting from being overly sugary and enhances all the other flavors, creating a more sophisticated and enjoyable taste profile. Trust us, it’s a must-add!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.
Do I have to add the frosting?
While the frosting adds a delightful touch and balances the sweetness, these cookies are absolutely delicious on their own! If you prefer a simpler cookie or are short on time, feel free to omit the frosting. The chewy sugar cookie base with sprinkles is still a fantastic treat. The frosting just makes them extra fun and festive, perfect for gifting or a show-stopping dessert spread.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Simply double all the cookie ingredients and all the frosting ingredients. You might need to bake in multiple batches or use extra baking sheets, but the method remains the same. Doubling the recipe is a great idea for large gatherings or if you plan to share a lot of holiday cheer.
Can I make these with rainbow sprinkles?
Yes, you can certainly customize these cookies with rainbow sprinkles for other celebrations! Just make sure to use jimmie sprinkles (the cylindrical kind) as discussed in the ingredient notes. Nonpareils tend to bleed their color into the dough, especially during baking, which can result in a less vibrant and potentially messy appearance. Jimmies hold their color and shape much better, ensuring a cheerful and colorful cookie regardless of the occasion.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply prepare the dough as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly (if it’s too hard to scoop) before proceeding with scooping and baking. This makes holiday baking much more manageable!
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for lightly golden edges and centers that appear just set, but still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry, crispy cookies, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked for that desired chewy texture. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Storing and Freezing Your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
To keep your festive cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Our Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, especially with their creamy whipped frosting, require specific care.
Storage
Due to the whipped frosting, these cookies are best stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. Properly stored, they will remain fresh and delightful for up to 5 days. We recommend arranging them in a single layer or separating layers with parchment paper to prevent the frosting from smudging.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully, making them an excellent option for make-ahead holiday baking. To freeze, place the completely cooled and frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until the frosting is firm. Once frozen solid, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 30 days without compromising flavor or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour. This thawing process allows the cookies and frosting to return to their perfect soft and creamy state.
Alternatively, you can freeze the unfrosted cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them solid on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Other Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try
If you’ve loved these Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, be sure to explore more of our delectable cookie creations. From classic shortbread to innovative new flavors, we have a recipe for every craving and occasion!
We hope you thoroughly enjoyed making and savoring these delightful Christmas Sprinkle Cookies. If you tried this recipe, we’d love for you to leave us a star review below and share your experience!
Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats with your festive creations. We love seeing what you bake! For more baking inspiration and sweet ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles, Use Jimmie sprinkles.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 TBSP Brown sugar, packed light or dark
- 1 Large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Whipped Frosting
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, slightly cold
- 1 TBSP Pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3 TBSP Heavy cream
- Extra sprinkles
Instructions
Cookies
- In a mixing bowl, sift the flour. Add in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sprinkles.1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp Baking powder, 1/2 tsp Baking soda, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles
- Using a mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Add in vanilla and egg. Beat on high for 1 minute.1/2 cup Unsalted butter, 3/4 cup White granulated sugar, 2 TBSP Brown sugar, 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract, 1 Large egg
- Add in the dry ingredients. Mix on low until just combined.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 1 TBSP of cookie dough. Roll until smooth. Bake 6 cookies per cookie sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes. They need to be spread out to rise. Don’t bake 12 on the cookie sheet.
- Let the cookies sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool completely.
Whipped Frosting
- Place butter on the counter for 30 minutes to get slightly cold. Sift the powdered sugar while you wait.1 cup Unsalted butter, 3 cups Powdered sugar
- Using a mixer, beat the butter on high for 3 minutes. Slowly add in the powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. Add in vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Beat on high until light and fluffy.1 TBSP Pure vanilla extract, 3 TBSP Heavy cream, 1/2 tsp Salt
- Top each cookie with 1 TBSP of frosting. Spread frosting on top of cookies and top with extra sprinkles.Extra sprinkles
Notes
High altitude baking- Add an extra TBSP of flour.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 219kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 43mg, Sodium: 110mg, Potassium: 20mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 497IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 1mg