The holiday season is filled with a special kind of magic, isn’t it? It is a whirlwind of twinkling lights, festive music, and the wonderful chaos of family gatherings. It is a time for making memories that warm our hearts all year long.
One of my favorite ways to slow down and savor the season is through baking. There is something so comforting about it. These sprinkle cookies are one of our favorite Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes to make. They are simple, fun, and oh so tasty.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. You do not need any fancy gadgets or expert baking skills. If you have a bowl and a spoon, you are pretty much set. It is a fantastic starting point for anyone new to holiday baking.
They are also super fast to make. We are talking about a batch of deliciousness ready in under 30 minutes. This makes them one of those truly Quick Christmas Cookies you can whip up for a last minute party or a sudden craving.
The best part? The sprinkles. Rolling the dough in colorful sprinkles is so much fun, especially if you have little helpers in the kitchen. It is a simple step that turns a basic cookie into a festive masterpiece. What a great addition to your list of Christmas cookie ideas easy enough for anyone.
And let’s not forget the flavor. These cookies are wonderfully soft, buttery, and have just the right amount of sweetness. They have a classic taste that everyone adores. They really capture the spirit of homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie joy. The list is short and sweet, using staples you likely already have in your pantry. Making sure your butter is at room temperature is key for a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 cup salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Christmas colored sprinkles
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First things first, let’s get the oven going. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is warming up, grab a couple of baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This little step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream The Butter And Sugar
In a large bowl, or in your stand mixer if you have one, combine the room temperature butter and the sugar. You want to beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes about three minutes.
This creaming process is super important. It whips tiny air pockets into the butter, which helps make your cookies wonderfully soft. Do not rush this part. It is the foundation for a great cookie.
Step 3: Add The Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in your large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it is just combined. The mixture should look smooth and smell amazing. Vanilla always signals that something delicious is on the way.
Step 4: Combine The Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate, medium sized bowl. In it, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking them first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly. This ensures every cookie bakes up beautifully.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Now it is time to bring it all home. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet butter mixture. Mix on a low speed until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix. Just mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
Overmixing can make cookies tough, and we are aiming for soft and tender. This is one of the best tips for all Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes.
Step 6: Time For Sprinkles
Pour your festive Christmas sprinkles into a shallow bowl or a small plate. This makes the rolling process much easier. Get your cookie dough and a small scoop ready. A scoop that holds about one and a half tablespoons is a great size.
Using a scoop helps make all your cookies the same size. This means they will bake evenly. It is a simple trick that makes a big difference in your holiday baking.
Step 7: Scoop, Roll, And Place
Scoop out a ball of dough. You do not need to roll it into a perfect sphere. Just take the scooped dough and roll the top and sides in the sprinkles. Leave the bottom of the dough ball plain.
Place each sprinkle covered dough ball onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about two inches of space between them. They will spread a little as they bake, and we do not want them to stick together.
Step 8: Bake To Perfection
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake them for about 11 or 12 minutes. You will know they are ready when the bottoms are a lovely golden brown. The tops might still look a little soft, and that is okay.
Once they are done, let the cookies cool on the baking tray for about five minutes. This helps them set up. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step is important for getting that perfect texture.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any cookies left over, storing them is simple. Wait until they are completely cool. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for up to five days.
You can also freeze the baked cookies. Just place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They will keep for up to three months. When you are ready for a treat, let them thaw at room temperature. What a great way to prep for future holiday baking!
Tips
Here are a few extra pointers to make your cookie baking experience even better. These are great for all sorts of Christmas cookie ideas easy enough for the whole family to enjoy.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Packing the flour in can make your cookies dry.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies out when the bottoms are golden brown, even if the centers look a little underdone. They will finish baking on the hot pan.
- Chill The Dough: If your kitchen is warm, your dough might get sticky. Chilling it for 20 minutes can make it much easier to handle and roll in sprinkles.
- Sprinkle Variations: Feel free to get creative. Nonpareils, jimmies, or sanding sugar all work well. You can even mix different shapes and colors for extra fun.
Conclusion
There you have it. A wonderfully simple recipe for festive sprinkle cookies. This is truly one of the most rewarding Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes you can make. It is more than just a sweet treat. It is an opportunity to create joy and memories.
Baking these Quick Christmas Cookies can become a cherished tradition. So put on some holiday tunes, gather your loved ones, and fill your home with the delicious scent of fresh baked cookies. Happy holiday baking, everyone!
FAQ
Can I Make The Dough Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
What Kind Of Sprinkles Work Best?
Jimmies, the long skinny sprinkles, are a classic choice and hold their color well. Nonpareils, the tiny little balls, also work great and add a nice crunch. Sanding sugar gives a beautiful sparkle. Feel free to use your favorite.
Can I Use Unsalted Butter?
Yes, you can. If you only have unsalted butter, just increase the salt in the recipe from 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon. This will ensure the flavor is balanced. This is a common swap in many Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes.
Why Are My Cookies Spreading Too Much?
Excessive spreading is usually caused by butter that is too soft or melted. Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not greasy. Chilling the dough balls on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking can also help them hold their shape.
Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
These sprinkle cookies are a favorite Easy Christmas Cookie Recipe. Simple, fun, and tasty, they’re incredibly straightforward and quick to make (under 30 minutes). Rolling the dough in colorful sprinkles is pure joy, especially for festive baking. Expect wonderfully soft, buttery cookies with just the right sweetness, capturing homemade goodness.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream room temperature butter and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract; mix until just combined and smooth.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour Christmas sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Using a small scoop (about 1.5 tbsp), scoop dough.
- Roll the top and sides of each dough ball in sprinkles (leave bottom plain). Place on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes, until bottoms are golden brown. Tops may still look soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months. This is a great way to prep for future holiday baking!
Measure flour correctly: Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Packing the flour in can make your cookies dry.
Don’t overbake: Pull the cookies out when the bottoms are golden brown, even if the centers look a little underdone. They will finish baking on the hot pan.
If your kitchen is warm, your dough might get sticky. Chilling it for 20 minutes can make it much easier to handle and roll in sprinkles.
Sprinkle variations: Jimmies, nonpareils, or sanding sugar all work well. Feel free to mix different shapes and colors for extra fun.
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
If you only have unsalted butter, just increase the salt in the recipe from 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon to balance the flavor.
Excessive spreading is usually caused by butter that is too soft or melted. Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not greasy. Chilling the dough balls on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking can also help them hold their shape.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
