If you’re searching for a festive treat that’s both irresistibly soft and bursting with holiday cheer, these Soft Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need. They’re delightfully chewy, beautifully colorful thanks to the generous Christmas sprinkles, and they’ve become a must-have recipe for holiday baking, especially when you want to involve the kids in the kitchen. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and a joyful crunch from those sprinkles, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any seasonal gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create a magically soft cookie with festive flair. Each component plays an essential role — from the butter adding rich moisture, to the vanilla bringing warmth, and of course, those sprinkles for that unmistakable holiday sparkle.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup, softened): Brings richness and tenderness to the cookies, and softening it ensures smooth mixing.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the dough while helping to create that classic sugar cookie texture.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and adds moisture, helping the dough hold together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Provides a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The structure builder that keeps these cookies soft but sturdy enough for sprinkles.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Gives a slight lift, ensuring the cookies stay soft and light.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Christmas sprinkles: Pops of color and festive fun that add a delightful crunch and visual excitement.
How to Make Soft Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key to ensuring even baking, so the cookies come out perfectly soft with golden edges every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it aerates the dough, contributing to the soft texture people love.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until combined. These liquid ingredients bring moisture and flavor, making the dough rich and aromatic.
Step 4: Blend in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in Christmas Sprinkles
Carefully fold in the colorful Christmas sprinkles. They add that festive charm and a sweet crunch, making every bite exciting and visually joyful.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Leave space between each ball to allow gentle spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges just set but the center remains soft and chewy.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning as is, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of festive sugar crystals on top right after baking for that sparkling finish. A dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of buttercream adds a delightful touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these Soft Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, warm hot cocoa, or even a cup of spiced coffee for the perfect cozy holiday snack. The creamy beverages complement the chewy sweetness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a festive platter decorated with holly leaves, candy canes, or miniature ornaments. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with red or green ribbon transforms them into charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Soft Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread or a damp paper towel inside the container — it helps maintain moisture beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save extras, freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can also freeze baked cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing in a sealed container.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover cookies in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them too soft or chewy in an odd way.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
What type of sprinkles work best for these cookies?
Flat or jimmies-style Christmas sprinkles work best because they mix evenly into the dough without bleeding color or melting too much during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for similar results.
How do I get the cookies soft instead of crispy?
Be careful not to overbake; remove cookies from the oven as soon as the edges set but centers still look slightly underdone. Cooling on the baking sheet helps retain softness.
Can these cookies be decorated with icing?
Yes, they make a fantastic base for decorating with royal icing or buttercream once cooled, adding an extra festive touch if you want to get creative.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat; they bring a sprinkle of joy and nostalgia to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking with family or gifting a little sweetness to friends, this recipe is sure to become a treasured tradition. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create your own batch of festive magic today!
PrintSoft Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
These soft Christmas sprinkle sugar cookies are a festive holiday treat, perfect for baking with kids. They are colorful, chewy, and a consistent favorite on Pinterest, making them an ideal choice for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Butter and Sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Mix-ins
- Christmas sprinkles, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the large egg and pour the vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix well until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles to evenly distribute the colorful bits throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This will ensure chewy, tender cookies.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use softened butter rather than melted or cold butter to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
- You can adjust the amount of sprinkles based on your preference for color and crunch.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake a minute or two longer, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Feel free to use holiday-themed sprinkles like red and green or multi-colored to match your festive decor.