A Cozy Holiday Tradition: Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, especially during the holiday season. As I mix the vibrant green and red sprinkles into the tender dough, I can’t help but travel back to my childhood, where my family would gather around the kitchen table, giggling and crafting our festive treats. These Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies aren’t just cookies; they are a symbol of love, laughter, and tradition.
This easy and delightful recipe for festive cookies is sure to become a favorite in your own home. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, these tender, buttery cookies make the holidays just a little sweeter. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for last-minute baking sessions, these cookies can be whipped up in under 30 minutes!
- Crowd-Pleasing: With their colorful sprinkles and delightful flavor, they bring joy to any holiday gathering.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love to help sprinkle the colorful toppings, making this a fun family activity.
- Customizable: You can easily twist this recipe for variations that cater to your taste.
- Tender & Buttery: The rich buttery flavor paired with a light crunch creates the perfect cookie experience.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To bake the most delightful Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies, you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup festive sprinkles (red and green)
Let’s Make It Together
Here’s how you can create these magical cookies step-by-step:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until completely blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the festive sprinkles, being careful not to overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden on the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Fun Ways to Customize It
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to give your cookies a refreshing citrus kick.
- Spiced Delight: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, warm spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Nutty Crunch: Feel free to include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead Advice: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of almond extract, vanilla extract works beautifully too. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with a non-dairy butter substitute.
- Storage Suggestions: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Slicing Tricks: If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before dropping onto the cookie sheet.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s the nutrition information per serving (1 cookie):
- Serving size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Total Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative or the sprinkles for dried fruit or nuts.How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.How long does it last?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If frozen, they can last for up to 3 months.
Wrapping It Up
These Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are not just a festive treat; they are a way to create memories with family and friends. Whether you’re baking alone or gathering with loved ones, each golden bite will remind you of the joy and warmth that the holiday season brings.
Save this Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy the moments, and happy baking!
Print
Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delightful festive cookies, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup festive sprinkles (red and green)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together in another bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until completely blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the festive sprinkles gently, being careful not to overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden on the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Substitute butter for non-dairy options if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
