Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Holiday baking is always on the list once Christmas comes around. These Christmas sugar cookies are at the top of the list because how festive they are.

These sugar cookies are made with pantry ingredients and easy to make. We love how soft and chewy they are. Then adding the fun red and green sprinkles always bring a smile to your face for the best Christmas dessert. You may love these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies.

Why We Love this Sugar Cookie Recipe

• Simple Ingredients – This sugar cookie dough recipe is made with simple ingredients. If you bake, then you probably already have the ingredients.
• Easy to Make – This is a great dessert to prepare ahead of time. The cookie dough balls rolled into the red and sprinkles is always the perfect job for the kids.
• Perfect Holiday Cookie – We love baking during the holiday for our Christmas dinners. But holiday baking can also be used for homemade gifts. Make these cookies and wrap up in a cellophane bag for neighbors and friends.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

• Peppermint Extract – For added flavor, add in peppermint extract. You can use half the vanilla extract and half peppermint extract for a mint flavor.
• Mix in More Sprinkles – For even more sprinkle fun, mix in sprinkles to the sugar cookie batter. If you do that we recommend using quality sprinkles such as Jimmies sprinkles.
• Change the Holiday Sprinkles – We love making these for Christmas, but you can make these cookies for other occasions. We have even used chocolate sprinkles for a fun variation.
• Chocolate Chips – Make chocolate chip cookies with the basic sugar cookie recipe. You can easily add in chocolate chips for a fun twist to this recipe.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Step 1 – Combine Dry Ingredients – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and cornstarch. Mix in baking soda and salt until well combined.  Set aside.

Step 2 – Cream butter Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese. Mix with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer until light and fluffy (approximately 3-5 minutes).  

Step 3 – Mix in Butters and Sugar – Add in the sugar, eggs and vanilla extract.  Mix until combined.  

Step 4 – Combine dry and wet ingredients – Reduce the mixer speed until low.  Then gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Then chill dough.

Step 5 – Roll the dough balls – Place the sprinkles in a shallow bowl.  Spoon the dough into approximately 1 tablespoon size balls. Then roll the balls in the sprinkles until they are completely covered. 

Step 6 – Place on Baking Sheet – Then place on a baking sheet approximately 2 inches apart.  

• Step 7 – Bake Cookies – Bake for 9-12 minutes until the cookies are set but not browned.  Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. 
• Step 8 – Cool Cookies – Move the cookies from the baking sheets to a wire rack to cool completely. 
• Step 9 – Serve – Then the cookies are ready to serve and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Cookie Scoop – We recommend using a cookie scoop to start the dough into balls. This way the cookie dough balls are about the same size.
• Cooling Cookies – To cool the cookies before serving, place on a cooling rack.
• Line Baking Sheet – For easy cleanup and to easily remove cookies for baking pan, line with parchment paper.
• Combining the Ingredients – Combine the ingredients with a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. We like to use the paddle attachment to combine ingredients. Do not overmix the sugar cookie batter.
• Adding In Sprinkles – Once you have formed the dough into balls, roll the balls into the sprinkles. This allows the cookies to be completely coved with sprinkles.
• Baking Cookies – Make sure to not overbake cookies. This will make the cookies flatter and crunchy. These cookies are supposed to be soft and chewy.
• Measuring Ingredients – When gathering your supplies to make these cookies, make sure to use a measuring cup. This ensures that the sugar cookie batter is soft.

Can I Freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze these Christmas Sprinkle Cookies. If you are planning on freezing them, make sure that the cookies cool completely before freezing.

• Place the cooked cookies on a baking sheet.
• Then place it in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
• After this time, move them to a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.

Freezing the cookie individually for an hour, allows you to take out small serving without having to defrost a large portion.

Defrost them at room temperature and then they are ready to enjoy. I love just pulling a few out at dinner time and they’re usually defrosted out in time for dessert.

How to Store Leftovers

Store the leftover Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. 

Keep a piece of bread in the container with the cookies to keep them soft.