Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies! Festive Recipe Guide

The holidays are here, and with them comes the irresistible urge to bake! But let’s be real, sometimes the thought of complex recipes can make even the most enthusiastic baker reach for store-bought. Not this year! Get ready to embrace the festive spirit with our incredibly simple and utterly delightful recipe for Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little bites of holiday cheer, bursting with color and classic flavor, guaranteed to bring smiles to every face – including yours, because they’re genuinely easy to make!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!

Prepare to fall head over heels for these festive treats. Here are four irresistible reasons why our Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies! will become your new holiday baking tradition:

Effortlessly Simple: True to their name, these cookies are a breeze to whip up. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you won’t need to be a pastry chef to achieve perfect results. Ideal for busy holiday schedules!
Visually Spectacular: Who can resist a cookie literally covered in vibrant red and green sprinkles? Jimmies, nonpareils, and sparkling sugar combine to create a stunning, festive masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes. They’re a showstopper on any cookie platter!
Irresistibly Delicious Flavor: Beyond the dazzling exterior lies a buttery, soft cookie with a hint of tang from cream cheese, beautifully complemented by vanilla and almond extracts. It’s a classic, comforting flavor profile that embodies the magic of Christmas.
Perfect for Sharing & Gifting: Need a treat for a cookie exchange? Looking for a thoughtful homemade gift? Or just want to impress Santa? These Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies! are perfect. They travel well and are universally loved, making them an excellent choice for spreading holiday cheer.

Ingredients for Your Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!

Gather your festive ingredients and get ready to create some magic. The beauty of these Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies! lies in their simplicity!

🧈 1 cup softened unsalted butter
🧀 2 ounces softened cream cheese
🍚 ¾ cup granulated sugar
🥚 1 large egg, at room temperature
💧 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
🌰 1 teaspoon almond extract
🌾 3 cups all-purpose flour
🥄 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
🧂 ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
✨ 1 cup festive red and green jimmies sprinkles
🔴 1 cup vibrant red and green nonpareils sprinkles
🟢 1 cup sparkling red and green sugar sprinkles

How to Bake Your Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!: Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to bring your delightful Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies! to life.

Cream & Combine Wet: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes). Mix in sugar, egg, vanilla, and almond extract for 1 minute until well combined.
Whisk Dry: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
Combine & Chill: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least one hour – this makes handling much easier!
Prep Time! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Pour each sprinkle type into separate small bowls for easy rolling.
Roll in Sparkle: Scoop about two tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll into a neat ball, then generously coat each dough ball in your chosen sprinkles until fully covered.
Shape & Space: Place sprinkle-covered balls on prepared cookie sheets, leaving about two inches between each. Gently flatten each with the bottom of a glass into a disc about ¾ inch thick.
Bake to Golden: Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just lightly golden brown. The tops will stay soft and light.
Cool & Enjoy: Let the warm cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes to set up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Grab a glass of milk and enjoy your perfectly festive Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!!

Presenting & Serving Your Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!

These Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies! are a feast for the eyes as much as they are for the palate! Here are some fun and festive ways to present and serve them:

Creative Presentation Ideas:

Festive Platter Power: Arrange them artfully on a holiday-themed platter, perhaps alongside other festive treats for a delightful variety.
Cookie Tins & Boxes: Layer your cookies in a beautiful Christmas cookie tin, separating layers with parchment paper, for a perfect homemade gift.
Tiered Serving Tray: For a party, stack these colorful cookies on a tiered serving tray. The height adds elegance and makes them even more enticing.
Ribbon Bundles: Stack 3-4 cookies and tie them together with a pretty red or green ribbon – a charming way to give small samples or add to a gift basket.
Cellophane Bags: Place a few cookies in clear cellophane bags, tie with a festive bow, and attach a homemade gift tag. Excellent for party favors or thoughtful neighbor gifts.

Delightful Serving Suggestions:

Classic Milk Pairing: A tall, cold glass of milk is the ultimate companion for these sweet treats, just like Santa prefers!
Hot Cocoa Bar Must-Have: Set up a hot cocoa bar, and these sprinkle cookies will be the star dippers, adding extra cheer.
Coffee & Tea Time: Enjoy them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up with a warm cup of herbal tea.
Holiday Dessert Spreads: Add them to your larger holiday dessert table. Their vibrant colors make them stand out amongst other treats.

Storing Your Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!

Once you’ve baked a batch of these glorious Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how:

At Room Temperature: Store your baked and completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay wonderfully fresh and soft for up to 5-7 days.
In the Refrigerator: While not strictly necessary for baked cookies, if your kitchen runs warm, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. Let them come to room temperature for the best texture.
Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Freezing Dough: You can also prepare the dough ahead of time! Form dough balls, flatten them slightly, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen (adding a few minutes) or thaw in the fridge before baking.

Tip: Always ensure cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess!

FAQs About Easy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!

Q1: Can I use different types or colors of sprinkles?: A1: Absolutely! Feel free to customize with any colors or types of sprinkles for different holidays or themes. A variety adds great texture and visual appeal.
Q2: Why do my cookies spread too much?: A2: The most common reason is warm dough. Ensure you chill the dough for at least an hour as instructed. Also, ensure your butter and cream cheese aren’t overly soft.
Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?: A3: Yes! Prepare the dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.
Q4: What if I don’t have cream cheese?: A4: You can substitute with an equal amount of softened unsalted butter. The cookies will still be delicious but will have a slightly different richness and less tang.
Q5: Can I omit the almond extract?: A5: Yes, omit it if preferred or for allergies. You can increase vanilla extract to 3 teaspoons or add a different extract like peppermint for a festive twist.
Q6: How do I prevent sprinkles from falling off?: A6: Roll dough balls generously and gently press them into the sprinkles for good adhesion. Handle baked cookies gently when transferring. Some minimal loss is normal.
Q7: Are these cookies good for shipping?: A7: Yes, they ship well! Ensure they are completely cooled, then pack them snugly in an airtight container, cushioning with parchment paper. Ship quickly for freshness.
Q8: Can I freeze the baked cookies?: A8: Yes! Once completely cooled, freeze them in an airtight container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Q9: How can I make these gluten-free?: A9: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend containing xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. Texture might vary slightly.
Q10: What’s the difference between jimmies, nonpareils, and sparkling sugar?: A10: Jimmies are elongated, nonpareils are tiny round balls, and sparkling sugar consists of larger, coarse crystals. Using all three adds delightful texture and visual appeal.