The holiday season is here, and with it comes the irresistible urge to fill our homes with the scent of freshly baked cookies! But who has time for complicated roll-and-cut recipes when there’s so much festive fun to be had? Get ready to ditch the rolling pin and embrace the easiest, most delightful way to bake your holiday cheer: introducing our incredible Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles! These cookies are an absolute game-changer for anyone looking for homemade goodness without the fuss. Imagine soft, chewy centers, slightly crisp edges, and a dazzling explosion of colorful sprinkles, all made with minimal effort. They’re not just cookies; they’re tiny parcels of joy, ready to brighten any Christmas gathering or simply make your Tuesday feel a little more magical. Let’s dive into the delicious details and make your kitchen the happiest place on earth this season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might be wondering what makes these Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles! so special. Here are four irresistible reasons why this recipe will become your new holiday go-to:
- Effortlessly Simple: Say goodbye to sticky countertops, endless flour dusting, and intricate cookie cutters. This is a true drop cookie recipe, meaning you simply scoop, roll, and bake. It’s perfect for busy bees, beginner bakers, or anyone who wants maximum festive impact with minimum fuss.
- Festive & Fun Aesthetic: With 2 whole cups of vibrant Christmas sprinkles, these cookies practically scream “holiday cheer!” They’re visually stunning and incredibly appealing, especially for kids (and adults who are kids at heart!). No need for elaborate frosting techniques – the sprinkles do all the work.
- Perfect Soft & Chewy Texture: We all know the agony of a dry, hard sugar cookie. This recipe delivers a consistently soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of chewiness, thanks to a careful balance of ingredients and precise baking instructions. That slight underbake is the secret!
- Quick & Convenient: From mixing bowl to cooling rack, these cookies are surprisingly fast. While there’s a chilling period, the active prep and bake times are incredibly short, making it easy to whip up a batch (or two!) for last-minute guests, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients with Measurements
Gather your simple yet magical ingredients to create these delightful Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles!:
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍚 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 🌿 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🥚 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 🌾 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ✨ 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- 🌟 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 🧂 ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 🥛 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based works!)
- 🌈 2 cups festive Christmas sprinkles
Detailed Step-by-Step Directions
Get ready to bake the easiest and most delicious Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles! by following these detailed steps:
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, start your journey to cookie bliss. Add the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium-high speed for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is beautifully light, fluffy, and pale in color. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to ensure everything is well combined. This initial step incorporates air, making your cookies wonderfully tender!
- Add Wet & Dry Ingredients: Now, incorporate the flavor and structure. Beat in the vanilla extract and the two room-temperature eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until just combined, about another minute. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed. Mix for only 1-2 minutes, just until the dry ingredients are barely combined and the mixture looks a bit crumbly. Be careful not to overmix! Pour in the 3 tablespoons of milk and continue mixing on low speed until you have a smooth, soft dough. Once the dough comes together, stop mixing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge to chill for at least one hour. This chilling process is absolutely crucial for preventing your cookies from spreading too much and ensures a perfect texture.
- Prep & Bake: While your dough is chilling out, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – this is your secret weapon for easy cleanup and preventing sticking! Pour your colorful Christmas sprinkles into a shallow dish, ready for action. Once your dough is nicely firm from chilling, scoop out about 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each scoop into a neat ball between your palms. Gently roll each dough ball in the shallow dish of sprinkles until it’s evenly coated on all sides. Place these festive, sprinkle-covered cookie balls about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in your preheated oven for 6-9 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to just barely start to turn a light golden color. The centers should still look soft and slightly underbaked – this is the key to achieving that soft, chewy perfection!
- Cool & Enjoy: The moment they emerge from the oven, quickly and carefully move the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Leaving them on the hot baking sheet for too long can cause them to continue cooking and become hard. Once cooled, these incredibly easy-to-make, delightful Christmas treats are ready to be devoured!
Ways to Present and Serve
These Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles! are already a visual delight, but with a few simple touches, you can elevate their presentation and make them even more special:
- Festive Platters: Arrange them artfully on a large white or holiday-themed platter. Mix them with other Christmas treats like gingerbread men, chocolate crinkles, or even some fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a vibrant display.
- Gift Jars or Bags: Stack them neatly in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon, or layer them in a decorative glass jar. These make perfect homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or friends during the holidays. Add a personalized tag with a sweet message!
- Cookie Exchange Star: Bring these to your next holiday cookie exchange! Their vibrant sprinkles and irresistible taste will surely make them a standout. Consider placing them in a small, decorative box for easy transport and gifting.
- Milk & Hot Chocolate Bar: Create a cozy serving station by pairing your cookies with a carafe of cold milk (dairy or plant-based) and a thermos of rich hot chocolate. Add some marshmallows, candy canes, and whipped cream for an ultimate winter treat.
- Individual Treat Boxes: For a party, place one or two cookies in small, individual treat boxes or cupcake liners for guests to easily grab and enjoy.
- Dessert Table Centerpiece: Use a multi-tiered stand to display the cookies, creating an inviting centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
How to Store It and How Long Does It Last
Ensuring your delicious Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles! stay fresh and delightful is simple with these storage tips:
- At Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container. A cookie jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. They will stay fresh, soft, and chewy for up to 3-5 days at room temperature. To maintain their softness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
- In the Refrigerator: While not typically necessary for sugar cookies, if you want them to last a little longer, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 30 minutes). Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
- Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls! After rolling them in sprinkles, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time if needed. This is fantastic for having fresh-baked cookies on demand!
FAQs Section
Here are 10 common questions about making and enjoying your Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles!:
- Can I use cold butter?
No, it’s crucial to use softened butter. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a dense dough and potentially tough cookies. If your butter isn’t soft, cut it into pieces and let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, or microwave on very low power for a few seconds.
- Is chilling the dough really necessary?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least an hour is key! It solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they maintain a nice shape and have that perfect soft-chewy texture.
- What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can still make these! You’ll need some arm power. Use a sturdy whisk or a wooden spoon to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. It will take longer but is definitely achievable.
- My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
Common culprits are: not chilling the dough long enough, butter that was too soft or melted, overmixing the flour (which develops gluten), or using a baking sheet that’s too hot from a previous batch.
- Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any sprinkles you love. Nonpareils (tiny balls) and jimmie sprinkles (rod-shaped) work best for coating. Just be aware that some cheaper sprinkles might bleed color slightly during baking, but for these festive cookies, it often adds to the charm!
- Can I add frosting to these cookies?
While these cookies are fantastic on their own with the sprinkles, you could certainly add a thin layer of simple royal icing or a buttercream swirl after they are completely cooled if you desire extra sweetness or decoration.
- Are these good for kids to help make?
Definitely! The drop style and sprinkle-rolling steps are very kid-friendly. Kids will love scooping, rolling in sprinkles, and of course, eating the finished product!
- How long do these cookies stay soft?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay wonderfully soft and chewy for 3-5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain their moisture.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. You might need to let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping and rolling if it’s too firm.
- Why are my cookies hard after baking?
If your cookies are hard, they were likely overbaked. Remember, the key is to bake them just until the edges are barely golden and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the wire rack.
Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles!
Equipment
- Electric Mixer
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.25 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.125 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp milk dairy or plant-based works!
- 2 cups festive Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- First, in a big bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until they're light and fluffy, about a minute. This simple start makes your cookies wonderfully tender!
- Next, add the vanilla extract and room-temperature eggs, beating for another minute. Then, gently mix in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat on low speed for 1-2 minutes until the dry ingredients are just combined; don't overmix! It might look a bit crumbly. Pour in the milk and continue mixing on low until you have a smooth, soft dough. Cover the dough and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. This step is key for perfect, less-spreading cookies!
- While your dough chills, get your baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper – makes cleanup a breeze! Pour your colorful Christmas sprinkles into a shallow dish. Once the dough is nicely chilled, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons per cookie, roll it into a neat ball, and then gently roll it in the sprinkles to coat evenly. Place these festive cookie balls about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 6-9 minutes, or just until the edges barely start to turn a light golden. Remember, a slightly underbaked cookie stays soft and chewy!
- As soon as they're out of the oven, quickly move the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Leaving them on the hot baking sheet can make them overcook and become hard. Enjoy these incredibly easy-to-make, delightful Christmas treats!
Notes
- Don't overmix the dough to ensure tenderness.
- Chilling the dough for at least an hour is key for perfect, less-spreading cookies.
- A slightly underbaked cookie stays soft and chewy!
- Move warm cookies to a wire rack immediately to prevent overcooking and hardening.
- Calories: 114 kcal
- Total Carbs: 15g
- Net Carbs: 14.8g
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 1g