There’s something timeless about a plate of sprinkle sugar cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with colorful holiday sprinkles, these cookies bring instant joy to every Christmas celebration. Whether you’re filling up Christmas cookie boxes, baking with kids, or making edible gifts for friends, this easy recipe is a must-have for the holiday season.
These cookies combine the buttery goodness of traditional sugar cookies with the fun crunch of festive sprinkles. They’re quick to prepare, bake perfectly every time, and look absolutely beautiful on any holiday dessert table.
Table of Contents
Sprinkle Sugar Cookies – The Festive Classic for Every Christmas Occasion
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy sugar cookies loaded with festive holiday sprinkles a simple and classic recipe for Christmas baking and cookie boxes.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup holiday sprinkles (plus more for rolling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
4. Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
5. Stir in dry ingredients, then fold in sprinkles.
6. Roll dough into balls and coat with extra sprinkles.
7. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges set.
8. Cool on tray before serving.
Notes
Use colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
Avoid overbaking for soft centers.
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Holiday sprinkles (red, green, white mix) | ¾ cup (plus extra for rolling) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. - Combine and fold
Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture until fully combined. Gently fold in the sprinkles. - Shape and roll
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat with extra sprinkles. Place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart. - Bake
Bake 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are slightly golden and centers remain soft. Cool completely before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
- Avoid overbaking these cookies are best when soft in the center.
- Customize the sprinkle colors for any holiday or celebration.
- To freeze dough balls, flash-freeze on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These sprinkle sugar cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and joy. Whether you’re making them for Christmas baking, assembling holiday cookie boxes, or sharing them at a winter gathering, they’ll bring a smile to every face. Soft, buttery, and full of sparkle, they’re a must-bake holiday dessert that captures the season’s spirit in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use nonpareils or sanding sugar instead of sprinkles?
Yes, but classic jimmies work best because they hold their color when baked.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. They stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Do I need to chill the dough?
If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 20 minutes helps prevent spreading.
Can I add almond extract?
Yes, replace half the vanilla with almond extract for a bakery-style twist.