Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Creating the perfect Christmas sprinkle cookies is one of the sweetest ways to celebrate the holiday season. Imagine warm cookies fresh from the oven, their sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen while colorful sprinkles dance atop. These festive delights not only taste fantastic but also bring a burst of cheer. They make for a delightful project to share with family, especially kids who love to get their hands a little messy in the kitchen. Plus, the joy of spreading them with frosting and watching the sprinkles fall is truly a treat in itself. Let’s gather our ingredients and embark on a fun journey to bake some gorgeous Christmas sprinkle cookies that will surely become a holiday favorite!

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Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect Christmas sprinkle cookies hinges on a delicate balance of ingredients and careful preparation. The combination of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and the festive burst of sprinkles ensures a chewy yet flaky texture, making each bite a delightful experience. Using room-temperature butter allows for better creaming with the sugars, producing a light and airy dough that enhances the cookies’ overall texture.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

There’s something undeniably joyful about holiday cookies adorned with colorful sprinkles. These Christmas sprinkle cookies are not just visually appealing; they are a celebration in every bite! Easy to make, they are perfect for family gatherings or as a sweet indulgence during the festive season. The whipped frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness, making them a favorite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles (preferably Jimmies)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 TBSP Brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
• 1 Large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Unsalted butter (slightly cold)
• 1 TBSP Pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups Powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 3 TBSP Heavy cream
• Extra sprinkles for topping

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Christmas sprinkles. This initial step helps combine your dry ingredients evenly and ensures that the baking powder works properly.

Creaming the Butters and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar on high for 2 minutes until creamy and pale in color. This process is essential as it incorporates air into the mixture, which leads to fluffy cookies.

Incorporating Egg and Vanilla

Add in the pure vanilla extract and the large egg. Beat on high for 1 minute, ensuring the mixture is well combined. The egg not only helps bind everything together but also adds moisture to the dough.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to denser cookies, so be gentle.

Chilling the Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape when baking. This step is crucial because it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Baking the Cookies

Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Scooping the Dough

Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place 6 dough balls per cookie sheet, allowing enough space for spreading. This spacing is important; otherwise, your cookies may merge into one giant cookie!

Baking Time

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. You want them to look just set, as they will continue cooking a bit after being taken out.

Cooling the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up a bit, so they don’t break apart.

Making the Whipped Frosting

Softening the Butter

Place 1 cup of unsalted butter on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften slightly. This step is key for achieving a fluffy frosting.

Sifting the Powdered Sugar

While waiting for the butter, sift the powdered sugar into a bowl. This removes any lumps, ensuring a smooth frosting.

Beating the Butter

In a mixer, beat the softened butter on high for 3 minutes until it’s fluffy. This process incorporates air, leading to a light and delicious frosting.

Combining with Powdered Sugar

Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Start on low speed to avoid a powdered sugar cloud in your kitchen!

Adding Flavor and Cream

Mix in the pure vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Continue to beat on high until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frosting the Cookies

Topping the Cookies

Spread 1 tablespoon of whipped frosting on top of each cooled cookie. Finish with a sprinkle of extra colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. This simple step adds that extra festive flair everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful Christmas sprinkle cookies on a festive platter, ideal for holiday parties or as a treat for friends and family. Pair them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a festive eggnog to enhance the seasonal spirit.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is at the right temperature to ensure a creamy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the cookie sheets to allow enough room for the cookies to spread.
• For an extra festive touch, consider using different types of sprinkles or holiday-themed shapes for your cookies.

Variations

• Swap out the Christmas sprinkles for different color combinations to match various holidays.
• Add chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies into the dough for additional flavor and texture.
• Substitute half of the butter for coconut oil for a different taste experience.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, the cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

2. How do I store the cookies?
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
   Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

4. What if I don’t have Jimmie sprinkles?
   You can use any type of sprinkles, but Jimmies hold their shape better during baking.

5. Can I use margarine as a substitute for butter?
   While you can use margarine, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies slightly.

These Christmas sprinkle cookies are a playful addition to any holiday celebration, sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. The easy-to-follow recipe combines traditional methods with modern twists, making it accessible for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Enjoy making these festive treats, and share them with loved ones to create joyful holiday memories!

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