Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Brightly colored and festively decorated, these cookies bring joy not only to those who make them but also to everyone who receives them. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them a favorite for family gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Making these cookies is also a fun and easy activity, perfect for inviting friends and family into the kitchen to create lasting memories. Plus, decorating them with sprinkles adds a personal touch, making each batch unique and special.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
To start your baking adventure, gather some essential kitchen equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
- Glass or measuring cup for flattening cookies
What You Need to Make Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Gather the following ingredients to ensure your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a success:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg (at room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup red and green jimmies sprinkles
1 cup red and green nonpareils
1 cup red and green sugar sprinkles
How to Cook Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Step by Step
Start by preparing your cookie dough, as it is the foundation of your delicious cookies. Begin with your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or use a hand mixer if that’s what you prefer. Cream the softened butter and cream cheese together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This should take about two minutes.
Once the butter and cream cheese are well combined, add the granulated sugar, the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the bowl. Mix these together for around one minute until everything is blended nicely.
While your wet ingredients are coming together, it is time to prepare the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed and ready to combine with the wet mixture.
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter and cream cheese mixture. Mix until a smooth and slightly wet dough forms. At this point, you may notice the dough coming together nicely. When it’s ready, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour. This step is crucial as it helps to solidify the dough, making it easier to handle.
After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. It’s time to prepare for the best part: the sprinkles! Pour each type of sprinkle into its own bowl, separating them for easy access.
Next, scoop out about two tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Once formed, roll each ball in your choice of sprinkles to give them a bright, colorful coat. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each one to allow for spreading during baking.
Once all the dough is placed on the cookie sheets, use the bottom of a glass or the back of a measuring cup to gently press each ball down. Flatten them into discs that are about 3/4 inch thick. This helps them bake evenly and create that perfect cookie shape.
Now, transfer your cookie sheets to the oven and bake for about twelve minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want the edges to turn a very light golden brown. Remember that the bottoms may brown a little as well, but the tops should remain pale.
When the cookies are done baking, allow them to cool on the pan for about five minutes before handling. This is important to let them firm up a bit. If you’re using one cookie sheet, be sure to remove the baked cookies and repeat the baking process with the remaining cookie dough until it is all baked.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Making Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can enjoy. It begins with softening the butter and cream cheese to make mixing easier. Creaming them together is essential for creating a smooth texture.
Then mix in sugar and egg, followed by the flavorings. Whisk your dry ingredients together separately to keep everything well blended. After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, the dough goes into the refrigerator for chilling to make it easier to work with. Once ready, roll the dough into balls, coat them in colorful sprinkles, and flatten slightly before baking to create those loved cookie shapes.
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Serving your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is all about presentation. Place them on a festive platter or in a decorative tins for sharing. You can arrange them in a way that showcases their colorful sprinkles. This adds to the holiday spirit and encourages guests to take a cookie.
You could also consider giving them as gifts to friends or family. Wrapping them in clear bags tied with a ribbon adds a special touch that shows you care. They’re delightful for any holiday gathering or office party.
What to Serve With Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies pair wonderfully with various beverages. Hot cocoa is a classic choice during the holidays, providing a sweet and comforting drink alongside the cookies. Milk, of course, is another traditional pairing that complements the sweetness.
For a more adult option, you might offer a warm spiced cider or even a festive cocktail. The combination will surely set the mood for holiday celebrations and gatherings.
How to Store Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
To keep your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies fresh, ensure they are completely cooled before storing. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their softness. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, but for longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can freeze the cookies. Make sure to place layers of parchment paper between them in the container to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be good as new.
Tips to Make Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, consider a few helpful tips. Measuring your ingredients accurately is key to perfect cookies. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the right texture.
For an extra burst of flavor, experiment with different extracts like peppermint or more almond. Don’t be shy with the sprinkles; the more colorful, the better! Lastly, if your dough feels too soft after chilling, let it sit in the fridge for a bit longer before shaping into balls.
Variation
There are several fun variations to explore when making Christmas Sprinkle Cookies. For a twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added flavor and texture. You could also incorporate zest from citrus fruits for a refreshing touch.
If you enjoy different festive shapes, use cookie cutters instead of rolling into balls. Simply chill the dough first, roll it out, and then cut with holiday-themed cookie cutters before baking.
Best Time to Make Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
The best time to bake Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is during the holiday season when celebrations are in full swing. This is usually from late November to early January. They make a perfect addition to Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or family gatherings.
Baking them as part of holiday traditions provides a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones. You can even host a cookie-decorating party, which would surely become a cherished memory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is straightforward, a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. One frequent error is overmixing the dough after adding the flour. This can create tough cookies instead of the desired soft texture.
Another mistake is not chilling the dough long enough. Skipping this step may lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Lastly, be mindful of your measurements; an extra scoop of flour or sugar can change the outcome significantly.
Nutritional Notes
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, like any treat, should be enjoyed in moderation, especially during the holidays. Each cookie typically contains a mix of fats from butter and cream cheese, sugars from granulated sugar, and carbohydrates from flour.
If you’re considering dietary preferences, feel free to substitute ingredients to make them more suitable. For instance, you could try using a butter substitute or a gluten-free flour mix for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Simply shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese in place of cream cheese, but the texture may differ slightly.
Are these cookies safe for kids to help with?
Absolutely! Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are fun and easy for kids to help with. Just supervise them during mixing and baking.
Conclusion
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies provide a delightful way to spread holiday cheer through baking. Their colorful appearance and soft texture make them a beloved treat during the festive season. The simple process, combined with a touch of creativity, allows everyone, from beginners to seasoned bakers, to enjoy making these festive cookies. Whether you share them with family, use them as gifts, or keep them just for yourself, they’re sure to bring joy to any occasion. Happy baking!
