Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles are a delightful treat that embodies the festive spirit of the holiday season. With their soft texture and sweet flavors, these cookies are perfect for gatherings, gifts, or simply enjoying at home. The colorful sprinkles add a joyful touch, making them visually appealing for children and adults alike.
Baking these cookies also offers a wonderful opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends. Whether you are decorating cookies with little ones or sharing them at a holiday party, this simple recipe invites everyone to get involved.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
To make these delicious sugar cookies, you will need some basic kitchen equipment. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheet or baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional for easier cleanup)
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
What You Need to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Butter (Softened)
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar (100g)
- ¼ cup Vegetable Oil
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar (65g)
- 1 Egg (Large)
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 2 cup All Purpose Flour (240g)
- ⅓ cup Christmas Sprinkles
- ⅓ cup Coarse Sugar
How to Cook Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Step by Step
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). It’s essential to ensure that your Butter and Egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer, or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, to cream the Softened Butter and Granulated Sugar together. Do this on medium speed. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to combine everything evenly. You want the butter mixture to become light and fluffy.
Next, mix in the Large Egg and Vanilla Extract. Then, add the Vegetable Oil and Powdered Sugar to the bowl. Continue to cream everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until well combined and creamy. This process is important as it incorporates air into the mixture, making the cookies soft.
Now, gradually add the remaining dry ingredients, which include Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar, and All-Purpose Flour, until everything is mixed well. It’s best to do this step slowly to avoid any flour clouding up your kitchen. Once everything is combined, use a spatula to ensure no dry flour remains.
After the dough forms, you can add the festive touch by stirring in the Christmas Sprinkles by hand. This step ensures that the sprinkles are evenly distributed without breaking them. You should now have a vibrant dough, perfect for holiday baking.
For shaping the cookies, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough. Then, take a small bowl of coarse sugar and roll each ball of dough in it. This adds a nice sweetness and texture. If you like, you can also add more colorful sprinkles on top for an extra festive vibe before baking.
Once your cookie dough balls are ready, place them on your prepared cookie sheets. Make sure to space them out as they will spread while baking. Put the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 7 to 9 minutes. Keep an eye on them, ensuring the edges are set but not overbaked for the perfect soft center.
Immediately after taking them out of the oven, swirl the edges of each cookie gently with a large cookie cutter or the rim of a drinking glass to form perfect circles. This step is optional but gives your cookies a classic look. Allow the soft sugar cookies to rest on the sheet for a minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
Making Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles is a straightforward process. Start by ensuring all your ingredients are ready and at room temperature. This step makes it easier to blend everything together smoothly.
Once you’ve preheated the oven and gathered your equipment, the mixing begins. Creaming the butter and sugar is essential for the cookie’s texture. Make sure to mix thoroughly for the best results.
As you incorporate the dry ingredients, remember to do it gradually. This technique helps in avoiding any lumps and ensures that the dough is well-blended. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easily hold its shape.
Adding sprinkles is the fun part! You can encourage kids to participate, letting them fold in the sprinkles for more excitement. Lastly, don’t forget to roll the cookie dough in coarse sugar before baking. This extra step enhances not only the sweetness but also the cookie’s visual appeal.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles can be served in various delightful ways. For a simple yet attractive presentation, arrange them on a festive platter. You can also accompany them with a nice holiday beverage like hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy feel.
Consider adding a decorative touch by stacking the cookies and wrapping them in clear cellophane as gifts for friends and neighbors. Tying the wrapped cookies with a pretty ribbon makes for a charming holiday present.
If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a cookie decorating station. Guests can choose from various toppings like colored icing, additional sprinkles, or edible glitter to personalize their cookies.
What to Serve with Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
These festive cookies pair wonderfully with various treats and beverages. Here are a few popular options:
- Hot Cocoa with whipped cream
- Spiced apple cider
- Eggnog for a classic holiday twist
- Milk or a non-dairy alternative for kids and adults alike
If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider serving these cookies alongside a cheese platter, fruit trays, or other baked goods like gingerbread or peppermint bark. The combination of sweet and savory will please your guests.
How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Allow the cookies to cool completely before you store them. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider freezing them. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Tips to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
- Keep your butter slightly softened for easier creaming with the sugar.
- Measure your flour correctly; fluff it up with a spoon and then spoon it into the measuring cup to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t skip the step of rolling the dough in coarse sugar. It adds great texture and sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of sprinkles to create a variety of festive looks.
- If your dough is too sticky, you can chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.
Variation
Feel free to customize your Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles. Instead of regular sugar, consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also replace the sprinkles with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a different twist.
Adding a hint of seasonal spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, can enhance the warm flavors that resonate with the holiday season. You could also create colorful royal icing to decorate the baked cookies further.
Best Time to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
While these cookies can be enjoyed year-round, the best time to make them is undoubtedly during the holiday season. The festive colors and flavors capture the essence of Christmas.
Many families enjoy baking together during this time, creating traditions that can be passed down through generations. Whether it’s for a holiday party, family gatherings, or simply to fill your home with the smell of fresh baking, Christmas is the perfect occasion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles, there are some common mistakes you should be aware of. One major pitfall is overmixing the dough after adding the flour, which can lead to tough cookies.
Another mistake is neglecting to chill the dough if it feels too sticky or needs firming up for better shape control. Similarly, overbaking the cookies can lead to a hard texture, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Lastly, don’t skip the rolling in coarse sugar; it gives the cookies an appealing sparkle and crunch that contrasts nicely with their soft interior.
Nutritional Notes
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles are a delightful treat, but they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. These cookies are rich in sugar and fats, so it’s best to serve them as special occasion treats.
If you’re looking to reduce calories or sugar, consider using less sugar or swapping some of the butter for unsweetened applesauce. These small changes can still keep your cookies delicious while lightening them up.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking to help maintain the shape, and ensure the butter is not too warm.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, adding food coloring can provide a fun twist to your cookies. Just be careful not to add too much or it might affect the dough’s consistency.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles is not only a fun holiday tradition, but it also brings friends and family together to share joy and create lasting memories. The soft, sweet cookies with bright sprinkles are sure to bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up a batch of these festive treats. Whether you serve them at gatherings, give them as gifts, or savor them with loved ones, these sugar cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. Happy baking!
