Close-up of three sugar cookies stacked with red and green sprinkles on a sprinkle-covered surface.

Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

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The holiday season brings a sense of joy and warmth, and there’s no better way to embrace the spirit than by baking Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies. These festive, sweet vanilla sugar cookies are the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter, decorated with colorful sprinkles to brighten up any holiday celebration. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you in creating soft, chewy cookies that are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a thoughtful gift. Let’s dive into the world of baking with this delightful treat!

Close-up of three sugar cookies stacked with red and green sprinkles on a sprinkle-covered surface. this recipe

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Why Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Are the Perfect Holiday Treat

Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are not just delicious—they’re a staple of holiday baking traditions. These cookies are a simple yet festive way to celebrate the Christmas season, filling your kitchen with the sweet smell of vanilla and sugar. The bright sprinkles add a fun touch, making them perfect for family gatherings, cookie swaps, and holiday parties. Their soft, chewy texture and sweet vanilla flavor make them a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you don’t need to be a professional baker to enjoy them.

Whether you’re looking for Christmas cookie recipes for cookie exchanges or a festive addition to your dessert table, Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are sure to delight. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and softness, creating a holiday moment that everyone will remember.

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create a batch of delicious, soft cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1½ cups unsalted sweet cream butter (softened)
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 4¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 container Christmas sanding sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Making these Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is a breeze. Follow these steps to create your holiday masterpiece:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Shape the Dough: Scoop out small portions of dough using a small ice cream scooper or spoon. Roll them into balls and coat with sanding sugar to give them a festive sparkle.
  7. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls on your prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2–3 inches apart. Lightly press down each dough ball to form a thick disk shape.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 11–13 minutes or until they are lightly browned around the edges.
  9. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

To ensure your Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies turn out soft and chewy every time, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Baking Time: To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. The cookies should be slightly undercooked in the center to maintain their soft texture.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder, soda, and vanilla will make your cookies taste their best.
  • Cool Properly: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving to set their texture.
  • Customizing Sprinkles: Feel free to experiment with different colors of sanding sugar or even add some holiday-themed sprinkles to make your cookies even more festive.

Creative Variations to Try

While the classic Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are amazing as they are, here are a few variations you can try for a unique twist on this holiday favorite:

  1. Peppermint Sprinkle Cookies: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a minty twist that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sprinkles.
  2. Spiced Cookies: Mix in some ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor that evokes classic Christmas scents.
  3. Cut-out Cookies: Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking. This works great for festive cookie shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes.

For those looking for more ideas, check out these Christmas Sugar Cookies for a classic alternative or Peppermint Sugar Cookies for a refreshing minty variation.

How to Store Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

These Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them to extend their shelf life. Here’s how:

  • Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their softness and flavor.
  • Freezing: If you want to prepare your cookies in advance, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer them to a zip-top bag for storage. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on the cookie sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Make Holiday Baking Extra Special

Baking Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is more than just a fun activity—it’s a way to create lasting holiday memories. Whether you’re baking alone or involving your family and friends, the act of making these cookies together can become a cherished tradition. The colorful sprinkles bring a sense of joy to the process, and the cookies themselves are the perfect treat to share at holiday gatherings.

Not only are these cookies a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit, but they also make wonderful gifts. Package them in festive tins or cellophane bags, and you’ve got a sweet and personal present for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers. Their soft texture and delightful sweetness are sure to make anyone smile.

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To make your holiday baking even more exciting, explore these related recipes and tips on our blog:

  1. Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
  2. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookiesgar Cookies
  3. Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
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Stack of three sugar cookies with red and green sprinkles on a festive sprinkle-dusted surface.

Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

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  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
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Description

These festive, soft vanilla sugar cookies are decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for Christmas cookie platters, exchanges, or gifts. A simple recipe for a delicious holiday treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 container Christmas sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
  6. Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each with sanding sugar.
  7. Place the dough balls on the cookie sheets, spacing them 2–3 inches apart. Lightly press each ball to form a thick disk.
  8. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
  9. Cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

To keep the cookies soft, avoid overbaking. Let the cookies cool completely before serving to set their texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Close-up of three soft Christmas sprinkle cookies stacked with red and green sprinkles on a festive sprinkle-covered surface.
Stacked sugar cookies with red and green sprinkles for Christmas, with scattered sprinkles on a festive surface.

Final thoughts

Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are the perfect way to bring warmth and joy to your holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas cookie exchange, creating a Christmas cookie platter, or simply enjoying a treat with your family, these cookies will delight everyone who tastes them. Their soft texture and festive appearance make them a must-have on any holiday dessert table.

So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and start baking these easy and delicious cookies to make this holiday season even sweeter. Don’t forget to share your creations with us, and explore more Christmas dessert recipes to keep the holiday cheer going all season long.

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