Benefits and Advantages of christmas sprinkle cookies
Christmas sprinkle cookies bring together the joy of holiday baking with simple, accessible preparation. Their recipe requires basic baking skills, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking for an easy festive treat. One of the main draws is their bright, colorful appearance, created by the vibrant sprinkles that add visual cheer to holiday dessert spreads.
These cookies also offer versatility: they can be adapted easily to accommodate various dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie options without losing their classic soft and chewy texture. Using whole wheat flour or natural sweeteners is a practical way to boost nutrition while maintaining flavor. Moreover, the recipe’s straightforward nature allows for creative customization, helping bakers tailor the cookies to their family’s tastes and preferences, making christmas sprinkle cookies a delightful, festive staple for any holiday celebration.
Essential Ingredients for christmas sprinkle cookies
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
- 1/4 cup (55g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sprinkles (plus extra for topping if desired)
Each ingredient has its role: butter and sugars provide moisture and sweetness; eggs bind the dough; flour and leavening agents give structure and lift, creating the perfect texture. Vanilla extract infuses a warm, inviting aroma, while the sprinkles add festive color and a slight crunch.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your christmas sprinkle cookies
Modifications can make these sprinkle cookies suitable for a range of dietary considerations:
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour, oat flour, or gluten-free flour blends combined with xanthan gum to mimic the texture of traditional flour.
- Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine or solid coconut oil, and replace the egg with flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- Low-Calorie: Use natural sugar substitutes such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit extract, and reduce the butter by replacing part of it with unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture.
- Nut-Free: Omit any nut flour options and rely on seed-based flours or gluten-free grains if necessary, ensuring safety for allergy-sensitive individuals.
These substitutions keep the sprinkles colorful and the cookie texture intact while tailoring the recipe to individual needs.
How to Prepare the Perfect christmas sprinkle cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. For vegan or low-calorie versions, substitute with your chosen alternatives.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Use flaxseed egg substitute for vegan baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose (or substitute) flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in sprinkles: Gently fold in half of the sprinkles to avoid color bleeding. Reserve some for topping.
- Portion the dough: Using a 1/4 cup scoop or 2 tablespoons, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart.
- Decorate: Lightly press extra sprinkles on top of each dough ball for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake for 7-9 minutes for larger cookies or around 5 minutes for smaller ones. Edges should be set while centers appear soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Following these steps will help you achieve soft, chewy christmas sprinkle cookies that are both beautiful and delicious, perfect for holiday baking fun.
For more festive cookie recipes, check out our Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies and Christmas Rocks.
Advanced Tips and Variations
For the best results with your Christmas sprinkle cookies, start by ensuring your butter and sugars are well creamed to create a light and fluffy dough. This helps develop the ideal soft and chewy texture. Chill the dough for at least two hours or overnight to prevent excessive spreading and intensify the flavors. When mixing in the sprinkles, fold gently to avoid color bleeding, or alternatively roll your dough balls in sprinkles right before baking for a vibrant, festive look.
Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the cookie’s flavor profile. For a little twist, try incorporating citrus zest like orange or lemon to add a fresh holiday note. You can also sprinkle edible glitter or sugar pearls on top of the cookies for extra sparkle. Experiment with different sprinkle shapes and colors to personalize your batch. If you prefer smaller cookies, note that baking time should be reduced to about 5 minutes to maintain softness and chewiness.
For dietary adjustments, consider swapping part of the butter with applesauce to reduce fat while maintaining moisture, or use sugar substitutes to lower sugar content. Vegan versions work well by substituting butter with plant-based margarines and using flax eggs instead of regular eggs. When baking, adjust times as needed since alternative ingredients may affect texture and spread.
How to Store christmas sprinkle cookies: Best Practices
To keep your Christmas sprinkle cookies fresh and maintain their soft, chewy texture, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid exposure to air which can dry the cookies out or cause them to lose their vibrant sprinkle decoration.
If you wish to store them longer, refrigeration is possible for up to two weeks. Make sure to seal them well to prevent moisture loss or absorption of fridge odors.
Freezing is an excellent option for preserving holiday batches. Freeze cookies laid out in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies keep their freshness and flavor for up to three months. Thaw cookies at room temperature before serving, and if desired, warm them slightly in a low-temperature oven or microwave to regain softness.
Proper storage is key to enjoying these festive cookies’ delightful texture and bright appearance long after baking.
Nutritional Value of christmas sprinkle cookies
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal |
| Fat | 7-9 grams |
| Protein | 2-3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25 grams |
| Sugar | About 12-15 grams |
| Fiber | 1-2 grams |
Christmas sprinkle cookies are moderately high in calories, primarily from butter and sugar, which contribute to their rich flavor. Protein content comes from eggs, while carbohydrates mainly come from flour and sweeteners. Fiber content is modest and may increase slightly if whole wheat flour is used as a substitute. Adjusting ingredients like using natural sweeteners or plant-based fats can make these cookies more diet-friendly without losing their festive appeal.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About christmas sprinkle cookies
What ingredients do I need to make Christmas sprinkle cookies?
To make Christmas sprinkle cookies, you will need 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup white granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark), 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and about 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles. Using a kitchen scale to measure the flour can help achieve the best texture.
Can I freeze Christmas sprinkle cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. It’s best to portion the dough into scoops or balls, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can put the frozen dough directly onto the baking sheet—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. No thawing is necessary, which makes it convenient for last-minute baking.
Why do my Christmas sprinkle cookies sometimes turn out too thick or dome-shaped?
Cookies that stay thick and dome-shaped usually have too much flour or the dough was not chilled properly. Over-measuring flour causes the dough to be heavy and dense. Use a kitchen scale or lightly spoon and level the flour when measuring. Also, chilling the dough for at least 2 hours before baking helps control spreading and creates a better texture.
Are these cookies suitable for making cut-out shapes with cookie cutters?
No, this cookie dough spreads significantly during baking, so it’s not ideal for cut-out shapes. For cookies that keep their shape, a firmer dough recipe designed specifically for cutouts is recommended. These sprinkle cookies work best when dropped by spoonfuls or scoops onto the baking sheet.
What is the best way to soften butter quickly for this recipe?
To soften butter quickly, leave it out at room temperature for about an hour or until it feels soft but not melted. Alternatively, soften butter in the microwave on the defrost setting in 15-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid melting. Properly softened butter ensures smooth mixing and helps achieve the right cookie texture.
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies: Soft, Chewy Drop Cookies Perfect for Holiday Baking
- Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes
- Yield: 8 large or 16 medium cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🎄 Add a festive touch to your holiday baking with these Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, featuring a soft and chewy texture that everyone will love.
🍪 Enjoy the delightful crunch of colorful sprinkles in every bite, making these cookies a perfect holiday treat for all ages.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
1/4 cup (55g) brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until smooth and combined.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the sprinkles without overmixing to avoid color bleeding.
6. Use a 1/4 cup cookie scoop or roughly 2 tablespoons to portion dough balls onto a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart.
7. Optionally, press extra sprinkles on top for decoration.
8. Bake for 7-9 minutes for larger cookies or 5 minutes for smaller cookies until edges are set but centers remain slightly doughy.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
🔖 Accurately measure flour to prevent excessively dense cookies; use a scale or the spoon-and-level method.
🎅 Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
❄️ Freeze scooped dough for later baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time when baking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas, Sprinkle, Cookies, Holiday