There is something truly magical about tiny treats that capture all the festive joy in every bite, and this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe does exactly that. These little delights are perfectly soft, sweet, and packed with classic holiday flavors, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether you’re baking alongside the kids or looking for a last-minute dessert, this recipe will become a cherished tradition that sparkles with festive spirit and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these enchanting Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing to the soft texture, sweet flavor, and that beautiful golden finish that will make your cookies shine.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps with slight crispness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and gives structure to the cookie bites.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with classic warmth and aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The main body for the dough ensuring a soft texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookie bites a gentle lift for softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Christmas-themed sprinkles: The festive touch that turns your cookies into holiday stars.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
To start off on the right note, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat ensures your cookie bites won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this step is key for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, add your egg and vanilla extract and mix everything together until silky smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly incorporate this dry mix into your buttery mixture, stirring just enough to bring everything together without overworking the dough, which keeps your cookie bites tender.
Step 4: Form the Cookie Bites
Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Give each ball a gentle press to slightly flatten it and then sprinkle generously with festive Christmas-themed sprinkles to add joyful color and crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookie bites for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to show a light golden hue. Keep a close eye here — overbaking will take away the soft, chewy texture we’re after. Perfect timing means perfectly tender cookies every time.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they firm up just right. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, letting you enjoy that wonderful texture and flavor to the fullest.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
While the festive sprinkles already add a splash of holiday cheer, you can elevate your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites by dusting a little powdered sugar or drizzling some melted white chocolate for extra indulgence. Fresh cranberries or edible glitter also make for stunning, tasty garnishes that bring a touch of sparkle to your dessert table.
Side Dishes
These cookie bites pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa, mulled cider, or even a creamy latte for a cozy holiday vibe. They can also be served alongside gingerbread or cinnamon-spiced treats to create a diverse Christmas cookie platter that dazzles your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for a charming gift. Or arrange them on a decorative holiday plate with fresh pine sprigs and ornaments to turn your simple cookies into stunning holiday décor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them a convenient treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie bites easily by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to three months, so you can bake in advance and pull them out whenever the festive craving hits.
Reheating
To revive their fresh-baked softness, warm your cookie bites in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This brief reheating will bring back the melt-in-your-mouth goodness just like they were freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookie bites. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final flavor.
What can I substitute for vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract, a splash of almond extract or even a bit of orange zest can add a lovely twist without straying too far from the festive spirit.
Can I make these cookie bites gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures one-to-one for flour. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture just right.
How many cookie bites does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 40 delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites, perfect for sharing or gifting throughout the holiday season.
Can I add other decorations besides sprinkles?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, colored sugar crystals, or edible pearls all work wonderfully to jazz up the cookie bites and tailor them to your holiday theme.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how fun and rewarding it is to bake this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. These sweet little treats bring holiday joy into your kitchen and on to your taste buds, creating special moments with every bite. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let these festive bites brighten your celebrations!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites, soft, chewy, and adorned with cheerful holiday sprinkles. This easy-to-make recipe yields perfectly bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decoration
- Christmas-themed sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Form the Cookie Bites: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Press each ball slightly to flatten and sprinkle with Christmas-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookie bites cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier beating and better texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft, chewy cookie bites.
- Use festive sprinkles to add a decorative holiday flair.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
