Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a melt-in-your-mouth festive treat that’s bursting with holiday cheer, you have to try this Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a perfect blend of tender, buttery dough and the joyful sparkle of Christmas sanding sugar, delivering softness and a playful crunch with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting neighbors, or simply wanting a sweet moment by the fire, this recipe brings comfort, color, and joy straight from your oven to your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are household staples, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe. The rich butter and sugar make the dough delightfully soft and sweet, while the combination of leavening agents ensures a gentle rise. The vanilla adds warmth, and the Christmas sanding sugar on top gives a festive finish that’s simply irresistible.

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter (softened): Provides richness and tenderness for the soft cookie texture.
• 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture for softness.
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses warm, comforting flavor.
• 4 1/4 cups flour: The base of your cookie dough, creating structure.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps cookies rise lightly without toughening.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients for leavening.
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and stabilizes the dough.
• 1 container Christmas sanding sugar: Delivers festive sparkle and a subtle crunch.

How to Make Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cookie Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the foundation for perfect results every time.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until they are fully combined and creamy. This step is key to making your cookies tender and light by incorporating air into the dough.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. This helps emulsify the mixture and keeps the dough smooth.

Step 4: Mix in Vanilla Extract

Stir in the pure vanilla extract, infusing that warm aroma that makes these cookies feel like the holidays themselves.

Step 5: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Mixing these separately ensures even distribution so your cookies rise uniformly.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mix into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is combined into a smooth dough — no need to overmix, which keeps your cookies soft and tender.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a small ice cream scooper, portion out your dough and roll each scoop into a ball. This guarantees uniform cookie sizes, which bake evenly and look perfect on any holiday platter.

Step 8: Coat with Christmas Sanding Sugar

Pour the Christmas sanding sugar into a large bowl, roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated, then place them back on the parchment-lined sheets. The sanding sugar brings that joyful holiday sparkle and a delightful texture.

Step 9: Flatten the Dough Balls

Using the palm of your hand, gently press each dough ball into a thick disk. This helps them bake into soft, tender cookies with a beautiful surface for the sanding sugar to cling to.

Step 10: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, until they’re just beginning to turn golden around the edges. They might seem slightly undercooked in the middle, but trust me, this is exactly what keeps them so soft. Allow the cookies to cool completely before enjoying, as they set up beautifully while cooling.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are stunning coated simply with Christmas sanding sugar, you can add extra charm by dusting a little powdered sugar on top or drizzling white chocolate for a snowy effect. Fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary make really festive accents if serving to guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy mug of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday coffee. A glass of cold milk is the classic companion that balances the sweetness perfectly and makes every bite feel extra nostalgic and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe in a decorative holiday tin or on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs. Tie a few cookies together with a pretty ribbon as edible gifts that will delight friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They maintain their softness beautifully, making them perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with loved ones.

Freezing

You can freeze both the shaped dough balls before baking or the baked cookies after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready, thaw dough balls in the fridge before baking, or thaw baked cookies at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warm cookies later, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for 3-5 minutes. They’ll regain that freshly baked warmth and softness, just like straight from your kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is recommended for better control over saltiness, you can use salted butter but consider reducing or skipping any added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

What makes these cookies soft rather than crispy?

The combination of butter, eggs, and slightly underbaking the cookies keeps them soft and tender rather than crisp. The cream of tartar also helps maintain a soft texture.

Can I substitute the Christmas sanding sugar with something else?

Of course! You can use regular granulated sugar or colored sugars in other festive shades. Just keep in mind that sanding sugar adds both texture and sparkle that regular sugar doesn’t provide.

How can I make the cookies more flavorful?

Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients can add a warm holiday twist. Alternatively, a splash of almond extract with the vanilla gives a lovely depth of flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing baked cookies or dough?

Yes, the dough freezes wonderfully, as do the baked cookies. Just be sure to let baked cookies cool fully before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is truly a holiday treasure you’ll want to revisit year after year. The tender crumb, sweet vanilla warmth, and festive sparkle combine to make these cookies irresistible in every way. So preheat your oven, gather the ingredients, and create sweet moments that will fill your kitchen and your heart with holiday magic!

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