Christmas Sprinkle Cookies: Festive & Easy Holiday Treat!

Christmas sprinkle cookies are a must-have for the holiday season.

They’re colorful, soft, and full of classic sugar cookie flavor.

The festive sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night at home.

Best of all? They’re incredibly easy to make.

No fancy techniques, no complicated ingredients—just a simple, foolproof recipe.

Whether you’re baking with kids or making a big batch for guests, these cookies bring instant holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe is simple from start to finish.

There’s no need to chill the dough, so you can mix, bake, and enjoy in under 30 minutes.

It’s perfect for last-minute holiday baking or when you want fresh cookies fast.

Soft, Chewy, and Packed with Flavor

The cookies bake up soft in the center with slightly crisp edges.

Creaming the butter and sugars well gives them a light and fluffy texture.

Be careful not to overmix the dough—this keeps them tender instead of dense.

Festive and Fun

Christmas sprinkles bring these cookies to life.

Whether you use red and green jimmies or sparkling nonpareils, they add a bright, holiday touch.

The sprinkles stay crisp after baking, making every bite as fun as it is delicious.

Made with Simple Pantry Ingredients

There’s nothing fancy or hard to find in this recipe.

You likely already have flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla in your kitchen.

A quick trip to the store for sprinkles, and you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients.

No special trips to the store—just basic pantry staples and festive sprinkles.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups (358g) all-purpose flour – The base of the cookies, giving them structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature – Creates a rich, buttery texture.
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (233g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies while helping them stay soft.
• 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk – Adds moisture and structure for a chewy bite.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor.

Mix-ins

• 1 to 1 ¼ cups Christmas-themed sprinkles – Adds festive color and a slight crunch. Use jimmies or nonpareils for the best texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake soft, chewy Christmas sprinkle cookies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, ensuring the cookies bake properly.

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy.

This step is key to soft cookies, as it traps air in the dough.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix—this keeps the cookies soft instead of tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently stir in Christmas sprinkles using a spatula.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed into the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop out dough balls.

Roll them slightly in your hands and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

This spacing prevents them from merging as they spread.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.

The centers may still look slightly soft—this is normal, as they will continue to set after baking.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

This prevents them from breaking while they’re still warm.

Once fully cooled, enjoy or store them for later!

Tips for Success

Use Room Temperature Butter

Softened butter is essential for creaming with sugar.

It traps air, giving the cookies a light texture.

If the butter is too cold, it won’t mix well.

If it’s too soft or melted, the cookies may spread too much.

Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.

Chill the Dough for at Least 1 Hour

Chilling the dough helps control spreading.

Cold dough holds its shape better, preventing cookies from becoming too flat.

It also gives the flavors time to develop.

If you’re short on time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, but 1 hour or longer is ideal.

Use High-Quality Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Using pure vanilla extract instead of imitation makes a noticeable difference.

It adds warmth and depth to the dough, making every bite more flavorful.

Choose the Right Sprinkles

Not all sprinkles work well in cookie dough.

Jimmies and nonpareils are the best options.

Jimmies hold their shape and add a slight crunch.

Nonpareils provide a fun, festive look but can bleed if overmixed.

Avoid sugar crystals or sanding sugar, as they can melt into the dough.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize these cookies while keeping them festive and delicious.

Try these variations to switch up the flavor, texture, or ingredients.

Flavor Twists

A simple way to change the taste is by adding different extracts.

Instead of just vanilla, try incorporating almond or peppermint extract.

Almond extract gives a nutty, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with the buttery dough.

Peppermint extract adds a cool, refreshing flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Start with ½ teaspoon of either extract, as they are both strong and can easily overpower the cookies.

Add-ins for Extra Texture

Mix-ins can take these cookies to the next level.

Stir in white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet contrast to the dough.

If you want a bit of crunch and holiday flair, crush some candy canes and fold them in.

Just be careful not to overmix, as the candy canes can release moisture and slightly alter the texture of the dough.

Gluten-Free Option

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

These blends are designed to work as a direct replacement and will keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Make sure to check that your baking powder and sprinkles are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten.

Storage and Freezing

Proper storage keeps your Christmas sprinkle cookies fresh and delicious for days.

Whether you want to enjoy them now or save a batch for later, here’s how to store them correctly.

Storage

For the best texture, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Keep the container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from making the cookies too soft or stale.

If stacking cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to keep the sprinkles intact.

Freezing Dough

If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use.

To do this, shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm.

Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a sealed freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months.

When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a lined baking sheet and bake as usual.

No need to thaw—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

You can also freeze fully baked cookies.

Once they are completely cooled, arrange them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers.

This prevents them from sticking together.

Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

These Christmas sprinkle cookies are easy to make, festive, and full of holiday cheer.

Try the recipe and enjoy soft, chewy cookies in every bite.

Feel free to experiment with flavors and mix-ins.

Add a personal touch and make them your own.

Share your favorite variations in the comments!

Happy baking, and have a joyful holiday season! 🎄✨

FAQ’s

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the added salt in the recipe.

Reduce the salt by half to balance the flavor.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required, but it’s highly recommended.

It helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor.

If you want thicker cookies, chilling for at least 1 hour is best.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.

When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and rolling in sprinkles.