Name: Christmas Cookie Sparkles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 36 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup holiday sprinkles (plus more as needed)

The very best Christmas cookies are the ones that sparkle-literally! Christmas Cookie Sparkles are everything you want in a holiday treat: buttery-soft, sweet, and joyfully topped with a coating of vibrant, crunchy sprinkles.

Each bite melts in your mouth and dazzles your taste buds with classic vanilla flavor and rich, tender texture. These cookies are wonderfully easy to make and bring a festive touch to any cookie platter.

Best of all, they're perfect for baking with kids, gifting to friends, or sharing at your next holiday gathering. These cheerful cookies have been a beloved tradition in my family for years, filling our home with glitter, giggles, and the irresistible aroma of homemade goodness.

Glittering sugar cookies topped with colorful sprinkles and ready for holiday celebrations

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Fun and Easy to Make: Perfect for beginner bakers and little helpers, with no fancy equipment or complicated steps.
Festive and Colorful: Rolled in sprinkles, these cookies instantly brighten up any holiday table or cookie exchange.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Soft, buttery centers with just the right amount of crunch on the outside.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies stay fresh for days, making them ideal for holiday gift boxes or party favors.

Key Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Sparkles

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsalted Butter

Butter brings rich, creamy flavor and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb to these cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for effortless creaming-this gives you perfectly fluffy dough. You can use salted butter in a pinch, but be sure to reduce the added salt slightly.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar provides classic sweetness and helps the cookies brown to golden perfection. Don't substitute with brown sugar, as it will change the texture and color of the cookies. For extra fine texture, you could use superfine sugar, but regular granulated works beautifully here.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla makes these cookies taste like a holiday dream. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. While imitation will do in a pinch, real vanilla gives you a richer, more authentic taste.

All-Purpose Flour

This forms the backbone of your cookies, giving them structure while still keeping the crumb tender. Make sure to measure your flour correctly-spoon and level for the best results. You can swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour if desired; just check that it's a 1:1 substitute.

Holiday Sprinkles

The star of the show! Use your favorite combination of holiday-colored sprinkles to coat each cookie before baking. Nonpareils, jimmies, or sanding sugar all work well. While classic rainbow sprinkles are fun, red, green, and gold add especially festive flair.

Christmas Cookie Sparkles cooking process

Instructions for Christmas Cookie Sparkles

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step creates the soft, airy texture you want in your cookies.

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until full incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well blended.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms. Try not to overmix-stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Shape and Roll in Sprinkles

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Gently roll each ball in holiday sprinkles, covering it generously. Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake and Cool

Bake cookies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the sparkle!

Recipe Variations

Try Different Sprinkles

Switch up the look by using different shapes or colors of sprinkles-snowflakes, stars, or even metallic dragees add unique flair. Change the sprinkle colors to fit other holidays or celebrations too!

Make Them Gluten-Free

Simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour. The cookies will be just as tender and delicious-perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.

Add Citrus Zest

For a bright, zingy twist, mix in a teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest with the wet ingredients. It adds fresh aroma and festive flavor.

Chocolate Dipped Sparkles

After cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate, then rest on parchment to set. Chocolate adds a decadent touch and even more wow factor!

Vegan Christmas Cookie Sparkles

Swap in plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Most traditional sprinkles are vegan, but always check the label to be sure.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Cookie Sparkles as part of a festive cookie platter, alongside classic gingerbread or chocolate crinkle cookies. Pair with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced coffee for the ultimate holiday treat. For an extra flourish, dust cookies with a light layer of powdered sugar or edible glitter just before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature-no reheating necessary! If you love warm cookies, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back their just-baked softness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cookie Sparkles (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate or freeze it?

A: Absolutely! Prepare and roll the dough balls, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Roll in sprinkles just before baking.

Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?

A: If your dough was too soft or warm, cookies may spread. Chilling the dough helps, and be sure to use fresh baking soda and properly measure your flour.

Q: Can I use natural or cane sugar instead of white granulated sugar?

A: You can, but it will change the color and texture slightly. The cookies may turn out more golden and could be a bit coarser in texture.

Q: Are there any nut-free options?

A: These cookies are naturally nut-free! Just double-check your sprinkles to ensure they haven't been produced in facilities with nuts if you have allergies.

There's nothing quite as cheerful as a batch of Christmas Cookie Sparkles lighting up your cookie tray! These cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser-easy to make, beautiful to share, and bursting with holiday joy. I can't wait for you to bake a batch, so don't forget to leave a comment or rating and share your sparkling creations!

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