There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The aroma of warm cookies fills the air, and laughter echoes in the kitchen as friends and family gather around. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up are *christmas sprinkle cookies*! They’re like little bites of joy, bursting with color and cheer. I remember making these with my kids every December; we’d have sprinkles flying everywhere, and it was always a challenge to keep a straight face while we tried to avoid taste-testing too much dough. Trust me, these cookies bring everyone together, making every holiday moment a bit sweeter!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams nicely!)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (don’t skip the packing; it adds that lovely moisture!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (this gives a delicious hint of flavor)
- 1 cup colorful sprinkles (the more, the merrier for that festive vibe!)
How to Prepare *Christmas Sprinkle Cookies*
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these festive cookies! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together. Just follow my steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will light up your holiday season!
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key because you want your cookies to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps them blend seamlessly into the dough later on, which is super important for texture!
Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until it’s smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for a light, airy texture here. It’s like magic as the sugars dissolve into the butter, creating a dreamy base for your cookies!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in those two large eggs, along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix everything together until well combined. You want to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated for that lovely richness. Just think of the deliciousness coming together!
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to gradually add your dry mixture to the wet one. I like to do this in batches, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender and soft. We want them to be melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Fold in Sprinkles
Once the dough is mixed, it’s sprinkle time! Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles with a spatula. This part is like adding confetti to a party—don’t go too hard here; you don’t want to break those little beauties!
Baking the Cookies
Finally, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them out a bit. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they start to look puffy and the edges are lightly crisp. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the festive aroma wafting through your home!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *christmas sprinkle cookies* turn out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, use room temperature butter; it makes a world of difference when creaming with the sugars, giving you that light, fluffy texture. If you like thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking—this helps them hold their shape better. Also, don’t skip the sprinkles; they’re the star of the show! Feel free to mix different colors or even themed sprinkles to match your holiday vibe. Finally, watch the baking time closely; every oven is different, and you want those edges golden but the center still soft. Trust me, a little attention goes a long way in baking!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into these delicious *christmas sprinkle cookies*, here’s a quick look at the nutritional info! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. But generally, one cookie packs about:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
It’s always good to be aware of what you’re enjoying, especially during the festive season when treats are aplenty. Just remember, a little indulgence is part of the joy of baking and sharing cookies with loved ones!
FAQ Section
Got questions about *christmas sprinkle cookies*? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my tips to ensure your baking experience is as delightful as the cookies themselves!
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in holiday-themed sprinkles or even chocolate chips for a twist. Rainbow sprinkles add that festive flair, while seasonal colors can make them extra special for your holiday gatherings!
How should I store my cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them! Just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should last up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh!
Can I substitute butter with a different fat?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious. I haven’t tried using oil, but if you do, use about 3/4 the amount of butter called for to keep the consistency right!
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! You can simply omit it, or swap it out for an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. The cookies will still be scrumptious—just a bit different in flavor!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the mood strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in a snap, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive Vibes: With their colorful sprinkles, they look as cheerful as they taste, adding a splash of joy to any gathering!
- Kid-Friendly: They’re a hit with kids (and adults too!), making them a fun baking project to share with family.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out sprinkles or add chocolate chips, allowing for endless variations!
- Great for Gifting: These cookies make a lovely gift for friends and neighbors, wrapped up in festive packaging!
- Deliciously Soft: They have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, one cookie is never enough!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While they’re especially festive for Christmas, they’re delightful year-round for any celebration!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delightful *christmas sprinkle cookies*, you’ll want to keep them fresh and tasty! To store any leftovers (if there are any—trust me, they disappear fast!), place your cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing the container to maintain that perfect texture.
If you want to keep these festive treats around longer, you can freeze them! Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. They’ll taste just as delightful as the day you baked them!
As for reheating, I usually don’t recommend it since they’re best enjoyed fresh. But if you want that warm, gooey goodness again, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just keep an eye on it—nobody wants a cookie that’s too hot to handle!
Imprimer
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies: 7 Sweet Reasons to Bake Them
- Temps Total: 32 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious and festive Christmas sprinkle cookies.
Ingrédients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract; mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in sprinkles.
- Drop dough by tablespoon onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different sprinkle colors for variety.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 80mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 25mg
Mots-clés: christmas sprinkle cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies
