As the holiday season envelops us, there’s nothing quite like the warm and inviting scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. The moment I rolled the dough for these delightful Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, I could already envision the joyous gatherings where laughter, stories, and sweet treats merge into cherished memories. With just a handful of simple ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, and festive sprinkles, this recipe magically transforms into soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are sure to bring smiles to everyone around the table.
What I love most about these cookies is not just their delicious flavor but their incredible versatility. Whether you’re planning a lively holiday party or simply indulging in a quiet afternoon treat, these cookies fit the bill. Plus, they come together in a snap—perfect for everyone, from busy home cooks looking to impress at potlucks to chefs eager for a unique yet easy dessert. Let’s dive into this festive recipe that promises to make your holiday season just a little sweeter!
Why choose Christmas Sprinkle Cookies this season?
Festive Appeal: The vibrant Christmas sprinkles not only add a pop of color but also infuse a festive spirit into your gatherings.
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Delightfully Soft: Thanks to the cream cheese, each cookie has a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave everyone wanting more.
Versatile Treat: Whether you’re celebrating with family or sharing at a workplace party, these cookies appeal to both children and adults alike.
Batch-Ready: A perfect recipe for making large batches to share and spread joy during the holidays! Enjoy these delightful cookies as a cozy addition to your holiday festivities and check out more joyous recipes in our holiday baking collection.
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Ingredients
• The key to these delightful treats is the combination of cream cheese and festive sprinkles!
For the Cookies
- 3 ounces cream cheese – brings a rich, creamy flavor that keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- ½ cup shortening – creates a light texture that helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – adds the perfect touch of sweetness that balances the cream cheese.
- 1 egg yolk – contributes moisture and assists in binding the ingredients together.
- 1 cup sifted flour – ensures a smooth, tender crumb and prevents clumping in the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – enhances all the flavors and balances with the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract – adds a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the cookies.
For Rolling
- Christmas sprinkles – not only make these cookies festive but also add a fun crunch and colorful flair!
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the cookies will bake evenly, creating that delightful golden finish we all love.
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Mix cream cheese and shortening in a large mixing bowl until smooth. This creamy blend is the secret to the cookies’ soft texture, so take your time and ensure it’s well combined!
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Incorporate granulated sugar and egg yolk into the mixture. Stir vigorously until everything is well combined and creamy. This step will add sweetness and richness to your cookies.
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Gradually add sifted flour, kosher salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix; just combine until you see no dry ingredients left!
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Shape the dough into small balls. For a festive touch, roll each ball in Christmas sprinkles, making sure they’re coated evenly. The more the merrier!
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Arrange the cookie balls on a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar after baking for an extra sweet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and freshness.
Fridge: Extend the shelf life by keeping the cookies in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for easier storage.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake frozen dough balls directly from the freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these festive cookies with delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful chocolate surprise in every bite. This will create a luscious combination of flavors that will make the cookies even more irresistible!
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for an added layer of texture. The nutty flavor beautifully complements the sweet cookies, giving them a delightful crunch.
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Citrus Zest: Brighten the flavor by adding a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the batter. This twist will add a refreshing citrus note that brings a new dimension to your festive baking.
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Spiced Up: Introduce a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. These spices can transform the cookies into a cozy treat that evokes cherished holiday memories.
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Fruity Flair: Roll the cookie balls in colorful sugar sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried fruit instead of traditional sprinkles for a fun fruity twist. These choices not only enhance the look but also add subtle flavors for an extra surprise.
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Peppermint Bliss: Crush some peppermint candies and mix them into the dough or sprinkle them atop the cookies before baking. This addition will bring a refreshing minty flavor that perfectly captures the essence of the season!
Embrace the joy of baking and enjoy experimenting with these variations in your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies!
Helpful Tricks for Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and shortening are at room temperature. This will help create a smooth batter and incorporate air easily for fluffy cookies.
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Don’t Over-Mix: Once you combine the flour, mix just until incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies, so only mix until everything is blended.
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Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes rolling easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking, leading to perfectly golden Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.
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Watch the Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them from the oven as soon as they’re lightly golden. They will continue to set on the baking sheet after taking them out, ensuring a soft center.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a delightful option for meal prep that saves you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and rolling the dough into balls. Simply refrigerate the dough in an airtight container to maintain its softness and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, just place the chilled cookie balls on a baking sheet, roll them in festive sprinkles, and pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm cookies with minimal effort—just as delightful and festive as if you had made them all in one go!
What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
These cheerful treats are the perfect ending to any festive meal, bringing joy with every bite!
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Warm Milk: Perfect for dunking, warm milk soothes the soul and complements the creaminess of the cookies.
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Rich Hot Cocoa: Thick, chocolaty hot cocoa balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a cozy touch to your gathering.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream paired with the soft cookies creates a delightful contrast sure to please everyone.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing zing and helps balance the sweetness of the cookies.
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Coffee or Espresso: Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee; the rich flavors enhance the buttery notes in every bite.
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Festive Fruit Punch: A sparkling fruit punch adds fun and celebration, making it a perfect drink for all ages at holiday gatherings.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Adding a drizzle of warm chocolate on top of these cookies elevates them to a whole new level of indulgence.
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Chilled Eggnog: For a holiday classic, chill your eggnog and serve it alongside these cookies for a delightful seasonal treat.
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select cream cheese for these cookies?
Absolutely! Choose a full-fat cream cheese that’s at room temperature for optimal mixing. Look for a creamy texture without any dark spots or excess moisture. This will ensure your dough comes out smooth and contributes to the cookies’ rich flavor.
How long can I store Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
Very! You can store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out—they’re too precious for that!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. To do this, place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you’re faced with a sticky dough situation, no need to worry! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make rolling into balls much easier. Remember, a little chill can turn your cookie-making adventure into a delightful breeze!
Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
These cookies contain cream cheese, egg yolk, and sugar, which are not recommended for pets as they can cause digestive issues. Additionally, be mindful of allergies—common allergens in this recipe include dairy and gluten. Always check with your pumpkin spice-loving crew to ensure everyone can enjoy these cookies safely!
Can I use other types of sprinkles for these cookies?
Absolutely! While Christmas sprinkles add a festive touch, you can experiment with different themed sprinkles depending on the occasion—think pastel colors for Easter or vibrant hues for a birthday bash! The more colors, the merrier!
Delicious Christmas Sprinkle Cookies to Spark Holiday Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the cookies will bake evenly, creating that delightful golden finish we all love.
- Mix cream cheese and shortening in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Incorporate granulated sugar and egg yolk into the mixture. Stir vigorously until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Gradually add sifted flour, kosher salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small balls. For a festive touch, roll each ball in Christmas sprinkles.
- Arrange the cookie balls on a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.