Packed with festive color and classic sugar cookie flavor, these Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser. Simple, sweet, and fun to bake, they bring instant joy to cookie plates and cookie lovers alike.
There’s something magical about the season when kitchens fill with the scent of butter, vanilla, and a hint of holiday cheer. These Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies capture that joy perfectly: soft, buttery centers, lightly crisp golden edges, and a dazzling coat of colorful sprinkles. They’re as delightful to make as they are to eat.
Whether you’re preparing treats for a cookie exchange, leaving a plate for Santa, or creating cozy memories with family, these cookies add festive sparkle to every occasion. Nostalgic, easy, and endlessly charming, they often become a holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun – rolling dough in colorful sprinkles turns simple sugar cookies into cheerful holiday treats.
- Perfect texture – soft and tender inside with lightly crisp edges for that classic sugar cookie bite.
- Quick and easy – minimal ingredients, no chilling required, and ready to bake fast—great for busy holiday days.
- Great for sharing – these cookies hold their shape and travel well for cookie swaps and gifting.
- Family-friendly – kids enjoy rolling dough in sprinkles and everyone loves the results.
- Make-ahead friendly – the dough freezes well so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Ingredients
Butter – adds rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie.
Granulated sugar – sweetens and helps form crisp edges.
Brown sugar – adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
Eggs – bind ingredients and contribute to structure and softness.
Vanilla extract – brings warm, classic sweetness.
Almond extract – adds a touch of festive bakery aroma (optional but recommended).
Baking soda – controls spread during baking.
Baking powder – gives a light lift for soft cookies.
Cornstarch – helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
All-purpose flour – provides structure so cookies hold their shape.
Christmas sprinkles – for colorful, crunchy finishing touch.
Variations
Chocolate-dipped – dip cooled cookies in semisweet or white chocolate and add extra sprinkles.
Peppermint twist – swap almond extract for peppermint and use crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles.
Citrus sugar cookies – add 1–2 teaspoons of orange or lemon zest for a bright twist.
Gluten-free version – use a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
Frosted sprinkle cookies – top cooled cookies with a thin layer of vanilla buttercream and extra sprinkles.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until combined.
4. Add the baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt; mix to combine.
5. Add the flour and mix until incorporated. Stir in the sprinkles.
6. Form dough into roughly 3-tablespoon balls and place them 2–3 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Press extra sprinkles on top and slightly flatten each ball.
7. Bake for 9–10 minutes, until edges are just golden. Centers may look soft—they’ll set as they cool.
8. For thicker, perfectly rounded edges, place an upside-down glass or bowl slightly larger than the cookie over each warm cookie and gently swirl around the edge.
9. Let cookies cool on the sheet 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips
Use room-temperature butter and eggs – they blend smoothly for an even texture.
Cream long enough – 2–3 minutes of creaming adds air, keeping cookies light and soft.
Space cookies well – give 2–3 inches between cookies to allow for spreading.
Bake until edges are set – centers should look slightly soft so cookies remain chewy after cooling.
Use parchment or silicone mats – prevents sticking and avoids over-browning bottoms.
Recipe FAQs
No—this recipe is made to bake without chilling. If the dough is too soft, 15–20 minutes in the fridge helps firm it up.
Yes. Jimmies and nonpareils work best; avoid large sugar pearls, which can harden when baked.
Remove them when edges are set and centers still look soft. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain tenderness.
Yes—both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls freeze well. Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months, or bake dough balls from frozen.
Other Cookie Recipes to Consider
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Hot Cocoa Cookies
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Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
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Christmas Tree Peanut Butter Blossoms
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Peppermint Patty Cookies
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment or share a photo with the recipe name—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Christmas colored sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, add butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Beat until creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract; beat to combine.
- Add baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt; mix well.
- Add flour and beat until combined, then stir in the sprinkles.
- Form ~3-tablespoon dough balls and place 2–3 inches apart on the baking sheets (about 6 per large sheet).
- Press extra sprinkles onto each dough ball and slightly flatten.
- Bake 9–10 minutes until edges are lightly browned; centers will set as they cool.
- For thicker edges and perfect rounds, place an upside-down glass or bowl slightly larger than the cookie over each warm cookie and swirl around the edge.
- Cool 5–10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 30 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Fat: 10 g