Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Few things capture the joy and color of the holiday season like holiday sprinkle sugar cookies. These cheerful treats combine soft, tender cookies with festive sprinkles that add both color and crunch. Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, holiday gift boxes, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

This recipe is designed for bakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced decorators, and produces consistent, soft cookies that bake evenly while holding their shape beautifully. With easy ingredients and simple steps, you can create a batch of bright, festive cookies that are perfect for spreading holiday cheer—literally and figuratively.

This comprehensive guide includes everything from step-by-step instructions, tips for achieving soft yet stable cookies, fun decorating ideas, storage suggestions, and frequently asked questions to ensure perfect results every time.

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Why Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Make

Colorful and Festive

Sprinkles instantly make cookies visually appealing. Red, green, white, or multi-colored sprinkles are perfect for holiday themes.

Kid-Friendly

Children love rolling cookie dough in sprinkles, making this recipe a fun family activity.

Soft and Tender

These cookies are soft in the center yet slightly crisp at the edges, creating a perfect bite.

Beginner-Friendly

No complicated icing or piping is required; sprinkles provide instant decoration.

Pinterest-Worthy

Their colorful appearance makes them highly shareable and perfect for social media.

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Ingredients for Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Festive Toppings

• ½ cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, white, or multicolor)

Optional:

• 1 teaspoon almond extract for extra holiday flavor

These simple ingredients create soft, flavorful cookies that are ideal for decorating with sprinkles.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain soft, tender cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps control spread and improves texture.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 7: Shape and Decorate

Scoop dough into 1–2 tablespoon balls. Roll each ball in a bowl of sprinkles to coat evenly.

Step 8: Bake

Place cookies on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool

Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for Extra Soft Cookies

• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies when they are lightly golden but still soft in the center.

• Use room-temperature butter: This ensures smooth creaming and a tender texture.

• Chill the dough: Chilling prevents excessive spreading and maintains shape.

• Use a cookie scoop: Even cookie sizes ensure consistent baking.

• Mix gently: Overmixing flour can make cookies tough.

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Creative Decorating Ideas

Holiday Color Themes

• Classic: Red and green sprinkles

• Winter Wonderland: White and silver sprinkles

• Candy Cane Twist: Red and white striped sprinkles

Two-Tone Sprinkles

Roll half the dough in one color and half in another for dual-colored cookies.

Glitter Sprinkles

Add edible glitter for sparkle, perfect for gift boxes or cookie platters.

Sprinkles and Drizzle

Once cookies have cooled, drizzle with white chocolate or glaze and add extra sprinkles on top for a layered effect.

Cookie Sandwiches

Use frosting to sandwich two sprinkle cookies together for a fun variation.

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Texture and Flavor Breakdown

• Soft Centers: Chewy and tender, perfect for biting without crumbling.

• Slightly Crisp Edges: Adds a subtle contrast to soft interiors.

• Sweet Vanilla Flavor: Classic and comforting.

• Festive Appearance: Sprinkles add visual appeal without overwhelming flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep a slice of bread in the container to maintain softness.

Freezer (Dough)

Freeze dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezer (Baked Cookies)

Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare dough ahead: Refrigerate for 2–3 days before baking.

• Bake ahead: Bake cookies 1–2 days in advance and store in airtight containers.

• Decorate ahead: Add sprinkles or drizzle chocolate just before gifting or serving to maintain brightness.

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Troubleshooting

Cookies Spread Too Much

• Dough too warm

• Oven temperature too low

• Solution: Chill dough longer, bake at consistent 350°F

Cookies Are Too Hard

• Overbaked or overmixed

• Solution: Remove when lightly golden and handle gently

Sprinkles Don’t Stick

• Dough not slightly sticky

• Solution: Roll dough lightly in granulated sugar before adding sprinkles

Uneven Baking

• Dough balls different sizes

• Solution: Use cookie scoop for consistent sizing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use non-holiday sprinkles?
Yes! Any sprinkles will work; choose colors that suit your occasion.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They are soft in the center with slightly crisp edges.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales well for large batches.

Can kids help?
Absolutely! Rolling in sprinkles is safe and fun for children.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is highly recommended for even baking and controlling spread.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I keep sprinkles vibrant?
Add sprinkles before baking or immediately after baking while the cookies are warm.

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Pairing and Serving Ideas

• Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea

• Add to holiday dessert platters alongside brownies and bars

• Include in festive cookie gift boxes

• Pair with marshmallows or chocolate for a fun holiday treat

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Expert Tips for Picture-Perfect Holiday Cookies

• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking

• Space cookies evenly for consistent baking

• Use a light hand when rolling in sprinkles to avoid flattening dough

• Cool cookies completely before storing to prevent melting or stickiness

• Add decorative drizzle or edible glitter for presentation

With these tips, you can create bakery-quality cookies at home with minimal effort.

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Holiday Variations

Christmas

Red, green, white, and gold sprinkles. Optional candy cane pieces.

Winter Wonderland

White, silver, and pale blue sprinkles. Add a white chocolate drizzle.

New Year’s Eve

Gold, silver, and metallic sprinkles for sparkling presentation.

Kids’ Parties

Bright, multi-colored sprinkles and fun shapes make them extra festive.

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Conclusion

Holiday Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are a must-bake treat for the festive season. Their soft, tender centers, slightly crisp edges, and cheerful sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or everyday holiday indulgence. Easy to prepare, fun to decorate, and sure to please both kids and adults, these cookies bring holiday cheer to every table.

With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless decorating possibilities, this recipe guarantees soft, colorful, and festive sugar cookies that are a joy to bake and eat.