Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy cookies filled with festive red and green jimmies sprinkles that bring a burst of color and fun to every bite. The dough is tender with a balanced sweetness, perfect for holiday cookie trays and celebrations.
You’ll love this recipe because the creamed butter and sugar create a light texture, while the combination of egg and egg yolk adds richness and chewiness. Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking gives a delicate crunch outside, and chilling the dough helps control spreading for perfect cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup red and green jimmies sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling and garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Cream butter and granulated sugar with a mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
-
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms.
-
Fold in the sprinkles evenly.
-
Scoop about 2 tablespoons dough, roll into balls, and coat each in granulated sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets. (Optional: chill dough 1 hour to 3 days before baking.)
-
Bake 8-10 minutes until edges set and just beginning to turn golden, centers will still be soft.
-
Cool on baking sheets for 3-5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
-
Sprinkle extra sugar and sprinkles on top for festive decoration.
Tips for Success
-
Use room temperature ingredients for easy mixing.
-
Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
-
Chilling dough improves handling and reduces spread.
-
Roll dough balls thoroughly in sugar for crisp edges.
-
Use fresh sprinkles for best color and texture.
Delicious Variations
-
Replace almond extract with lemon or orange zest.
-
Dip cooled cookies in white or dark chocolate.
-
Mix in holiday-themed colored sugar crystals.
-
Pipe small dots of royal icing for decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze dough balls individually; thaw before baking.
How long do cookies keep?
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend 1:1 replacement.
How can I make cookies chewier?
Add an extra egg yolk and avoid overbaking.
Can I use other types of sprinkles?
Yes, any holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar work well.
Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy cookies filled with festive red and green jimmies sprinkles. Tender, balanced sweetness perfect for holiday trays and celebrations.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1 tablespoon whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup red and green jimmies sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling and garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg, egg yolk, milk, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing on low until soft dough forms.
Fold in sprinkles evenly.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. (Optional: chill dough 1 hour to 3 days.)
Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden, centers remain soft.
Cool on baking sheets 3–5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Sprinkle extra sugar and sprinkles on top before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients.
Do not overmix after adding flour.
Chill dough to reduce spreading.
Roll dough well in sugar for crisp edges.
Use fresh sprinkles for best appearance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/24 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: christmas sprinkle sugar cookies, soft chewy holiday cookies, festive sugar cookies, easy christmas cookies, jimmies sprinkle cookies
