Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a cookie that’s both soft and bursting with festive cheer, isn’t there? This Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is exactly that—a perfect blend of buttery richness from cream cheese and butter, mixed with classic sugar cookie goodness, all dressed up with vibrant red and green hues and a generous sprinkle of holiday sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or prepping for a big holiday party, these cookies always bring smiles around the kitchen.

What I love most is how easy they are to make, even if you don’t have time to fuss over complicated dough. The cream cheese adds a lovely tangy softness that keeps these cookies delightfully tender, while the holiday sprinkles give them that extra sparkly touch that feels perfect for the season. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe to add to your dessert lineup, this one’s a winner every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a straightforward way, making the dough easy to work with and the final cookie full of rich flavor and cheerful color. A few quick shopping tips: pick a quality sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese for smooth texture, and don’t skimp on good sprinkles—they really make the cookies pop visually.

• Sugar cookie mix: Choose your favorite brand; this is the base that sets the flavor and texture.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key here for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Salted butter: Softened for easy mixing and added richness.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together perfectly.
• Red food coloring: Just a few drops to get that festive red shade.
• Green food coloring: For a bright, holiday green that pairs perfectly with red.
• Christmas sprinkles: Look for a mix of shapes and colors to add visual interest and festive fun.

Variations

One of the best things about this Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own! I love tweaking the colors or even swapping out the traditional sprinkles for something a little different sometimes.

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped in gluten-free sugar cookie mix before without losing any of that buttery softness—just make sure your mix is one that works well with cream cheese.
• Different Colors: Try blue and silver sprinkles for a winter wonderland twist; it’s always fun seeing how a color swap changes the vibe.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Adding mini chocolate chips gives the cookies a little surprise inside that my family adores.
• Vegan Option: You can replace butter with vegan butter and use an egg replacement; the dough might be a bit softer but still bakes beautifully.

How to Make Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cookie Dough

Start by combining the sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and the egg in a large bowl. I usually use my electric mixer on medium speed—this helps everything come together quickly without lumps. Keep an eye on the consistency; the dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more cookie mix. This step’s all about getting that smooth, easily workable dough that bakes up soft and tender.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough

Once your dough is mixed, divide it roughly in half. Then, add a few drops of red food coloring to one half and green to the other. Use your hands or a spatula to gently fold the color in until you reach your desired shade. It’s fun watching the dough transform with just a tiny bit of color—don’t be shy to add more if you want vibrant cookies!

Step 3: Form the Cookies and Add Sprinkles

Roll the colored dough into small balls—about one tablespoon each works nicely—and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Before baking, gently press each ball slightly and sprinkle your Christmas sprinkles over the top, pressing just enough so they stick but don’t flatten the dough entirely. This keeps the sprinkles looking festive and inviting.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven according to the sugar cookie mix instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to watch them closely—the edges should be just set without browning. Pull them out when they look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, keeping that tender texture.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a few extra sprinkles right out of the oven while the cookies are still warm, so they stick perfectly and add that extra sparkle. Sometimes I’ll dust a few with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, which always gets compliments!

Side Dishes

Pair these with a glass of cold milk or my favorite spiced hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They’re also fantastic alongside a simple cup of coffee or tea if you’re serving them during a festive brunch or afternoon gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these cookies on a tiered platter to show off their vibrant colors. Wrapping a small stack in clear cellophane with a ribbon makes a charming neighbor gift, and I’ve even tied them with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a rustic, festive look that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread inside to maintain softness. This little trick surprisingly keeps them tender and tasty for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze baked cookies, I recommend flash-freezing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They thaw quickly and maintain their texture when you let them come to room temperature—perfect for getting ahead on holiday prep!

Reheating

To refresh cookies that have been stored or frozen, pop them in a 300°F oven for just 3-5 minutes. This warms them up without drying them out and makes them taste freshly baked. Just be sure to watch so they don’t overbake!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe year after year, and it never fails to bring a little extra joy to our holidays. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing gifts, or just looking for a simple way to add color and cheer to your cookie platter, these soft, colorful cookies hit the spot. Give them a try—I promise you’ll have as much fun making them as eating them!

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