Introduction
Christmas is a season brimming with warmth, tradition, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. Among the twinkling lights and festive carols, our Chewy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies offer pure holiday joy. These delightful treats boast a wonderfully soft, chewy interior, crisp edges, and a vibrant explosion of red and green sprinkles that instantly evokes childhood wonder. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe promises to become a cherished part of your family’s holiday baking, bringing smiles and delicious memories with every festive bite.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to start these delectable delights. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (nonpareils or jimmies)
* Extra sprinkles for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Space: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down sides as needed.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully. Stir in vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it leads to tough cookies.
6. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the ½ cup of Christmas sprinkles using a spatula.
7. Roll and Decorate: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each dough ball generously in extra sprinkles, coating all sides.
8. Bake: Place coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft. They will set as they cool.
9. Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips
For perfect chewiness, avoid overmixing dough once flour is added, which can create tough cookies. Equally important: don’t overbake. Cookies that appear slightly underdone in the center will firm up perfectly as they cool. Use good quality, fresh sprinkles for the most vibrant color. Store leftover dough or baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For enhanced flavor and to prevent spreading, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, though it’s optional if time is short.
Variations
These cookies offer a fantastic canvas for creative flair. For a different depth, add a half teaspoon of almond extract with the vanilla, or incorporate the zest of one orange for a brighter, citrusy note. White chocolate chips folded into the dough can add creamy richness for the holidays. For dietary needs, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) and dairy-free butter can make these inclusive. You can also swap Christmas sprinkles for other seasonal colors or shapes to suit different occasions.
Conclusion
With their vibrant hues and irresistible chew, these Chewy Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a true celebration of the season’s magic. They’re simple enough for a cozy afternoon bake with kids, yet impressive enough to grace any holiday platter. So, gather your loved ones and immerse yourselves in the joy of creating these festive delights. Each bite is a delicious reminder of holiday cheer, family traditions, and the simple pleasure of a homemade cookie baked with love. Happy baking and Happy Holidays!
