Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that screams holiday cheer and brings a pop of color and flavor to your Christmas spread, you’re in luck! This Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to bake during the season. Think soft, buttery sugar cookies kissed with cream cheese and bursting with vibrant red and green hues, all coated in joyful sprinkles that make each bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand because these cookies disappear fast!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines everyday ingredients with a few special touches that make it stand out. The cream cheese and butter bring richness, while the sprinkles add that unmistakable holiday joy. When shopping, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing and vibrant food colors for the best hues.

• Sugar cookie mix: The base that saves prep time without sacrificing flavor.
• Cream cheese: Softened to keep cookies moist and tender.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a crumbly texture.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together perfectly.
• Red food coloring: For that classic Christmas red dough.
• Green food coloring: Makes the dough pop with festive green.
• Christmas sprinkles: Choose your favorite mix of reds, greens, whites, or golds for extra sparkle.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is how you can make it your own. I often switch up the sprinkles or even add a little vanilla extract to boost flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might discover a new holiday favorite.

• Vanilla or almond extract: Adding a teaspoon enhances the cookie’s richness in a subtle way I personally love.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to accommodate dietary needs without losing texture.
• Chocolate chip version: For a twist, try mixing in mini chocolate chips before rolling the dough in sprinkles.
• Sprinkle swap: Use different themed sprinkles depending on the occasion or your mood—holiday shapes, stars, or even edible glitter!

How to Make Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). I always line my baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking—makes cleanup a breeze and helps cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, butter, and the egg. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat everything together until you get a smooth, soft dough. This is where the magic starts—if your cream cheese and butter aren’t softened enough, the dough might be lumpy, so take your time!

Step 3: Divide & Color the Dough

Split the dough into two equal parts—this is going to give you those fabulous red and green cookies. Into one bowl, add red food coloring and mix well until you see a deep, even color. Do the same with the green food coloring in the second bowl. This step is so satisfying—you’ll feel like an edible artist!

Step 4: Shape & Sprinkle

Pour your Christmas sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, form balls of dough and gently roll each ball in the sprinkles so they’re nicely coated. Place the coated dough balls on your prepared sheet at least 2 inches apart. I’d warn you not to worry if your dough balls flatten a bit—they tend to do that, and it’s perfectly normal.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You’re looking for edges that start to firm up and a top that doesn’t collapse when touched gently. Overbaking makes them crisp, but I prefer them with a soft chewy center. Once baked, let them cool for 3-5 minutes right on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving these cookies with an extra sprinkle of colored sugar or edible glitter on top to boost that festive look. Sometimes I add a small dollop of cream cheese frosting with a pinch of sprinkles for a fancy touch—kids and adults both go crazy for it!

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of hot cocoa, mulled cider, or even your favorite holiday coffee drink. For a party, I like to pair them with a cheese board or fruit platter to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange these cookies in alternating red and green rows on a tiered serving tray for a show-stopping display. Wrapping a few cookies in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbon also makes for an adorable edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to five days—perfect because they rarely last that long in my house! Keeping them out of direct sunlight helps maintain their vibrant colors.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. I like to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This way, they don’t stick together and you can pull out as many as you want at a time. They keep for up to three months frozen.

Reheating

To refresh frozen cookies, I pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This softens them up without drying them out. Or, you could microwave a cookie wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 10 seconds for a quick soft bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe has become my go-to holiday treat because it’s easy, fun, and absolutely festive. Each bite brings a sense of nostalgia and holiday joy, and I love how the sprinkles add that extra sparkle to gatherings. If you try this recipe, I’m confident you’ll see why my family and friends always ask for seconds (and thirds!). So grab your mixing bowl, make some memories, and bake up a batch—your kitchen will smell like Christmas, and your heart will feel warm.

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