One of my favorite December afternoons was spent in my daughter’s kitchen with my two grandkids, both of them tugging at my apron asking if they could “be the sprinkle boss.” The house smelled like a mix of pine from the tree and butter warming in the oven, and every counter was scattered with flour, mixing bowls, and holiday music humming in the background.
I remember how their little hands dipped into the sprinkle bowl a bit too often, and the cookies ended up more colorful than I planned, but that was the best part. The joy of baking has always been about these moments of connection, when laughter and sugar collide in the most comforting way.
These soft Christmas cookies were the star of that day. Warm from the oven, with their golden edges and chewy centers, they didn’t last long on the cooling rack. My husband wandered into the kitchen and sneaked a few before we even finished decorating them.
That’s how I know a recipe is a keeper, it doesn’t just satisfy a sweet tooth, it creates a memory you want to tuck away forever.
Short Description
These soft Christmas cookies are buttery, chewy, and filled with festive sprinkles—perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Key Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups festive sprinkles
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft.
Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look set.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Buttery and soft with chewy centers
Bursting with festive sprinkles for holiday cheer
Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes
Kid-friendly and perfect for family baking traditions
Pairs beautifully with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the dough: Can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined.
Too much flour: Always spoon and level flour; too much makes cookies dry.
Skipping parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Overbaking: Remove when edges are golden, not dark brown. They’ll continue to firm as they cool.
Adding sprinkles too early: Fold them in last so the colors don’t bleed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Arrange on a holiday platter with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Serve as part of a Christmas dessert buffet.
Pack in festive tins for homemade gifts.
Pair with mulled wine for adults or milk for kids.
Stack and tie with ribbon for a charming stocking stuffer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm.
Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is best for flavor, but margarine can be used—expect a slightly different texture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough up to 48 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature before scooping.
3. Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, just replace with more vanilla extract for a classic flavor.
4. How do I keep cookies soft longer?
Add a slice of bread to the storage container to help retain moisture.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it doubles well. Just use larger bowls for mixing.
Tips & Tricks
Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels sticky before shaping.
Use holiday-themed sprinkles like stars or snowflakes for a festive look.
Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even browning.
Try shaping dough into balls, then pressing lightly for thicker cookies.
For extra flavor, sprinkle with a touch of sea salt before baking.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Chip Version: Replace sprinkles with 1 cup mini chocolate chips.
Cranberry-White Chocolate: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries and ½ cup white chocolate chips.
Lemon Twist: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough and use pastel sprinkles.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of these soft Christmas cookies is how they bring people together. From kids covered in flour to adults sneaking warm bites straight off the rack, they spark joy in every kitchen. When I baked them with my grandkids, it wasn’t just about the cookies, it was about slowing down, laughing, and making a mess worth remembering. Each bite carries a little holiday cheer, buttery richness, and that unmistakable taste of homemade love.
If you want a recipe that blends tradition with simple comfort, this one fits right in. I can already imagine a tin of these cookies tucked under the tree, waiting for someone to unwrap not just a treat, but a memory. That’s what makes baking so special, it’s not just food, it’s family.
Soft Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups festive sprinkles
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually combine with the dry mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
- Gently fold in sprinkles. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers set.
- Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
