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This post is all about Christmas Cookies.
If there’s one cookie that defines the holidays, it’s the simple, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie covered in colorful sprinkles.
These Holiday Sprinkle Butter Cookies are everything you love about classic Christmas baking soft, rich, golden and filled with cheerful color and nostalgic flavor.
They’re easy to make, perfect for decorating with kids and so tender they almost disappear as soon as you take a bite. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas cookie exchange, wrapping edible gifts or stocking up for Santa’s plate, these cookies are guaranteed to become your new holiday favorite.
Get ready for your kitchen to smell like vanilla and butter because it’s time to bake the best holiday sprinkle cookies ever.
🎄 Why You’ll Love These Holiday Sprinkle Butter Cookies
- Soft, buttery texture: Classic melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-style cookie.
- Festive and colorful: Holiday sprinkles make them instantly party-ready.
- No chill time needed: Mix, roll, bake, done!
- Perfect for cookie boxes & gifts: Keep beautifully for days and travel well.
- Pinterest perfection: Bright, nostalgic, and made for viral cookie boards.
These cookies are perfect for your Christmas cookie trays, holiday dessert table, or winter baking night — easy enough for beginners but elegant enough for gifting.
🍪 Ingredients (Makes 24–30 cookies)
| Ingredient | U.S. | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) | 225 g |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | 150 g |
| Egg yolk | 1 large | 1 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 ½ tsp | 7 ml |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 250 g |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 1 g |
| Red, green, and white holiday sprinkles | ½ cup | 80 g |
Optional: Almond extract (¼ tsp) for extra bakery-style flavor
🧁 Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
🎅 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats.
This step ensures even baking and perfectly golden cookie edges.
Step 2 — Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Use a hand or stand mixer for best results.
💡 Tip: Creaming incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that light, tender texture that literally melts in your mouth.
Step 3 — Add the Egg Yolk & Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
For an extra depth of flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of almond extract — it gives your cookies that “bakery-style” magic.
Step 4 — Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
Gradually add to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing until the dough just comes together.
✨ Don’t overmix — stop as soon as the dough forms a soft, buttery ball.
Step 5 — Add the Sprinkles
Fold in the holiday sprinkles using a spatula.
You can use classic jimmies, nonpareils, or confetti sprinkles — just avoid coarse sugar crystals, which can melt unevenly.
❤️ Tip: Mix the colors — red, green, white, and gold sprinkles make these cookies pop in photos and on Pinterest pins!
Step 6 — Shape & Bake
Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough (or use a small cookie scoop) and roll into smooth balls.
Place on prepared trays about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
Cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
💭 Tip: For perfect cookies, don’t overbake — they’ll firm up as they cool, keeping that soft, buttery bite.
🍬 Optional Variations
These cookies are endlessly customizable! Try one of these ideas for your next batch:
- Christmas Confetti Butter Cookies: Add red and green confetti sprinkles throughout the dough.
- Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies: Dip cooled cookies halfway in white or dark chocolate and top with extra sprinkles.
- Peppermint Butter Cookies: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
- Almond Snow Cookies: Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar for a snowy look.
- Winter Wonderland Cookies: Use only white and silver sprinkles for a modern, frosty theme.
Each version is camera-ready — perfect for Pinterest boards like “Holiday Baking,” “Christmas Cookies,” or “Festive Treats.”
🍭 Make-Ahead & Storage
| Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 5–6 days | Store in airtight container |
| Refrigerator | 7–8 days | Keeps fresh and soft |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze baked or unbaked dough |
| Gifting | 3–4 days | Wrap in clear bags or boxes with ribbons |
🎁 Pro Tip: Add a custom label like “Homemade Holiday Sprinkle Butter Cookies — Made with Love” for an easy holiday gift or bake sale favorite.
☕ Perfect Pairings
These cookies are divine on their own, but even better when paired with:
- Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream ☕
- Peppermint mocha for a festive boost 🍫
- Eggnog latte for creamy, cozy flavor 🎅
- Vanilla chai or spiced cider for warming balance 🍎
They also make an adorable treat for holiday dessert platters and Christmas cookie exchanges.
💬 FAQ
Q: Can I use salted butter instead?
A: Yes! Just omit the added salt in the recipe.
Q: Can I use different sprinkles?
A: Absolutely — use any color combo to match Christmas, New Year’s, or even Valentine’s Day.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: Nope — this recipe is designed for no-chill baking and quick results.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes — freeze dough balls up to 2 months, then bake straight from frozen (add 2 extra minutes).
Q: How do I keep them soft?
A: Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
💖 Final Thoughts
These Holiday Sprinkle Butter Cookies are everything Christmas baking should be colorful, cozy and full of joy.
They combine the classic buttery flavor you love with a festive sprinkle-filled twist that makes every cookie feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking with kids, creating a gift box or pinning your next viral cookie photo; these cookies are guaranteed to bring sparkle to your holidays.
So preheat your oven, grab your sprinkles and get ready to bake the most perfect holiday butter cookies of the season. 🎄🍪
