Sure! Here’s a fun and detailed recipe for your Christmas Sprinkle Cookies with all the bells and whistles. It includes an introduction, history, and a bit of extra flair!
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies: A Festive Delight
Introduction: There’s something magical about baking cookies during the holiday season— the smell of sugar, vanilla, and butter fills the air, and the sight of colorful sprinkles makes everything feel festive. These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with loved ones or to gift during the holidays. With their soft, buttery texture, sweet flavor, and vibrant sprinkles, they’re bound to become a holiday favorite in your household.
Whether you’re baking solo or with family, this recipe is simple yet indulgent enough to bring a little extra cheer to your celebration. The addition of both vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a unique depth of flavor, making them stand out among the classic holiday treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, at room temperature)
- 1 & 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 egg (large)
- 1 egg yolk (large)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 & 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup sprinkles (any kind you prefer— rainbow or holiday-themed are especially fun!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Make sure the butter is soft, as it will mix more evenly.
- Add the Eggs and Extracts: Add in 1 egg and 1 egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture. Then, pour in 2 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp almond extract. Beat everything together until smooth. The extracts will give the cookies a warm, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 & 3/4 cups flour, 1 & 1/2 tsp baking powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp baking soda. These dry ingredients provide structure and help the cookies rise evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. You can use a wooden spoon or a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies may become tough.
- Add the Sprinkles: Once the dough is fully combined, fold in 1/2 cup of sprinkles. You can use traditional rainbow sprinkles, holiday-themed sprinkles, or even festive nonpareils for a touch of sparkle.
- Form the Cookies: Using a 1-inch cookie scooper, scoop out even portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll the ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. This will create a sweet, crunchy exterior on each cookie.
- Place on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread slightly as they bake.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are soft but set. If you want them a bit firmer, you can leave them in for an extra minute, but be sure not to overbake them.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!
History and Origins of Sprinkle Cookies:
The tradition of sprinkling sugar or colorful decorations on cookies has roots in many cultures, especially during festive times like Christmas. While the exact origin of sprinkle cookies is not entirely clear, it is believed that they evolved as a way to make baked goods more visually appealing and fun. Sprinkles (or jimmies) became popular in the 20th century as baking supplies became more widely available. These bright, sugary decorations were an easy way to bring joy and excitement to cookies, especially for holidays and celebrations.
These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies specifically borrow from the tradition of classic sugar cookies, which have been a holiday staple for generations. The addition of sprinkles was likely a modern twist to make the cookies more festive and appealing to children and families during the holiday season.
Baking Tips:
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Sprinkle Variety: Feel free to get creative with your sprinkles! You can use themed sprinkles like red and green for Christmas, or opt for metallics like gold and silver for a more elegant look.
- Double the Recipe: These cookies tend to disappear fast, so if you’re baking for a crowd or want extra to share, consider doubling the recipe. They’re perfect for holiday cookie swaps or gifting.
Conclusion:
These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Soft, buttery, and full of festive sprinkles, they bring joy to anyone who bites into them. Whether you’re baking for your family, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them by the fire, these cookies will undoubtedly become a beloved holiday tradition. So gather your ingredients, invite some loved ones into the kitchen, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home this Christmas!
Lovers of Christmas Cookies:
This recipe isn’t just for seasoned bakers— it’s for anyone who loves a festive, easy-to-make cookie that’s sure to impress. It’s perfect for families, couples, or friends baking together. And the best part? You can always add a personal touch by experimenting with different kinds of sprinkles, glazes, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Enjoy making memories in the kitchen, and enjoy the sweet, buttery results!
Let me know how your batch turns out! Are you baking these for a special occasion or just because you’re feeling festive?