Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a festive, colorful treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft, creamy, and packed with sprinkles, they bring both cheerful flavor and fun to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
- 17.5 ounce bag sugar cookie mix
- 4 ounce (½ 8-ounce package) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to cream together the cookie mix, cream cheese, butter, and egg until combined and a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Divide the dough in half and place each half into separate mixing bowls.
- Step 4: Add red food coloring to one bowl and mix until a deep red color is achieved.
- Step 5: Add green food coloring to the second bowl and mix until the dough is uniformly green.
- Step 6: Place the sprinkles in a shallow bowl. Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to form balls of dough. Gently roll each ball in the sprinkles, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between cookies.
- Step 7: Expect the dough balls to flatten slightly due to their softness; this is normal and will result in perfectly tender cookies.
- Step 8: Bake for 8-11 minutes or until the edges begin to firm and the cookie doesn’t collapse when gently touched on top.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or cooled.
Tips & Variations
- For a more vibrant color, add a few drops of food coloring at a time until you reach your desired shade.
- Try using different shaped or themed sprinkles to match other holidays or celebrations.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping to help maintain cookie shape during baking.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked softness again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie mix for this recipe?
Yes, any basic sugar cookie mix will work, but stick to mixes designed for drop cookies for best results with this method.
Why does the dough need cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds moisture and richness, resulting in a softer, more tender cookie compared to traditional recipes.
PrintChristmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
These festive Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday treat made with soft cream cheese sugar cookie dough, tinted in vibrant red and green colors, and coated generously with colorful Christmas sprinkles. Perfectly soft and lightly crisp on the edges, these cookies bake quickly and bring cheerful holiday spirit to any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 17.5 ounce bag sugar cookie mix
- 4 ounce (½ 8-ounce package) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Coloring and Toppings
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together the sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and egg. Beat until all ingredients are combined and a soft dough forms.
- Divide Dough: Split the soft dough evenly into two separate mixing bowls to prepare for coloring.
- Color Dough Red: Add red food coloring to one bowl and mix thoroughly until the dough achieves a deep, uniform red color.
- Color Dough Green: Add green food coloring to the second bowl and mix until the dough is evenly green.
- Form Cookies: Pour the Christmas sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Using a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop, form balls of dough from each colored batch, then gently roll each ball in the sprinkles to coat thoroughly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sprinkled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Note that the dough balls may flatten slightly due to softness, which is normal.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges begin to firm and the tops do not collapse when lightly touched.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- The dough will be soft; gentle handling will help maintain the shape.
- You can adjust food coloring amounts for preferred color intensity.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with appropriate vegan alternatives.
Keywords: Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, sprinkle cookies, holiday baking, cream cheese cookies, festive cookies
