Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies – Easy, Buttery, and Festive Holiday Treats

The festive, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that make every holiday moment a little sweeter.

The holidays are here, and with them come the sights, sounds, and smells of baking that make everything feel cozy. For me, no Christmas baking session is complete without Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies. They’re soft, buttery, and covered in colorful sanding sugar that adds the perfect crunch. Plus, they’re so easy to make — a great option for busy family kitchens or making new holiday traditions.

This recipe is perfect for all ages. My kids love helping with the rolling, and I love that they’re quick to make with simple ingredients. Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap or just for a cozy night in with milk and a movie, these cookies are sure to become your go-to festive treat.

Why You’ll Love Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Here’s why these cookies should be on your baking list this season:

• Super soft and chewy: They stay soft even after cooling.
• Easy to make: No chill time, no complicated steps.
• Perfect for kids: A fun recipe to involve your little ones in the kitchen.
• Versatile sprinkles: You can use any color or shape of sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Holiday vibes: They look just as festive as they taste — a treat for the eyes and taste buds!

I’ve made these cookies every Christmas for the past few years, and they’ve always been a hit. They’re also great for gift boxes, cookie exchanges, or as a quick snack when you’re hosting family and friends.

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

These cookies are made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No need for anything fancy — just good, simple baking ingredients that make every bite delicious.

• 1 ½ cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 container Christmas sanding sugar (or your favorite holiday sprinkles)

How to Make Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking to get a batch of cookies ready without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how you can make these soft, sweet Christmas cookies:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheets

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix — we want soft, tender cookies!

4. Scoop and Shape the Dough

• Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out dough.
• Roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands, then coat the dough balls in sanding sugar (or any sprinkles of your choice).
• Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2–3 inches apart.

5. Press the Dough Down

• Using the palm of your hand, gently press down each dough ball to form a thick disk. This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect soft, thick texture.

6. Bake and Enjoy

• Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft — they will firm up as they cool.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

• Use softened butter: This ensures the butter mixes smoothly with the sugar, creating that light, airy texture we want.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies are supposed to be soft, so take them out when the edges are just golden. They will continue to cook as they cool.
• Make them ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and chilled for up to 3 days before baking.
• Customize the sprinkles: If you want to make these cookies even more fun, switch up the colors for different holidays. Pink and red for Valentine’s Day, or rainbow sprinkles for a birthday!

What’s the Best Way to Decorate These Cookies?

One of my favorite things about these cookies is the sprinkles! You can make them as festive as you like with just a few simple tweaks. Here are some ideas:

• Use red, green, and white sanding sugar for classic Christmas colors.
• For a winter wonderland theme, try blue and silver sprinkles.
• If you’re feeling extra festive, add some white chocolate chips or sprinkle some edible glitter on top for extra sparkle.

Common Christmas Cookie Questions

What are some different types of Christmas cookies?
From gingerbread cookies to snowball cookies, there are so many fun variations. You can even make soft sprinkle cookies year-round!

Do you decorate cookies with sprinkles before or after baking?
For these cookies, you should roll the dough in sprinkles before baking. The sugar sticks perfectly during the bake and gives the cookies that sparkle.

What’s the most famous Christmas cookie?
The classic sugar cookie is probably the most famous. But these Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are quickly becoming a favorite in our house!

What sprinkles don’t melt when baked?
Sanding sugar is a great choice because it keeps its shape and adds a nice crunch without melting in the oven.

How to Store Your Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they do store well if you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!). Here’s how to store them:

• Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If you freeze the dough, let it thaw slightly before baking.

A Little More Holiday Baking Inspiration

If you’re looking for more holiday treats, you’ll love these:

• 👉 Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – A Festive Holiday Treat
• 👉 Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
• 👉 Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

These treats are just as fun to make and even better to share. Perfect for the holidays!

Let’s Connect!

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Christmas Sprinkle Cookies as much as I do! If you try them out, tag me on Pinterest @RitzyRecipes — I love seeing your festive creations!

And be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more holiday recipes, baking tips, and cozy kitchen adventures.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and, of course, lots of cookies! 🍪

Print