Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly portioned for snacking or sharing.
- Classic sugar cookie flavor with a festive twist.
- Easy to make with simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Customizable with different sprinkles for any holiday or occasion.
- Great for gifting or serving at parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms. - Form the Bites:
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly press the tops of the balls to flatten slightly. - Add Sprinkles:
Sprinkle the tops of the cookie bites generously with Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils. - Bake:
Bake the cookie bites for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft. - Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 36 cookie bites.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes.
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes.
- Total Time: About 35 minutes.
Variations
- Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract or peppermint extract for a unique twist.
- Colorful Options: Use sprinkles in different colors to suit other holidays or themes.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookie bites for an extra touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookie bites in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to bring back their softness if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Let it soften slightly before shaping and baking.
2. Can I use salted butter?
If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon.
3. Do I have to chill the dough?
This recipe doesn’t require chilling, but you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent spreading.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and follow the same steps.
5. Are these cookies soft or crispy?
These cookies are soft and tender, with slightly crisp edges.
6. Can I skip the sprinkles?
Yes, but the sprinkles add a festive touch. Alternatively, use a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze.
7. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can use a nonstick baking sheet or lightly grease the baking sheet instead.
8. Can I use cookie cutters?
This recipe is designed for bite-sized cookies, so the dough may not hold its shape well for cookie cutters.
9. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, divide the dough and mix in food coloring to create colorful cookie bites.
10. Can I use natural sugar substitutes?
You can try using a 1:1 sugar substitute, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are the perfect holiday treat for all ages. Their small size makes them easy to enjoy, and their festive decoration brings holiday cheer to any occasion. Whether for gifting, sharing, or indulging, these cookies are a delightful addition to your Christmas baking tradition.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookie bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are festive, bite-sized treats with a soft texture, classic sugar cookie flavor, and cheerful sprinkles—perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or snacking with family. Simple to make and customizable for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until dough forms.
- Shape the Bites:
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Lightly press to flatten slightly.
- Decorate:
- Sprinkle the tops with Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for soft cookies.
- Cool & Serve:
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Add ½ teaspoon almond or peppermint extract for a flavor twist.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
