Slice and Bake Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive and delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Slice and Bake Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming cookies are crisp on the edges with a tender crumb, bursting with colorful sprinkles that add cheerful pops of sweetness. Not only does this recipe bring classic holiday flavors to life, but the simple slice-and-bake method makes it easy to whip up a big batch in no time. Whether you’re baking with family or gifting neighbors, these cookies are sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step to creating these festive cookies. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy texture of the butter to the lively crunch and visual delight of the sprinkles, resulting in a perfectly balanced holiday treat.

• Butter (1 cup, soft): Provides richness and a tender crumb, so make sure it’s nicely softened for easy mixing.
• Sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough and helps create a delightful lightness when creamed with butter.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, aromatic depth that elevates the simple sugar cookie flavor beautifully.
• Egg (1): Binds everything together while contributing to the cookie’s structure.
• Flour (3 ¼ cups): The backbone of your cookies, giving them just the right bite and substance.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender texture.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Colored sprinkles (½ cup): Sprinkle in heaps of festive color and a fun textural crunch that screams holiday cheer.

How to Make Slice and Bake Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by mixing the softened butter using an electric mixer until it’s incredibly soft and creamy. This step is crucial because well-creamed butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves in sugar cookies.

Step 2: Add the Sugar

Next, blend in the sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aeration helps give your cookies a delicate crumb and subtle sweetness that feels just right.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

When the butter and sugar are perfectly whipped, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These add flavor and help bind your dough together for a sturdy yet tender cookie.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt into your wet ingredients. At first, the dough will look crumbly and dry, but don’t worry — it will come together beautifully when you press it with your hands.

Step 5: Form the Dough Logs

Turn the dough out onto a flat surface and divide it into two portions. Shape each portion into a 10-inch log by pressing the dough firmly. If pieces fall apart, just press them back together without hesitation.

Step 6: Roll in Sprinkles

Pour colorful sprinkles onto a rimmed baking sheet and gently roll each dough log over the sprinkles so they coat the surface evenly. This step is where the holiday magic really begins!

Step 7: Wrap and Chill

Place each sprinkle-covered log on a sheet of plastic wrap. Pour extra sprinkles on top, then wrap the logs fully in the plastic wrap. Use your hands to smooth the sprinkles into the dough for a perfect finish. Refrigerate the logs for at least one hour to firm them up.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Once chilled, unwrap the logs and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges start to turn a delicate golden color.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling process helps them set perfectly, ensuring every bite is crisp on the outside and tender within.

How to Serve Slice and Bake Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

While the sprinkles provide plenty of festive flair, consider dusting your cookies with a light shimmer of powdered sugar for an extra touch of holiday sparkle. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of white chocolate can also make beautiful edible garnishes to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with cozy beverages like hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a classic eggnog. Their sweet, buttery flavor complements warm drinks for an ideal afternoon snack or holiday gathering dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a holiday-themed tin or on a festive platter lined with parchment decorated in holiday prints. Wrapping slices of dough individually before baking can double as adorable edible gifts. For a party, place them beside bowls of colorful frosting and extra sprinkles so guests can customize their treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Slice and Bake Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe fresh, store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and scrumptious for about a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unbaked dough logs and the baked cookies. Wrap dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to three months. For baked cookies, freeze in airtight containers with parchment layers to prevent sticking. Simply thaw before serving.

Reheating

If you want to revive the just-baked warmth, pop cookies in a warm oven (around 300 degrees) for a few minutes. This warms them through gently without drying them out, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sprinkles in this Slice and Bake Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various shapes and colors of sprinkles to match your holiday décor or personal preference. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain that delightful texture and festive look.

Is it necessary to chill the dough logs before slicing?

Chilling is key to ensuring the dough firms up enough to slice neatly without crumbling, and it also helps the cookies retain their shape while baking. Skipping this step can lead to misshapen cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary due to differences in texture and binding. It’s best to use a blend designed for baking cookies and to test a small batch first.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?

Using high-quality sprinkles that are meant for baking helps reduce color bleed. Rolling carefully and chilling the dough logs quickly also minimizes color mixing.

Can I cut the dough slices thicker or thinner?

Yes, you can adjust the thickness according to your preference. Thicker slices will yield softer, chewier cookies, while thinner slices tend to be crisper. Just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing a batch of homemade cookies during the holidays, and this Slice and Bake Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe truly captures that spirit. It’s simple, festive, and just plain fun, whether you’re baking solo or with loved ones. So grab your ingredients, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and dive into this joyful tradition — your taste buds will thank you!

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