The holiday season brings with it a sense of joy, warmth, and togetherness, along with an array of delightful treats that fill your home with festive cheer. One such treat is the Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies. These cookies embody the spirit of the season with their vibrant colors and soft texture. With a buttery base and sprinkles that bring a smile to anyone who sees them, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace.
Why We Love This Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
The charm of Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies goes beyond their festive presentation. If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a cookie that’s simultaneously soft, tender, and bursting with sweetness, you know that each bit holds a sense of nostalgia and comfort. These cookies not only capture the essence of childhood treats but also allow you to create new memories during the joyful holiday season.
There’s a reason these cookies have become a staple in many households. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and can be customized to fit your personal taste. Plus, the inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake is a bonus that adds to the holiday magic.
So, get ready to roll your sleeves up and prepare for a fun baking session! Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these delightful Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.
Ingredients about Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
To make the Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 stick butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sprinkles (nonpareils)
These ingredients come together to create a soft, chewy cookie packed with delightful flavor. The combination of butter and cream cheese adds richness, while the eggs give structure, and the extracts enhance the overall taste profile.
How to Make Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the step-by-step process of making these scrumptious cookies. Making Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of any skill level.
- Cream the Base: Start by grabbing your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or you can use a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer. Cream together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and eggs. Add the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy; this should take about five minutes. The creaming process helps incorporate air into the cookie base, resulting in a soft texture.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Once your base is creamy and fluffy, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then, add in the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt. Turn your mixer to low/medium speed and combine for about one minute until everything is well blended. Make sure not to overmix, as this can affect the cookies’ softness.
- Chill the Dough: After combining all the ingredients, it’s essential to refrigerate the dough for two hours. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, which keeps them soft and chewy.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while your dough is chilling. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them with non-stick cooking spray. The parchment paper helps in achieving uniform baking and easy release of cookies.
- Roll in Sprinkles: Once the dough is firm from chilling, it’s time to shape your cookies. Pour sprinkles into a medium-sized bowl. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Next, roll each dough ball in the sprinkles, ensuring they get a colorful and festive coating.
- Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the sprinkle-covered dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about two inches apart. The cookies will spread during baking, so maintaining sufficient space is essential.
- Bake the Cookies: Place your baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 9 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the cookies should not turn golden brown. Instead, they will appear slightly underbaked and glossy when you remove them from the oven, indicating your cookies are perfectly soft.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for about 3 to 5 minutes. This helps them set before moving them to a wire rack for complete cooling. Be careful when transferring them as they will be delicate while warm.
These steps will yield cookies that are the perfect blend of soft, chewy, and festive!
How to Serve Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
The joy of Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies extends to how you choose to serve them. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Classic Presentation: Simply place the cookies on a decorative plate or platter and set them out for your guests. Their colorful sprinkles make them visually appealing, so you won’t need to do much to impress!
- Cookie Gift Box: During the busy holiday season, giving cookies as gifts is a wonderful gesture. You can package these cookies in a festive tin or a clear cellophane bag, tied with a ribbon. Your loved ones will appreciate the homemade touch.
- Cookie Sandwiches: For a delightful twist, consider turning your cookies into sandwiches. Use a layer of frosting, whipped cream, or your favorite filling between two cookies. These cookie sandwiches are sure to bring smiles to faces.
- With Hot Beverages: Serve your cookies alongside hot chocolate, coffee, or milk. The warm drinks complement the cookies perfectly while providing a cozy feel to your holiday gatherings.
Whichever way you choose to serve them, your Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies will surely be a hit!
Expert Tips: Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
When baking cookies, a few expert tips can make a world of difference in achieving that perfect batch:
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure that both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly into a creamy mixture, which is key for soft cookies.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s critical for achieving the right texture. If you’re short on time, consider chilling the dough for at least one hour as a minimum.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. Remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
- Experiment with Sprinkles: While nonpareils are standard, feel free to get creative with your choice of sprinkles. Use holiday-themed sprinkles or your family’s favorites for a personalized touch.
- Keep Your Dough Cool: If working in a warm kitchen, you might encounter soft dough that’s hard to manage. Keep your dough in the refrigerator between batches to make the rolling process easier.
By applying these tips, your Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies will turn out perfectly every time!
How to Store Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
After baking, you may find yourself with extra cookies or wanting to save some for later. Proper storage is essential for maintaining their freshness and softness. Here’s how to store them effectively:
- Room Temperature: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container to keep moisture in and maintain their soft texture. They can generally be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: If you need to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating the cookies. Again, make sure they are in an airtight container. They can last up to two weeks when stored in the fridge.
- Freezing: For extended storage, you can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. If freezing dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the fridge for several hours before proceeding. Baked cookies can be frozen in a similar fashion, allowing you to enjoy them at a later date.
By following these storage tips, you can savor these tasty treats long after they’ve been made!
Variation of Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
While the classic version of Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is perfect on its own, there are several fun variations you can try to shake things up:
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Add a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for added flavor. This combination yields a delightful texture and a rich chocolatey taste.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the dough for a crunchy surprise in every bite. The nuts add a lovely contrast to the soft cookie base.
- Flavor Adaptations: Experiment with different extracts beyond vanilla and almond. Consider peppermint extract for a fresh holiday twist, or use coconut extract for a tropical flavor.
- Themed Sprinkles: Change up the sprinkles based on the occasion. Use red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or even themed colors for birthday celebrations. This makes the same cookie recipe versatile for many occasions.
- Frosting Topping: After the cookies have cooled, consider topping them with a light layer of frosting or glaze for an added sweetness and decoration.
These variations allow you to customize the cookies while keeping the same soft and delightful texture that makes them a beloved treat.
FAQ about Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
What makes Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies so soft?
The combination of butter and cream cheese in the dough is the key to achieving that soft, tender texture. Creaming these ingredients together helps incorporate air, resulting in a light cookie. Additionally, chilling the dough allows it to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! While nonpareils are commonly used, feel free to experiment with jimmies, sugar crystals, or any festive sprinkle variety. Different sprinkles can enhance the visual appeal and theme of your cookies.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is essential for controlling spread. Make sure the dough is well chilled before rolling, and keep the baked cookies spaced apart on the baking sheets.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the ingredients in your other components as well to ensure they are gluten-free.
How long can I store Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last for about a week at room temperature, up to two weeks in the refrigerator, or several months when frozen. Enjoy their delightful freshness at your leisure!
Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 stick butter (softened) Should be at room temperature.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened) Should be at room temperature.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorative Ingredients
- 1 cup sprinkles (nonpareils) For rolling the cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy, around 5 minutes.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until well combined.
Mixing
- Add all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Mix on low/medium speed for about one minute until just combined.
Chilling
- Refrigerate the dough for two hours to prevent spreading while baking.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and then roll in sprinkles to coat.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, checking to ensure they remain slightly underbaked.
Cooling
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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