Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe

There is something truly magical about the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe that instantly brings a festive sparkle to any holiday gathering. These delightful little morsels are soft, buttery, and speckled with vibrant red, green, and white sprinkles, making them perfect for sharing joy with family and friends. They are so easy to make, yet taste like a special treat that’s been lovingly crafted for the season. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cookie enthusiast, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for spreading holiday cheer bite by bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites. Each one plays a crucial role in ensuring your cookies come out soft, flavorful, and visually wonderful.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for tender cookies and a perfect buttery flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and helps create a light texture when creamed.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives the dough structure.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma that’s classic in holiday baking.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it body and chewiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a light, soft crumb.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
• 1 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white): Brings festive color and playful texture that’s perfect for Christmas cheer.
• Optional glaze (1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract): Adds a sweet finishing touch and a glossy sheen if you want to make your bites extra special.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowls

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This simple preparation step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookie bites every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to a tender texture and a smooth, buttery flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. The egg adds structure and richness, while the vanilla brings that classic warm aroma that makes holiday treats feel so comforting.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, helping your cookie bites rise just right.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so take care to combine just until everything comes together.

Step 6: Fold in Half of the Sprinkles

Gently fold in half of the holiday sprinkles. This guarantees bursts of festive color inside the cookies without overwhelming the dough.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Bites

Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into small balls. Then roll these dough balls in the remaining sprinkles to coat them fully, creating a dazzling outer layer that’s perfect for the holidays.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place your cookie bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This ensures every bite is tender and chewy rather than hard or crisp.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and shine, drizzle the optional glaze over the cooled cookie bites for a delightful finish.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

To enhance their festive look, you can add a few extra sprinkles on top of each cookie bite right after glazing. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy, holiday-inspired touch that looks as lovely as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookie bites alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a creamy eggnog. These pairings complement the sweetness perfectly and elevate your holiday dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a heartwarming presentation, arrange the cookie bites on a decorative holiday platter scattered with fresh evergreen sprigs or candy canes. Wrapping small bundles in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbons also makes them perfect for holiday gift giving or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and fresh, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can also freeze these cookie bites for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a resealable freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months and can be thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

To refresh frozen cookie bites, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will soften them slightly without drying them out, bringing back that freshly baked taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content in your dough, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just reduce the added salt by half to avoid making the cookies too salty.

What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles?

Feel free to use any colorful sprinkles you have on hand. The cookies will still taste fantastic, and you can customize the colors for other holidays or occasions.

Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?

Absolutely! Kids will love scooping, rolling, and coating the dough balls in sprinkles. It’s an easy and fun way to get little helpers involved in holiday baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors develop and makes it easier to handle when rolling the cookie bites.

Are these cookie bites gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free baking mix designed for cookies to make a tasty alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is a joyful blend of simplicity, flavor, and festive fun that everyone will adore. It’s a perfect recipe to create memories in the kitchen while filling your home with the most wonderful holiday aromas. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and share in that holiday magic—these bites truly bring the season’s spirit to every bite.

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