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These holiday sprinkle butter cookies bring so much joy to my kitchen every season. I first created them when my children were little wanting something festive we could make together. Now they've become our most cherished holiday tradition filling our home with the sweetest vanilla butter aroma and bringing sparkly happiness to everyone who tries them.
What Makes These Extra Special
My family goes crazy for these cookies every time I make them. The centers stay perfectly soft while the edges get just crispy enough. That touch of almond extract adds something magical and watching little hands roll them in colorful sprinkles always makes my heart happy. Plus they're nearly impossible to mess up making them perfect for baking with kids.
Everything You Need
- Flour: Two cups of regular all purpose makes the perfect base
- Butter: A full cup softened but not melted
- Sugar: Two thirds cup gives just the right sweetness
- Egg: One large at room temp for best mixing
- Vanilla: A whole teaspoon of pure goodness
- Almond Extract: Half teaspoon optional but wonderful
- Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon to make flavors pop
- Sprinkles: The more colorful the better
Let's Make Cookie Magic
- Start With Butter:
- Beat it until super fluffy about two minutes of love
- Add The Sweet:
- Mix in sugar until it looks like vanilla ice cream
- Wet Ingredients:
- Your egg extracts go in just until happy
- Final Mix:
- Flour and salt join the party slowly until everything comes together
The Secret Step
I learned through many batches that chilling the dough for two hours makes all the difference. Wrap it up snug in plastic and let it rest in the fridge. This keeps your cookies from spreading and gives them that perfect shape every time.
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Rolling in Joy
This is where the fun begins. Roll your chilled dough into little one inch balls then give them their sparkly coats. I love watching how everyone develops their own sprinkle rolling technique. Space them out nicely on your cookie sheets they need room to grow.
Baking Time
Your oven should be nice and toasty at 350°F. These beauties need about 12 to 14 minutes of love just until you see those edges turning golden. Let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
My Best Cookie Wisdom
Room temperature ingredients mix like a dream. Always chill your dough no cheating here. Sift that flour for the silkiest texture. Give those sprinkles a good press they should hug each cookie.
Keeping Them Fresh
These cookies stay wonderful in an airtight container for a week if they last that long in your house. Want to plan ahead? They freeze beautifully for three months just layer them with wax paper.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I swap in different extracts lemon brings spring feelings peppermint makes them extra festive. Change up your sprinkles to match any holiday. A drizzle of chocolate never hurt anyone either.
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Sharing the Love
These cookies make the sweetest gifts. I wait until they're completely cool then pack them carefully in pretty tins with wax paper between layers. The joy on people's faces when they open them is priceless.
Quick Fixes
Sticky dough? Pop it back in the fridge. Cookies spreading? Your butter might have been too soft. Sprinkles falling off? Give them a gentle press before baking. Every problem has a simple solution.
Sprinkle Success
I've found those longer sprinkles called jimmies work best. They stick better and look beautiful. Mix metallic ones in for extra sparkle. Those tiny round ones just roll everywhere trust me.
Baking With Little Ones
My kitchen might get a bit messy when the kids help but those giggles are worth every scattered sprinkle. Let them roll the balls and decorate. Perfect circles don't matter when there's this much love involved.
Time Well Spent
That chilling time does more than help with shape. The flavors get even better as the dough rests. I use it as an excuse to have a cup of tea and clean up a bit.
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Size Matters
Want tiny cookies? Make half inch balls and bake for 8 minutes. Going bigger? Two inch balls need about 15 minutes. Just watch those edges for that perfect golden color.
Holiday Magic
Red and green sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas. Pastels work beautifully for Easter. Rainbow colors celebrate birthdays. These cookies dress up for any occasion.
Beautiful Either Way
Sometimes I make them perfectly round and decorated other times they're charmingly rustic. Both versions disappear just as quickly and bring just as many smiles.
Spreading Joy
These cookies have traveled to office parties school functions and countless holiday gatherings. Something about their sparkly appearance and buttery goodness makes everyone smile.
More Than Just Cookies
These sprinkle butter cookies have become part of so many special memories in my home. From holiday baking sessions to afternoon treats they bring a little magic to every occasion. I hope they bring the same joy to your kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need to chill the dough?
- Chilling the dough for 2 hours is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading while baking. It also helps the butter firm up, creating a better texture.
- → What type of sprinkles work best?
- Jimmies (the long, thin sprinkles) work best for coating these cookies. They stick well to the dough and won't bleed colors like other types might.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough balls before rolling in sprinkles for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
- → Is the almond extract necessary?
- The almond extract is optional but adds a nice flavor. The cookies will still taste great using just vanilla extract.
- → How do I know when they're done baking?
- The cookies are done when the edges are just barely golden. Don't overbake or they'll become too crispy instead of soft and tender.