There is something so joyful about sharing festive treats during the holiday season, and this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is absolutely perfect for that. These little gems are soft, buttery, and delightfully decorated with festive sprinkles, making them not only delicious but also irresistibly cute. Whether you are baking for a crowd or just to enjoy with your family by the fire, these tiny bites capture all the sweetness and warmth of Christmas in every nibble. They are simple to make, full of classic flavors, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building the perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites. From the rich butter that adds moisture, to the granulated sugar for sweetness, each component comes together to create the ideal texture and flavor for these festive cookies.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness and helps with gentle browning.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and enriches the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and classic flavor depth to the cookies.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together with just the right chewiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the dough slightly for a soft bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Christmas-themed sprinkles: Adds a festive pop of color and fun flair.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures your cookie bites won’t stick and are easy to remove after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration step is crucial because it helps create a tender cookie with a slightly crisp edge. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid overdeveloping gluten.
Step 4: Form the Cookie Bites
Roll the dough into small one-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down on each ball to flatten slightly, then decorate the tops with festive Christmas-themed sprinkles. This adds both charm and a bit of crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Be mindful not to overbake—these cookies are best when soft and chewy inside, embodying that perfect Christmas sugar cookie texture.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cookie bites cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This slight cooling time helps them firm up just enough while staying soft and delightful to bite into.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic Christmas sprinkles, you can get creative by adding a light drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that complements the buttery cookie base.
Side Dishes
These cookie bites pair perfectly with a warm cup of cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a festive eggnog. The rich flavors of the drinks balance beautifully with the sugary, buttery cookies, making every bite an indulgent holiday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting or bringing these to a holiday party, arrange the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites on a festive platter lined with colorful napkins or wrap small batches in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon. They also look fantastic nestled among pine branches or mini ornaments for a truly festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to one week, perfect for nibbling throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray, flash freezing, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookie bites warm after storing, pop a few in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and makes them taste just like right out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter is preferred because it gives you more control over the final seasoning.
What type of sprinkles works best for decorating?
Any Christmas-themed sprinkles like red and green sugar crystals, snowflakes, or tiny candy shapes work wonderfully, adding color and texture that complements the cookies beautifully.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that is formulated for baking. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly, but the cookies should still come out tasty.
How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?
Avoid overbaking and take the cookies out as soon as the edges turn lightly golden. Also, do not flatten the dough too much—keeping them slightly thick helps preserve softness.
Are these cookies suitable for children to help make?
Absolutely! The recipe is simple and safe enough for kids to participate in rolling dough balls and sprinkling decorations, making it a fun holiday activity for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a charming, delicious holiday treat that’s easy to make and share, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is a must-try. The combination of buttery dough, festive sprinkles, and soft texture will make these cookies a new holiday tradition you’ll return to year after year. So pull out your mixing bowl and oven mitts—let’s bake some Christmas magic!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are soft, chewy, and perfectly festive treats that are easy to make and fun to decorate with holiday-themed sprinkles. Perfect for sharing during the holidays, these bite-sized cookies are a delightful sweet snack that combines classic sugar cookie flavors with a cheerful festive touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decoration
- Christmas-themed sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough for tender cookies. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie texture soft.
- Form the Cookie Bites: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow space for slight spreading. Press each ball down gently to slightly flatten the cookies for even baking. Decorate the tops with Christmas-themed sprinkles to add a festive look.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just start to turn a light golden color. Take care not to overbake to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and ensures they set perfectly. Serve and enjoy these delightful holiday treats.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- You can substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor.
- Store the cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra flair, drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking and cooling.
