If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that captures the sweet, festive spirit of the season, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These bite-sized cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with vibrant red and green buttercream frosting to instantly spread cheer. They’re quick to make, perfect for sharing at parties, and they bring that nostalgic homemade cookie vibe without the fuss of cutting out shapes. Once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for holiday gatherings or even just cozying up with a cup of cocoa by the fire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might feel classic, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. From the cold butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb to the almond extract that adds a subtle, nutty warmth, every component makes these bites taste just like holiday magic.
- Cold unsalted butter (1 cup, cubed): Ensures a tender, flaky texture without extra salt overpowering the flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Provides smooth sweetness and helps with the cookie’s delicate crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Large egg yolk (1): Adds extra richness and helps create a soft, chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Brings warmth and a classic aroma that makes these cookies comforting and irresistible.
- Almond extract (¼ tsp, optional): A hint of sophistication and an extra layer of flavor perfect for holiday treats.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups, spooned and leveled): The foundation providing structure to the cookies.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives just the right rise without making cookies cakey.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Milk (2-4 tsp, if needed): Helps bring the dough together if it feels dry.
- Buttercream frosting: For luscious, creamy topping that’s the perfect canvas for holiday colors.
- Gel food coloring: To create bright red and green frosting hues that scream Christmas cheer.
- Festive holiday sprinkles: Adds crunch and eye-catching sparkle to your cookie bites.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dough
You can make the dough either in a food processor or by using a stand mixer, depending on what you have handy. Start by combining the dry ingredients — flour, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder — until well mixed. If you’re using the food processor, add the cold butter pieces, pulsing until the mixture looks sandy with small pea-sized bits of butter.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
Once your dry-butter mix is ready, add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Pulse in the food processor or mix with the stand mixer until the dough just starts to come together. If it seems dry and crumbly, splash in a little milk until it forms a cohesive dough.
Step 3: Chill and roll out the dough
Divide your dough into two equal halves. For easier handling and neat shapes, place each half between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll the dough out to about half an inch thick — thick enough for soft, pillowy cookie bites after baking. Spend about 20 minutes chilling each rolled dough slab in the freezer so it firms up and cuts cleanly.
Step 4: Cut and bake the cookie bites
Remove the chilled dough from the freezer and use a pizza cutter to slice it into small squares. Don’t worry about perfection — these little bites have a homemade charm. Re-roll any scraps and chill again if needed. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the cookies have a slight golden edge. Remember, do not over-bake as these cookies should stay soft and tender.
Step 5: Frost and decorate
While the cookies cool, prepare your buttercream frosting. Divide it into three parts, leaving one plain and tinting the other two with festive red and green gel food coloring. Frost each cookie bite generously, then sprinkle on holiday-themed sprinkles for that extra cheerful touch.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing says holiday magic like a colorful burst on top of these bites. From sparkling sugar crystals to tiny festive-themed sprinkles shaped like holly leaves or snowflakes, garnishes add a playful crunch and brighten up the look of each cookie. Feel free to mix sprinkles for variety!
Side Dishes
These cookie bites are fantastic paired with warm drinks like spiced cider, peppermint hot chocolate, or your favorite eggnog. Their sweetness balances out the spices and richness in these beverages, creating a perfect holiday palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these lovely cookie bites on a tiered dessert stand for eye-catching height and festive charm. Gift them in pretty boxes or mason jars tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade Christmas gift. Or simply spread them out on a platter with a scattering of holiday greenery and ornaments around to make your dessert table pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookie bites left after your holiday celebrations, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate frosting.
Freezing
These cookie bites freeze beautifully! Place baked and cooled bites on a baking sheet to flash freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy again, and frost if you prefer freshly decorated cookies.
Reheating
If you like your cookies just a bit soft and warm, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 3-5 minutes after thawing. This way, you can recreate that freshly-baked feeling anytime during the season.
FAQs
Can I make these cookie bites without almond extract?
Absolutely! Almond extract is optional and adds a lovely subtle flavor, but your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe will be delicious without it.
Why do I need to chill the dough before cutting?
Chilling firms up the butter and dough, making it easier to cut clean shapes without the dough sticking or becoming too soft and crumbly.
Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
You can, just skip adding any extra salt in the dry ingredients to avoid over-salting the dough.
What if my dough is too dry?
Adding a teaspoon or two of milk helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky. Add slowly to maintain the right consistency.
What frosting flavors pair best with these sugar cookie bites?
Classic vanilla buttercream is perfect and keeps things festive with colored gel. You could also experiment with cream cheese or peppermint frosting for a twist.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is an absolute holiday winner — quick, easy, and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or making a sweet gift, these cookies bring joy and that warm holiday feeling with each bite. Give them a try and watch how they light up your festive celebrations!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 60 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are soft, buttery, and festive treats perfect for holiday celebrations. These bite-sized cookies are made with a simple dough enriched with cold butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla and almond extracts. After rolling and chilling, they are cut into small squares, baked to golden perfection, and decorated with colorful buttercream frosting and holiday sprinkles for a delightful seasonal treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp. almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2–4 tsp. milk (if needed)
For the Frosting & Decoration
- My favorite buttercream frosting recipe
- Gel food coloring (red and green)
- Festive holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients: Combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder in a food processor or a bowl if mixing by hand, stirring to mix evenly.
- Incorporate butter using food processor: Add cold butter cubes into the food processor and pulse until the mixture looks sandy with small butter pieces. Alternatively, if using a stand mixer, beat the powdered sugar, salt, and cold butter on low speed with the paddle attachment until the mixture forms a paste.
- Add eggs and extracts: Add the large egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract into the mixture and pulse or beat until a dough begins to form. Add a splash of milk if the dough is too dry and crumbly.
- Form the dough: Divide the dough in half and gently knead each portion until it comes together smoothly but avoid overworking it to keep cookies tender.
- Roll the dough: Place dough halves between two sheets of parchment paper and roll each to about ½ inch thickness, keeping the thickness slightly thick to maintain a soft texture after baking.
- Chill the dough: Transfer the rolled dough on parchment to the freezer for at least 20 minutes or until firm to help in cutting and baking.
- Cut the cookies: Remove from freezer and use a pizza cutter or knife to slice into small squares. Gather and re-roll any scraps, chilling again if needed.
- Bake the cookie bites: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cut cookie squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, taking care not to overbake to keep them soft.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the icing.
- Prepare frosting and decorate: Divide buttercream frosting into three portions. Leave one portion white, color the other two with red and green gel food coloring. Frost each cooled cookie bite and top with festive holiday sprinkles.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the decorated cookies set briefly and then serve as a delightful holiday treat perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve a tender, flaky texture and prevent the dough from becoming greasy.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender rather than tough.
- If dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it longer before cutting.
- Gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant, rich colors without thinning the frosting.
- Store decorated cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
