There’s something undeniably joyful about the holidays, especially when the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air. Picture this: it’s a chilly December evening, and soft snowflakes fall outside as I gather with family, my hands busy mixing butter and cream cheese into a fluffy, sweet delight. That’s when I realized—nothing brings everyone together quite like these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.
These bright, festive treats are not only bursting with flavor, thanks to the addition of white chocolate and a rainbow of nonpareils, but they also melt in your mouth with every delightful bite. What’s more, even if you’re short on time, they come together in just 30 minutes of prep. With an easy-to-follow method, these cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, cozy movie nights, or simply brightening up a winter afternoon. Join me in creating a batch of these irresistible morsels that will leave your loved ones smiling and coming back for more!
Why You'll Love This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
- These cookies are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- The delightful combination of white chocolate and festive sprinkles creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Their vibrant colors and charming appearance make them a fantastic addition to any holiday gathering or cookie platter.
- With a quick prep time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up these crowd-pleasing treats in no time, allowing you to enjoy the festive season without any stress.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226 g), softened; ensures a creamy texture that’s rich and delicious.
• Cream cheese – 4 oz (113 g), softened; adds a lovely tang and melt-in-your-mouth softness to the cookies.
• Powdered sugar – 1 cup (120 g); brings sweetness without grittiness, perfect for a smooth dough.
• All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups (270 g); provides structure and helps the cookies stay soft.
• Cornstarch – ½ cup (60 g); helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture and tender crumb.
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon; balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Vanilla extract – 1–2 teaspoons; infuses warmth and depth into the cookie flavor.
• White chocolate chips – ¾ cup; for creamy pockets of sweetness that complement the sprinkles perfectly.
For the Sprinkle Coating
• Red nonpareils – 1 cup; adds a festive touch and fun crunch to the cookie’s exterior.
• Green nonpareils – 1 cup; enhances the holiday spirit with bursts of color.
• White nonpareils – ½ cup; creates a snowy effect that’s both delightful and appealing.
• Granulated sugar – ¼–½ cup; rolls over the cookie surface to sweeten and create extra sparkle.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
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Cream together the unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until everything is light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
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Whisk the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms, which should take about 1 minute.
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Fold in the white chocolate chips gently with a spatula, creating pockets of creamy delight that will melt beautifully in the cookies.
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Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, so they become puffy and scrumptious.
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Mix the red, green, and white nonpareils with granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. This will create a sweet and colorful sprinkle coating for your cookies.
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Scoop the chilled dough into balls, using 1 to 1½ tablespoons for each. Roll each ball until smooth and uniform in size, ensuring even baking.
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Roll each dough ball firmly into the sprinkle mixture until fully coated. Press gently so the sprinkles adhere nicely to the surface.
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Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) on a lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes. Look for a puffy appearance and lightly cracked tops, but avoid overbaking.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they firm up just the right way!
Optional: Serve with a cup of hot cocoa for a delightful holiday treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep in the fridge for up to a week. Ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies anytime, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
What to Serve with Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies?
The warmth of homemade cookies is even more delightful when complemented by the perfect accompaniments.
- Hot Cocoa: Rich and creamy, a steaming cup of cocoa enhances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy duo.
- Charming Milk: A classic pairing, the coolness of milk balances the sweetness and helps highlight the cookies’ creamy texture.
- Peppermint Bark: This festive treat has a satisfying crunch and minty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cookies’ soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or apple slices add a refreshing, juicy, and slightly tart element to every sweet bite.
- Coffee or Tea: The warm bitterness of coffee or aromatic spices in a carefully brewed tea enhance the cookies’ flavors, making for a satisfying afternoon treat.
- Christmas Punch: A fun, fizzy punch adds a bubbly element and festive charm to your holiday gatherings, perfectly paired with a sweet cookie.
- Milkshakes: Thick and decadent, a milkshake can turn your cookie experience into a delightful dessert feast, amplifying the holiday joy in each bite.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For a richer dessert experience, tender pecan bars echo the holiday spirit while offering a different texture alongside your cookies.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine while making these delightful cookies, as there are plenty of ways to tweak the flavors and textures!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously soft cookie that everyone can enjoy.
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese to keep the melt-in-your-mouth texture without any dairy. The flavors remain rich and delightful!
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Nutty Twist: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts before chilling the dough for a deliciously crunchy contrast.
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Citrus Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that lifts the cookie’s delightful sweetness.
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Choco-Dazzle: Swap out half of the white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a delightful blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday spice that’ll make the cookies feel even more festive.
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Different Sprinkles: Change up the nonpareils for seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar to match the occasion, creating a fun and festive appearance.
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Stuffed Option: Bake a small piece of marzipan or a chocolate truffle inside each dough ball for a surprise treat that will make every bite irresistible!
Make Ahead Options
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator. Simply follow the recipe until step 5, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. To maintain quality, ensure the dough is well-sealed to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and roll the dough in the sprinkles as directed, and bake as per the recipe. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious cookies ready with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy more holiday cheer!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy creaming, which achieves a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Be cautious not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
- Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial as it helps maintain the cookies’ shape while baking and enhances the melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- When baking, keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking; they should be puffy, soft, and lightly cracked when done.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for my cookies?
Absolutely, choosing the right butter makes all the difference! Always opt for unsalted butter, as it allows you to control the saltiness of your dough. It should be softened to room temperature for an easy creaming process. This helps achieve that lovely, fluffy texture we’re after—just remember to let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
For sure! Store your Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can place them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to seal the container tightly to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze these cookies for later enjoyment?
Very much so! To freeze your cookies, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 2 hours until they are firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their warm, soft texture.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making these cookies?
Great question! One common mistake is overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients. This can result in tough cookies instead of the desired tender melt-in-your-mouth texture. Another tip is to be mindful of the baking time: look for cookies that are puffy and lightly cracked on top, but don’t let them brown too much! If they look too golden, they might be overbaked. So keep an eye on them!
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Definitely! If you’re making these for someone with dietary restrictions, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version or use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free treat. Just ensure to check the labels on your nonpareils to avoid any allergens. Also, keep in mind that while these cookies are delicious for humans, the chocolate and sugar aren’t safe for pets, so please keep them away!
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a richer flavor, dark chocolate chips or even semi-sweet chocolate can be used instead of white chocolate. Just remember that this will alter the overall sweetness and flavor profile of your cookies, so adjust the powdered sugar slightly if needed. Happy baking!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until everything is light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms, about 1 minute.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix the red, green, and white nonpareils with granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop the chilled dough into balls, using 1 to 1½ tablespoons for each.
- Roll each dough ball firmly into the sprinkle mixture until fully coated.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) on a lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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