If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the season, look no further than this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. These tiny, tender cookies are bursting with buttery flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser. Adorned with vibrant Christmas-themed sprinkles, they not only taste fantastic but look charmingly festive too. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or just craving a fun baking project, these cookie bites promise to bring joy and warmth to your kitchen and palate alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe rests on a foundation of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the creamy butter providing richness to the sprinkles adding a joyful pop of color, these components come together seamlessly to create something truly special.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, tender crumb and helps the dough blend smoothly.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to create that perfect delicate texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s soft chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The core structure of the cookies, lending just enough heft without being dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift to keep the cookies light and airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the buttery taste.
- Christmas-themed sprinkles: The festive finishing touch that makes each cookie a cheerful holiday bite.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and ready. Preparing the baking environment in advance ensures that your cookie bites bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden edge. Don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is vital because it incorporates air into the dough, which will give your cookies a soft texture. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing everything until fully combined. The vanilla enriches the flavor, making every bite irresistibly fragrant.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl to ensure they are evenly distributed. Then gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing here, as that can make your cookie bites tough instead of tender.
Step 4: Form the Cookie Bites
Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls, giving each a uniform size for consistent baking. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Give each ball a gentle press down to flatten it slightly, and then decorate the tops with your Christmas-themed sprinkles. These festive sprinkles not only brighten the cookies visually but add a delightful little crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. The key here is to watch carefully so you don’t overbake—soft, chewy cookie bites come from careful timing! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the nostalgic aroma of holiday cheer.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they firm up just right. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process keeps them tender inside while maintaining a slight crisp on the edges—pure perfection.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Though the sprinkles make these cookie bites festive, you can elevate their presentation by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or pairing them with a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance. Fresh holly leaves or edible glitter sprinkled around your serving platter also amps up the holiday magic.
Side Dishes
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe treats are fantastic on their own but pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate, cinnamon-infused coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a more substantial sweet spread, consider serving alongside gingerbread men or peppermint bark for a holiday sampler that will wow your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cookie bites into charming little gifts by stacking them in clear jars tied with festive ribbons. Alternatively, arrange them on a whimsical holiday platter surrounded by pine branches and cranberries. If you’re hosting a party, create a cookie bite tree shape on your serving tray for a visual centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra cookie bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain their moisture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
These cookie bites freeze wonderfully. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed at room temperature when you need a quick sweet treat.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, pop the cookie bites in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds also works but be careful not to overheat, as they might become too soft or sticky.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but I recommend reducing the added salt slightly to avoid overpowering the cookie’s sweetness.
What can I substitute for the egg if I have allergies?
A good substitute is a flaxseed egg made by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water; let it sit until gel-like before adding it to your dough.
How do I keep my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites soft?
Make sure not to overbake them and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep moisture locked in.
Can I add different flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a bit of citrus zest to the dough to switch up the flavor profile.
Are these cookie bites kid-friendly to make?
Definitely! This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is simple and fun to make with kids—they’ll especially love rolling the dough and decorating with sprinkles.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope that this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe becomes a beloved part of your holiday baking tradition. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these delightful treats bring joy, sparkle, and warmth to any gathering. So grab your apron, turn up your favorite holiday tunes, and create a batch of these festive bites that everyone will cherish!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are perfect for the holiday season. Soft, chewy, and adorned with festive sprinkles, they make a delightful treat for gatherings or gifting. Easy to prepare and bake, these small cookies burst with classic vanilla sweetness and a buttery texture.
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. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until everything is combined without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Form the Cookie Bites: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each ball down slightly to flatten it a bit. Decorate the tops with festive Christmas-themed sprinkles for a holiday touch.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Take care not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy inside.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookie bites cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
- Flattening the cookie balls slightly helps them bake evenly and retain a soft texture.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Sprinkles can be substituted or omitted if preferred.
