Bright, cheerful, and downright irresistible, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are the holiday treat you’ll find yourself making year after year. Each bite bursts with the classic flavors of a sugar cookie but arrives in a playful, poppable size—made even more festive with a blizzard of colorful sprinkles. Whether set out for a party, tucked into gift bags, or simply enjoyed with a mug of cocoa, these cookies bring a spark of joy to every celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fancy here—just the classic sugar cookie basics, each chosen for maximum taste, perfect texture, and that signature holiday look. Even the most humble ingredient plays a key role in making these little morsels completely irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie bites—be sure it’s soft for creaming.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings sweetness and contributes to the lovely cookie crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and helps give the cookies structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and that nostalgic sugar cookie aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of the cookie that keeps each bite just the right amount of chewy.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the dough just enough for soft, pillowy bites.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Holiday sprinkles (1 cup; red, green, and white): The star of the show, these add color, crunch, and that unmistakable Christmas cheer.
- Optional glaze (1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract): For a sweet drizzle that adds shine and an extra hit of vanilla.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your cookie bites from sticking and guarantees easy cleanup. A properly heated oven and prepped sheet are the behind-the-scenes heroes for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Keep beating until the mixture is light and fluffy—this critical step sets the stage for soft, airy cookies that taste like a holiday dream.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your large egg and pour in that fragrant vanilla extract. Mix until everything’s fully incorporated. This duo acts as the glue and flavor boost, weaving together the batter into a smooth, sweet foundation.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to your wet batter, stirring until you have a soft, cohesive dough. This steady approach prevents overmixing and keeps your bites tender.
Step 5: Add the Sprinkles
Gently fold in half of your holiday sprinkles—don’t overdo it! You want those pops of color peeking through the dough. This first round of sprinkles ensures every bite has that classic Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites magic inside.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Using a teaspoon, scoop small portions of dough and gently roll them into little balls. Roll each in the remaining sprinkles until fully coated—this not only adds more crunch but makes each bite look like a tiny ornament.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place your sprinkle-dusted dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; then, transfer to a wire rack. If you love a finishing flourish, drizzle the cooled bites with that sweet vanilla glaze.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
Garnishes
Give your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites a festive lift by dusting them with a bit of powdered sugar or an extra shower of holiday sprinkles just before serving. A drizzle of glaze also adds irresistible shine and sweetness for a bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with mugs of hot chocolate, creamy eggnog, or a spiced chai latte for the ultimate holiday treat. If you’re setting up a dessert platter, surround them with chocolate truffles or peppermint bark for a dreamy, dessert-lovers’ spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites in clear jars tied with ribbon for delightful edible gifts. For parties, display them in mini cupcake liners, or scatter them on a tiered tray with other festive cookies to create a showstopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites in an airtight container and store at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, which means you can bake ahead and enjoy little bites of cheer whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead for a holiday rush, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled cookie bites in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with waxed paper. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Reheating
If you’d like to recreate that just-baked warmth, pop a few cookie bites in a low oven (about 275°F) for 2–3 minutes. This gentle reheating brings back their original soft texture and makes them taste freshly baked without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use different colored sprinkles for other holidays?
Absolutely! Change up the sprinkle colors to suit any celebration—think pastel for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or blues and silvers for Hanukkah. The base recipe for these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites is perfectly adaptable year-round.
Should I chill the dough before baking?
There’s no need with this recipe! The dough is sturdy enough to bake right away, which means you get to enjoy your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites even faster. However, if your kitchen is very warm, a short chill won’t hurt.
How do I make the glaze extra smooth?
For the silkiest glaze, sift your powdered sugar before mixing, and add milk slowly until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency. A splash of vanilla in the glaze really enhances the overall flavor.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used in place of regular flour. Just watch the baking time and check for doneness, as gluten-free cookies might spread a bit differently.
How do I keep the bites soft after a few days?
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites soft, store them tightly sealed and, if possible, slip a slice of sandwich bread into the container—the cookies will absorb the bread’s moisture and stay fresh longer.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much joy packed into every colorful, confetti-speckled bite of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a little treat for yourself, I hope they become as much a part of your holiday tradition as they are in my kitchen. Give them a try—and let the festive baking begin!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookie bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. With a buttery, vanilla-infused dough and colorful sprinkles, these bite-sized cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas gathering.
Ingredients
Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Add sprinkles: Gently fold in half of the sprinkles. Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll into small balls. Roll each ball in the remaining sprinkles to coat.
- Bake: Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Cool and glaze: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with glaze once cooled.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep the bites soft.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use different colored sprinkles to adapt for other holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
