Festive Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Is there anything more magical than the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holidays? These stacked Christmas sprinkle cookies have been my go-to festive treat for years - they're like little edible holiday ornaments that just happen to be delicious! The way the colorful sprinkles peek through each stacked layer makes them almost too pretty to eat (almost being the key word there).

I originally created this recipe when I needed something quick yet impressive for our neighborhood cookie exchange. Now, baking these has become one of my favorite December traditions - my kids love helping roll the dough balls in sparkling sugar, and I love how simple they are to make. Just wait until you see how these cheerful cookies brighten up your holiday dessert table!

Why You’ll Love These Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Let me tell you why these cookies have become my holiday baking MVP year after year:

• Instant holiday cheer: Those vibrant sprinkles make every cookie look like a tiny wrapped present - no fancy decorating skills needed!
• Foolproof baking: The dough comes together in one bowl (less cleanup!) and bakes up perfectly every time.
• Endless variations: Swap sprinkles for any occasion - red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, school colors for game day!
• Crowd-pleasing magic: They disappear fast at parties, but I always stash a few extras for Santa (and myself).

Seriously, these might just become your new favorite holiday tradition too!

Ingredients for Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Here's everything you'll need to make these festive cookies sparkle:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but delicious)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup Christmas sprinkles (I like mixing jimmies and nonpareils)
• 2 tablespoons colored sugar for rolling

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Don't stress if you're missing something! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:

• No almond extract? Use all vanilla or try ¼ teaspoon maple extract for warmth
• Gluten-free? Cup-for-cup flour blends work beautifully here
• Sprinkles vary by brand - look for "non-bleeding" varieties if you want crisp colors
• Salted butter works too - just reduce added salt by half
• For dairy-free, use plant-based butter sticks (not tubs)

The key is keeping measurements precise - baking's science, but the sprinkles make it magic!

Equipment Needed

You'll just need a few basic tools to make these festive cookies:

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or sturdy wooden spoon
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon

That's it - no fancy gadgets required for these holiday beauties!

How to Make Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Okay, let's get baking! These cookies come together so easily, but I'll walk you through each step to ensure perfect results. The best part? You'll have a kitchen that smells like holiday magic in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your station: Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, the parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Whisk the dry team: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. I like to give it about 15 whisks to make sure everything's evenly distributed.

3. Cream the butter and sugar: In your large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it's light and fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer - you'll know it's ready when the mixture looks almost whipped.

4. Bring in the wet ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined - don't overdo it!

5. Combine carefully: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed. The dough should come together nicely, but still be slightly soft.

6. Fold in the fun: Here comes the best part! Gently fold in your Christmas sprinkles with a spatula. Be patient - you want those colorful bits evenly distributed without overmixing.

7. Scoop and roll: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll each ball between your palms before coating in colored sugar. The sugar adds that extra festive sparkle!

8. Bake to perfection: Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers might look slightly underdone - that's perfect!

9. Cool with care: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and lets them set up just right.

Tips for Perfect Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

• Soft cookie secret: Pull them out when the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft - they'll firm up as they cool.

• Sticky dough solution: If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for 15-20 minutes before scooping.

• Even baking: Rotate your pans halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

• Presentation pro-tip: Stack them high on a pretty plate for maximum holiday wow factor!

Variations of Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

The beauty of these cookies? You can dress them up for any occasion! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:

• Citrus twist: Swap almond extract for orange zest - the bright flavor cuts through the sweetness perfectly
• Winter wonderland: Use all white and silver sprinkles for a snowy effect
• Chocolate lover's dream: Fold in mini chocolate chips along with the sprinkles
• Year-round fun: Simply change the sprinkles - hearts for Valentine's, pastels for Easter, you name it!

Once you master the base recipe, the decorating possibilities are endless!

Serving & Storing Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

These cookies shine brightest when served warm with a steaming mug of cocoa - the melting sprinkles create little bursts of color in every bite! For parties, I love stacking them high on a vintage cake stand so everyone can grab one (or three).

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days - if they last that long! The cookies stay wonderfully soft thanks to all those festive sprinkles locking in moisture. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months - just thaw at room temperature when that holiday sweet tooth strikes!

Nutritional Information

Here's the skinny on these sprinkle-loaded treats - each cookie contains about 120 calories. Remember, these numbers are just estimates since sprinkles and brands vary. I always say holiday cookies are about joy, not math (but moderation never hurt anyone)!

FAQs About Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

I've gotten so many questions about these cheerful cookies over the years - here are the answers to the ones I hear most often:

Can I freeze the dough for later?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for 2 months - just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time when you're ready.

How long do these Christmas cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they'll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. The sprinkles help lock in moisture - though in my house, they rarely last 2 days!

My sprinkles bled color - what went wrong?
Some cheaper sprinkles tend to "bleed" when baked. Look for brands labeled "non-bleeding" or "bake-stable" to keep those colors vibrant. And don't overmix the dough after adding sprinkles - gentle folding is key!

Can I make these without a mixer?
You bet! A sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease work just fine for creaming the butter and sugar. It'll take about 5 minutes of mixing - consider it your arm workout for the day.

Share Your Holiday Cookie Creations

I'd love to see your sprinkle-filled masterpieces! Snap a photo of your stacked cookies and tag me on Instagram - nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking adventures. Leave a star rating if you try this recipe, and tell me in the comments what sprinkle combinations you used. Happy baking, friends!

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