Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugartogether using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Egg and Extracts: Add 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Cookie Bites
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter (similar to the size of a marble). You can use a cookie scoop for consistency.
- Add Sprinkles: Roll each ball in your favorite holiday sprinkles for a festive look. You can also gently press some sprinkles onto the tops if they don’t stick.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- Bake Time: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want the centers to remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Optional Decorating
- Decorating with Icing: If you want to get extra festive, you can drizzle royal icing or pipe a small swirl of buttercream on top of each cookie bite.
- More Sprinkles!: After icing, feel free to sprinkle more holiday-themed sprinkles on top for a magical finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Gift Boxes: These sugar cookie bites are perfect for filling up treat boxes or bags to give as gifts.
- Party Platters: Serve them on a holiday dessert tray along with other Christmas treats like fudge, gingerbread men, and peppermint bark.
- Dipped in Hot Cocoa: These bite-sized cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, adding a sweet festive touch to your cozy night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: The sprinkles make these cookie bites look festive and fun, perfect for the holiday season.
- Bite-Sized: Because they are small, these cookies are easy to pop into your mouth, making them great for snacking and sharing.
- Customizable: You can customize the sprinkles and colors to match any holiday or theme, making this recipe versatile for other occasions too.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to firm up before rolling.
- Flavor Variations: You can easily change the flavor of the cookie bites by adding different extracts like peppermint, lemon, or even cinnamon for a spiced holiday twist.
- Storage: Store your sugar cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites will be the highlight of your holiday baking! The fun of rolling them in sprinkles and the joy of biting into a soft, buttery cookie make them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or enjoying them with loved ones at home, these bite-sized treats bring the perfect combination of sweetness, color, and festive cheer. Your guests will love the look and taste of these cookies, and they may even become a new holiday tradition!