Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Introduction

Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a fun, festive twist on the classic sugar cookie, making them the perfect treat for spreading holiday cheer! These cookies feature a rich, buttery flavor and are generously coated in colorful sprinkles, making them as visually delightful as they are delicious. The best part? They’re stackable! This playful design not only makes them fun to decorate, but it also adds a charming touch to your holiday table.

I love making these cookies with my family during the holiday season. It’s one of those recipes where everyone can get involved—rolling the dough, decorating with sprinkles, and, of course, stacking them in the most creative ways. I remember the first time we made them; we ended up with the most colorful, towering cookie stacks, and the whole house was filled with laughter and the sweet smell of fresh-baked cookies. Since then, they’ve become a tradition in our holiday baking.

What makes these cookies so special is how easy they are to customize. You can use any kind of sprinkles you like, making them perfect for all kinds of celebrations, from Christmas to New Year’s or even a festive birthday party. The cookies are sturdy enough to hold their shape when stacked but remain soft and buttery on the inside, making each bite a little bit of holiday magic. Whether you’re giving them as gifts or enjoying them with loved ones, Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are sure to spread joy with every bite!

Perfect for:

• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Family baking traditions
• Christmas parties
• Gift-giving
• Kids’ holiday treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies will be a hit in your holiday baking:

• Festive and Colorful: The vibrant Christmas sprinkles make these cookies a cheerful addition to any holiday spread, guaranteed to brighten up the table.
• Stackable Fun: The stacked design gives these cookies a playful look that’s perfect for showcasing your holiday spirit. Plus, the stacking makes them easy to pack into cookie tins or gift boxes.
• Buttery and Sweet: These cookies have a soft and tender texture, with just the right amount of sweetness, thanks to the creamy butter and vanilla flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced bakers.
• Great for Gifting: Their cute and colorful appearance makes these cookies a wonderful treat for holiday gift exchanges or to share with neighbors and friends.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24-30 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Christmas-themed sprinkles (nonpareils, jimmies, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons colored sugar (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsalted Butter: The base of the dough, butter adds richness and a smooth texture to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a light, crisp exterior when baked.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Baking Powder: Provides lift to the dough, creating soft and tender cookies.
• Sprinkles: Christmas-themed sprinkles not only add color but also contribute a fun texture and festive vibe to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies:

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts (if using). Continue to beat until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Chill the Dough:

5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disk and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling will make the dough easier to roll out and will help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Roll and Cut the Cookies:

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut Out Cookies: Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out cookies. Gather and re-roll any dough scraps until you’ve cut out all of the cookies.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the cookie cutouts on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Add the Sprinkles:

10. Add Sprinkles: Gently press a handful of Christmas sprinkles onto the tops of the cookies, making sure they stick to the dough. If you want to stack them later, ensure the tops are coated with sprinkles.

Bake the Cookies:

11. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
12. Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Stack the Cookies:

13. Stack the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, you can start stacking them. Use a small dollop of frosting or royal icing between each layer to help the cookies stick together.
14. Decorate: Optionally, sprinkle some colored sugar on top or more sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

How to Serve

Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies can be served in various fun and festive ways:

• On a Cookie Platter: Arrange your stacked cookies on a large holiday platter for a beautiful centerpiece at your next holiday gathering.
• Gift Boxes: Pack the cookies in cute gift boxes or tins, perfect for holiday gift exchanges or homemade gifts.
• As Party Favors: Stack them into small gift bags or boxes to hand out to guests at your Christmas party.
• With Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat.
• For Kids’ Parties: These colorful, stackable cookies will be a big hit at kids’ holiday parties, making them a fun and interactive treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies perfect every time:

• Chill the Dough Thoroughly: The dough must be well-chilled to avoid spreading during baking. If you’re in a hurry, chill the dough in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
• Use Fresh Sprinkles: For the best visual effect, use fresh, high-quality sprinkles. Old sprinkles might lose their vibrant color or become hard.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
• Make It Gluten-Free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary.
• Customize the Sprinkles: Feel free to use a mix of red, green, and white sprinkles, or other holiday-themed sprinkles like snowflakes or stars.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies before stacking for an extra indulgent treat.
• Citrus Zest: Add a little orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
• Peanut Butter: Add a teaspoon of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor.
• Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cookies before baking for added texture.
• Gingerbread Flavor: Add ground ginger and cinnamon to the dough for a spiced gingerbread version.
• Minty Twist: Mix in peppermint extract for a refreshing minty flavor.
• Sprinkle-Free Option: Make simple, classic sugar cookies without sprinkles for a more elegant presentation.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
• Colored Dough: Divide the dough into separate bowls and color each with different food coloring to make multicolored stacked cookies.
• Sugar Cookie Frosting: Frost the cookies with royal icing and top with edible glitter for a glittery finish.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking. Shape the dough into disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight, then roll and cut as usual.
• Storing Baked Cookies: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer makes it easy to cream the butter and sugar and mix the dough quickly.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness.
• Cookie Cutters: Use a round cookie cutter to cut out uniform cookies for stacking.
• Baking Sheets: Ensure even baking with non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheets.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Offset Spatula: Perfect for transferring the cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack without breaking them.
• Frosting Bag or Piping Bag: Useful for applying frosting or royal icing between the cookie layers.
• Sprinkle Containers: Keep your sprinkles organized and easily accessible for decorating.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of flour, sugar, and other ingredients.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, until ready to use.
2. Can I use different sprinkles?
   Absolutely! You can use any type of sprinkles you like, such as jimmies, nonpareils, or even edible glitter for a festive look.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
   Chilling the dough is the key to preventing spreading. Ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled before rolling and baking.
4. Can I make these cookies without frosting?
   Yes, you can stack the cookies without frosting or icing. They’ll still be delicious with the sprinkles alone!
5. How do I store the stacked cookies?
   Store stacked cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you’re worried about them sticking together, you can place a layer of parchment paper between each stack.

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Conclusion

Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies bring a festive and playful twist to your holiday baking. The stackable design, bright colors, and buttery flavor will make these cookies a favorite at any Christmas gathering. They are perfect for gifting, sharing with loved ones, or just indulging in yourself.

With their fun appearance and delicious taste, these cookies are sure to make your holiday season even more special. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy the magic of Christmas with these delightful treats! I can’t wait to see how your Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!