Description
Christmas Cookie Sparkles are soft and creamy cream cheese sugar cookies that are rolled in colorful sprinkles for a festive, fun appearance. These cookies offer a tender texture with a hint of almond and vanilla, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 ounces (57g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For Coating
- 3/4 cup (150g) sprinkles (sanding sugar, nonpareils, and/or jimmies)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together on high speed until relatively smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Egg: Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until combined. The dough will be thick.
- Chill Dough: Cover dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 3-4 days. If chilling longer than 2-3 hours, allow dough to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling and baking.
- Prepare Baking Sheets and Sprinkles: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Pour sanding sugar or sprinkles into bowls for coating.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Roll balls of cookie dough, about 1 tablespoon each, then roll each ball in sprinkles to coat. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Gently press down each ball to slightly flatten.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12-13 minutes or until very lightly browned on the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Store: Keep cookies covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
- If chilling dough for more than a couple of hours, let it rest at room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Experiment with different types and colors of sprinkles for a customized festive look.
- For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute almond extract with another favorite extract like lemon or orange.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
