The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites? These delightful, bite-sized sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging yourself. Topped with colorful Christmas-themed sprinkles, they bring a festive touch to any dessert table. Easy to make and even more fun to eat, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite!
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
Shape the Cookie Bites:
Using a teaspoon, roll small portions of dough into balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Lightly press each dough ball with your fingertips to flatten them slightly. This will help them bake evenly.
Add Sprinkles:
Generously sprinkle the tops of each cookie with Christmas-colored sprinkles, pressing them gently into the dough to ensure they stick.
Chill the Dough:
Refrigerate the cookie bites for about 20 minutes. Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape while baking.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, the centers should remain soft for that delightful chewy texture.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Arrange the cookie bites on a festive platter or in a decorative tin to make them visually appealing. Adding some seasonal decorations like holly or small ornaments can enhance the presentation.
Pairing Suggestions: These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages such as cocoa, coffee, or tea. Consider serving them at holiday parties alongside your favorite drinks for a cozy treat.
Festive Variations: For a fun twist, consider serving the cookie bites with various dips, such as melted chocolate or cream cheese frosting, allowing guests to customize their experience.
Cookie Bar: Create a cookie bar at your holiday gatherings with a selection of different cookies, including these sugar cookie bites, to cater to various tastes and preferences.
Storage Tips:
Airtight Container: Once cooled, store the cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep them fresh and maintain their chewy texture.
Layering: If you need to stack the cookies, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing: If you want to make them in advance, these cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookie bites, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their softness.
Shelf Life: When stored properly, these cookies can last for up to a week at room temperature. For optimal freshness, it’s best to consume them within the first few days.
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FAQs:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. After mixing the ingredients, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply shape the cookie bites and proceed with the chilling and baking steps.
Can I substitute the butter with a different fat?
While unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute it with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if needed. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
What type of sprinkles should I use?
You can use any type of colorful sprinkles for these cookie bites. Traditional jimmies, nonpareils, or even edible glitter can add a festive touch. For a more natural option, consider using chopped nuts or coconut flakes if you’re looking for a different texture.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To enhance the festive feel, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a holiday flavor. You can also decorate the cooled cookies with icing or drizzles of white chocolate, and top them with additional sprinkles for a more elaborate presentation.
Conclusion:
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations. With their festive appearance and delicious taste, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking them for your family or gifting them to friends, these cookies embody the spirit of the season. Enjoy making and sharing these sweet treats, and happy holidays!
📖 Recipe:
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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
- Total Time: 50 minutes + Chill Time
- Yield: Approximately 40 cookie bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the holiday spirit with these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites! These festive, bite-sized treats are soft and chewy, topped with colorful Christmas sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or enjoying with family and friends, these easy-to-make cookies will become a seasonal favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, baking these delightful cookies is a fun way to celebrate the festive season.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Christmas-colored sprinkles (red, green, white)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cookie Bites: Roll small, teaspoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Lightly press each dough ball with your fingertips to flatten slightly.
- Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle the tops of each cookie with Christmas-colored sprinkles, pressing them gently into the dough to stick.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie bites for 20 minutes to help them maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a festive twist, consider adding peppermint extract to the dough.
These cookies freeze well; store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
For added decoration, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 40 cookie bites
- Calories: 75 kcal per cookie
