These Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a celebration of color and sweetness, perfect for the holiday season. Soft and buttery cookies are layered with smooth frosting and topped with vibrant sprinkles for a playful yet elegant touch. Their cheerful appearance makes them a showstopper at any festive gathering. The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet yields bakery-worthy results. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are a surefire way to spread holiday cheer. Customize the sprinkles and frosting colors to match any seasonal theme, making them as versatile as they are delicious!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup (150g) holiday sprinkles (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream
Directions:
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined. - Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. - Shape and Bake:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more as needed) until a smooth, spreadable frosting forms. - Assemble the Stacked Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting on the bottom of one cookie and stack another cookie on top. Repeat to create stacks of 2-3 cookies. Decorate with additional holiday sprinkles on top.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per cookie | Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
All About Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
A Festive Treat That Brings Joy to the Table
Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are more than just a dessert—they are a celebration of holiday cheer, nostalgia, and creativity. These cookies capture the magic of the season with their colorful sprinkles, rich buttery flavor, and playful stacked presentation. Perfect for cookie exchanges, festive parties, or as edible gifts, they offer a delightful combination of flavor and fun.
Why These Cookies Are the Best Choice
- Visually Stunning: The bright holiday sprinkles and neatly stacked layers make these cookies stand out on any dessert table. Their festive appearance is perfect for creating that “wow” factor during the holidays.
- Customizable: This recipe allows for endless creativity. You can swap out the sprinkles for different colors to match any occasion or add flavors like peppermint or cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
- Perfect for All Ages: Both kids and adults will love these cookies. They’re easy to bake, making them an excellent activity for family baking days. Children can have fun decorating the cookies, while adults will appreciate the sophisticated balance of textures and flavors.
- Great for Gifting: With their polished look and delightful taste, these cookies make for thoughtful, homemade gifts. Pack them in festive tins or wrap them in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a personal touch.
- Versatile: While they are a Christmas favorite, these cookies can easily be adapted for other holidays or celebrations, making them a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
The Origin of Sprinkle Cookies
Sprinkle cookies, sometimes referred to as sugar cookies or frosted cookies, have their roots in American baking traditions. These buttery cookies were initially a simple, sweet treat enjoyed during family gatherings. Over time, they evolved to include colorful sprinkles and frosting to mark special occasions. The idea of stacking them likely originated as a playful way to present these cookies more festively. Today, stacked sprinkle cookies symbolize joy, togetherness, and celebration.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of only 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy holiday schedules.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: The recipe uses simple tools found in every kitchen—no need for specialty gadgets.
- Light and Delicious: These cookies strike the perfect balance between softness and structure, with a slight crunch from the sprinkles and a creamy frosting to tie everything together.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe doubles as an enjoyable family activity. Kids can help mix the dough, shape the cookies, and, most importantly, add the sprinkles.
- Low-Cost Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe budget-friendly for holiday baking marathons.
Tips for Making the Perfect Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: Softened butter ensures a smooth dough, making it easier to mix and yielding a more uniform texture.
- Chill the Dough if Necessary: If your kitchen is warm and the dough becomes too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Spread Frosting Thinly: A thin layer of frosting prevents the cookies from sliding around when stacked and ensures they stay neat and secure.
- Experiment with Flavors: Enhance the cookies by adding citrus zest, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a hint of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Alternatively, freeze the cookies (without frosting) for longer storage and frost them when ready to serve.
Fun Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan Option: Swap the butter with vegan butter, use plant-based milk for the frosting, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce.
- Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the stacked cookies for a richer flavor.
- Sprinkle Explosion: Incorporate different types of sprinkles, such as metallic edible pearls or themed shapes, for a unique visual appeal.
- Mini Stacks: Create bite-sized versions of these cookies by rolling smaller dough balls and making two-layer stacks.
How to Serve Stacked Sprinkle Cookies
- Dessert Platter Highlight: Place the cookies on a festive tray with other holiday treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread men for an impressive dessert spread.
- Paired with Beverages: Serve these cookies alongside hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a glass of milk for the ultimate cozy holiday experience.
- Holiday Party Centerpiece: Use these colorful cookies as edible decorations for your holiday table, adding a pop of color and charm.
Baking Memories That Last
One of the most beautiful aspects of making Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is the memories created in the process. The smell of vanilla and butter wafting through the kitchen, the joy of decorating cookies with loved ones, and the shared laughter all contribute to the magic of the season. Baking these cookies is more than just making a dessert—it’s about creating moments that will be cherished for years to come.
Why Your Guests Will Love Them
Guests will appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness that goes into making these cookies. The combination of buttery sweetness, creamy frosting, and crunchy sprinkles makes for a textural delight. Plus, their festive presentation is guaranteed to bring smiles and compliments.
Conclusion
Stacked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a must-have for the holiday season. They’re visually appealing, delicious, and easy to make—a trifecta of perfection for any baker. Whether you’re crafting a batch for your family, gifting them to friends, or showcasing them at a party, these cookies embody the spirit of Christmas. With their versatility and charm, they’re sure to become a beloved tradition in your holiday baking lineup.
