Want a tiny treat that’s full of Christmas cheer? These Christmas sugar cookie bites are perfect. Cute, colorful, and so yummy!
You get soft, sweet sugar cookies topped with fun holiday sprinkles. Every bite is a little pop of joy. Easy to make and even easier to eat!
Perfect for parties, cookie trays, or cozy movie nights. Fast, fun, and full of holiday magic.
Let’s grab some dough and get baking! Tiny Christmas treats are just minutes away.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Favorite: These sugar cookie bites look as good as they taste, perfect for adding color to your holiday dessert table.
- Soft and Buttery: Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and flour, each bite is tender and melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps. Simple mixing, baking, and decorating.
- Customizable: You can change the frosting colors and sprinkles for any holiday or party theme.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them into cute bags or boxes and share some homemade joy.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (including cooling and decorating)
Servings:
This recipe makes about 48 cookie bites — enough for a holiday party or small gift batches.
Difficulty:
Very easy. Good for beginners and fun for kids to help with decorating too.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Piping bags or small offset spatula (for frosting)
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive treats (exact amounts are in the recipe card below):
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy dough.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and keeps the cookies tender.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough together.
- Egg Yolk: Adds extra richness and softness.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, classic cookie flavor.
- Almond Extract (Optional): A hint of almond can make the flavor more festive.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies their structure.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies puff slightly as they bake.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Milk (if needed): A splash helps adjust the dough texture if it feels too dry.
Topping:
- Buttercream Frosting: Soft and sweet for easy spreading or piping.
- Gel Food Coloring: Red, green, and any other festive colors you like.
- Festive Holiday Sprinkles: Stars, snowflakes, or classic colored dots.
Variations for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
- Flavor Swap: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy holiday twist.
- Chocolate Dipped: Skip the frosting and dip the tops in melted white or dark chocolate, then add sprinkles.
- Frosting Choices: Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy balance instead of buttercream.
- Holiday Themes: Change the food coloring to match different holidays — pastel for Easter, red and pink for Valentine’s Day.
- Add Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, warm flavor.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy and smooth. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of milk, just enough to bring it together.
2. Form the Bites
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Gently flatten the tops with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
3. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges look set but not browned. The tops will still be pale. That’s what keeps them soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Decorate
Once the cookies are cool, frost the tops with colored buttercream frosting. Use a piping bag for neat swirls or spread with a small spatula. Top immediately with holiday sprinkles before the frosting sets.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
These sugar cookie bites are versatile and perfect for many holiday moments:
- Party Platters: Arrange them on a festive tray alongside other holiday treats.
- Gift Bags: Package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for sweet homemade gifts.
- Cookie Exchanges: Easy to transport and loved by everyone.
- Holiday Dessert Tables: Add color and variety to your Christmas dessert spread.
- After-School Treats: A small, sweet bite that kids and adults will love.
Storing Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
- At Room Temperature: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep the frosting neat.
- Refrigerate for Longer: If you need to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate when ready.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs mix better when they aren’t cold.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should stay soft. Take them out when the edges look set but before they start browning.
- Decorate Quickly: Add sprinkles right after frosting so they stick well.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to roll, chill it for 20 minutes to make handling easier.
- Parchment Paper is Key: It prevents sticking and keeps the bottoms from over-browning.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | 1 Cookie Bite |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 45mg |
| Total Carbs | 15g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 1g |
(Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on frosting and decorations.)
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
Course: Uncategorized48
bites20
minutes10
minutes110
kcalIngredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2–4 teaspoons milk, if needed
- Topping:
Buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Gel food coloring (red, green, or desired colors)
Festive holiday sprinkles
Directions
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until fully combined.
- Form the Dough: Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until dough forms. Add 2–4 teaspoons of milk if the dough feels dry.
- Shape: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place 2 inches apart. Gently flatten the tops.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but not browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Decorate: Once cooled, frost with colored buttercream and immediately add sprinkles.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely. Freeze unfrosted cookie bites for up to 2 months. Thaw, then decorate as you like.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries. Just use extra vanilla extract instead, or leave it out. The cookies will still taste delicious.
How do I keep the frosting from smearing?
After decorating, let the frosting set for about 1 hour at room temperature before packing or stacking the cookies.
Conclusion
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are the kind of treat that makes holiday moments even sweeter. They’re buttery, colorful, and easy to share — a little bite of cheer that fits perfectly on your festive table or in a gift bag. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just wanting something cheerful to nibble on, these cookie bites bring simple joy with every bite.
Bake a batch, decorate with love, and enjoy the sweet little moments this season brings.