Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites

Introduction

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious treats! One of my favorite traditions is baking cookies with my family, and this year we decided to try something new: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites. These little gems are not only adorable but also incredibly easy to make. The moment we pulled them out of the oven, the kitchen was filled with a sweet, buttery aroma that instantly lifted our spirits. As we decorated the cookie bites with vibrant Christmas-themed sprinkles, the excitement in the room grew. Everyone couldn’t wait to taste these delightful treats, and they certainly did not disappoint! Soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday cheer, these sugar cookie bites quickly became a favorite among my family and friends. Whether for a holiday party or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookie bites are a must-try!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Christmas-themed sprinkles (for decorating)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, which helps give the cookies a nice texture.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and mix until fully combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.

Mix in Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Form the Cookie Bites

6. Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Press each ball down slightly to flatten it. This gives the cookies a nice shape and allows for more surface area to hold the sprinkles.
7. Decorate the tops of each cookie with festive sprinkles, pressing them gently into the dough so they stick.

Bake the Cookies

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking; you want the cookies to remain soft and chewy in the center.

Cool and Serve

9. Allow the cookie bites to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties or packaging as gifts!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: About 40 cookie bites
• Calories per serving: Approximately 50 kcal
• Total Fat: 2.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Protein: 0.5 g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve these delightful cookie bites at holiday gatherings and parties.
• Package them in festive tins or bags for thoughtful gifts.
• Pair with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or milk for a cozy treat.

Additional Tips

1. Colorful Dough: For added color and fun, divide the dough and mix in food coloring to create different shades of red, green, and white for the holidays.
2. Storage: These cookie bites store well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for gifting or preparing ahead of time.
3. Sprinkle Variety: Use a variety of sprinkles to create different looks and themes for your cookie bites.
4. Flavor Boost: Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a unique twist on flavor.
5. Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter to impress your guests and enhance the holiday spirit.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bites: Replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder to create chocolate-flavored cookie bites.
• Nutty Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
• Frosted Cookie Bites: Top cooled cookies with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or festive cupcakes.
• Create a cookie platter with a variety of cookies for a festive dessert table.
• Pair with seasonal drinks like eggnog or spiced cider for a complete holiday experience.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookie bites freeze well! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storing: Keep baked cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• Yes, but the texture may vary slightly. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

• Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. How can I make these cookies softer?

• Make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

• Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips would be a delicious addition.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

• Look for lightly golden edges; the centers may appear slightly underbaked, which is perfect for soft cookies.

6. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of sprinkles?

• Fresh raspberries would be delicious but may not hold up as well during baking. It’s best to add them after baking.

7. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

• Ensure the dough is properly chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing.

8. What’s the best way to store these cookies?

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

9. Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?

• Powdered sugar will change the texture; granulated sugar is preferred for this recipe.

10. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

• Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time, freeze it, and bake fresh cookies later.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. Their cheerful appearance and delightful flavor make them a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and customizable, they can be enjoyed fresh or gifted to loved ones. This holiday season, bring joy to your family and friends with these sweet treats that capture the spirit of Christmas. Happy baking! 🍪

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