Name: Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 2 h 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (80g) sprinkles, plus more for topping

There’s something so nostalgic and festive about a batch of these soft, sprinkle-studded gems. This Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is hands-down one of my favorites when the holiday season hits—easy to make, no fancy tools needed, and oh-so-delicious with its perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors.

A stack of six round cookies sits in the center, each cookie dotted with small red, green, and white sprinkles inside the dough and more sprinkled on top. Around the stack are loose cookies showing the same colorful texture. In the background, two small clear bowls filled with red, green, and white sprinkles are slightly out of focus. All items are arranged on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. The lighting is soft, highlighting the texture and colors of the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made these cookies a few years ago when I needed a quick, fuss-free Christmas treat that still felt special. They turned out soft, chewy, and so pretty with all those colorful sprinkles hiding inside and on top. Trust me, once you try this Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll be coming back to it every year.

Simple Ingredients: You only need eight common pantry staples — nothing fancy or expensive.
No Rolling or Cutting: Drop the dough by spoonfuls, chill, and bake — easy and less mess.
Perfect Texture: These cookies turn out soft and chewy with just enough crunch from the browned edges.
Fun and Festive: Sprinkles inside and out make these cookies stand out on any holiday cookie tray.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor. I like to use high-quality ingredients whenever possible — it really makes a difference, especially with something so simple.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with white baking powder, a pinch of salt on a white ceramic plate, a half cup of unsalted butter softly softened and cut into a neat square on a white dish, a small white bowl with granulated sugar sparkling under natural light, a single large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, and a small white bowl filled with colorful Christmas sprinkles scattered evenly, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for these cookies. Make sure to spoon & level it to avoid dense dough.
Baking Powder: Gives just a slight lift, keeping the cookies soft and tender but not cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and moisture—softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with that slightly crisp edge.
Egg: Binds everything and adds moisture for a tender bite.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor that makes these cookies memorable.
Sprinkles: The star of the show here—adds color, fun texture, and festive charm inside and out.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is like a blank canvas; I love playing around with different sprinkle colors or even adding a hint of almond extract for a twist. Feel free to get creative—you can personalize it to suit your taste or holiday theme.

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend once and it worked really well—just watch the dough consistency, you might need a tiny splash of milk.
Seasonal Flavors: Adding orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon can make these cookies feel even more festive and cozy.
Extra Crunch Variation: Toss in some crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips with the sprinkles for a delightful texture contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows a metal baking tray with a brown silicone baking mat on a white marbled surface. On the mat, there are 15 round cookie dough balls arranged in three rows of five, evenly spaced. Each cookie dough ball is light beige with small bits of red and green mixed evenly inside. Some of the dough balls are topped with small colorful sprinkles in red, green, and white. The scene looks clean and neat, with the cookies ready to bake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

Start by whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This keeps everything evenly distributed so your cookies rise and spread just right — plus, it prevents lumps or uneven pockets of baking powder.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about one minute. This step is key—don’t rush it! A good cream means lighter, airier cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract on high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides so everything blends smoothly. This adds moisture and flavor, making each cookie rich and tender.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Sprinkles

Mix the dry ingredients in on low speed until you see a thick, sticky dough forming. Then fold in half a cup of sprinkles for a colorful surprise inside each cookie. The dough should feel thick—perfect for dropping spoonfuls.

Step 5: Form Dough Balls and Chill

Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll them into balls. For an extra sprinkle pop, lightly dip the tops in more sprinkles before placing them on a lined baking sheet. Cover and chill for at least two hours, which helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls 3 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment or silicone mats. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until edges turn lightly golden but centers look soft. Let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Top Tip

I’ve baked my fair share of sugar cookies, and chilling the dough is the game-changer here. It not only makes the cookies thicker and chewier but also helps the sprinkles maintain their color and texture—no melting into a dull blur.

Chill Time Is Essential: Don't skip the 2-hour chill; it’s what makes these cookies hold their shape and develop that perfect texture.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened, not melted, butter creamed with sugar gives you that light and fluffy cookie base.
Don’t Overbake: Pull cookies out when the edges are golden but centers look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Add Sprinkles Twice: Mixing some inside the dough and dipping more on top is my secret for maximum festive fun.

How to Serve Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Christmas Sugar Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with classic multicolored sprinkles for that timeless holiday vibe, but I’ve also tried sanding sugar or edible glitter for an extra sparkle at parties. Sometimes a drizzle of white chocolate adds a lovely touch, too.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. For holiday gatherings, I like serving them alongside spiced cider or peppermint tea to elevate the seasonal mood.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas parties, I’ve created little cookie gift bags tied with red ribbon and a sprig of pine. Another favorite is arranging them on a festive platter with other holiday treats to make a colorful cookie platter that instantly impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep really well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I always add a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist and soft—it’s a neat trick that really works!

Freezing

You can freeze both the unbaked dough balls and the baked cookies. Just freeze dough balls on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw on the counter before serving.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked taste again, pop the cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 3-5 minutes. It revives the softness and melts the sprinkles just slightly for that perfect chew.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different kind of sprinkles in this recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve used everything from classic jimmies to nonpareils with great success. Just avoid very large or heavy sprinkles since they might affect the dough consistency.

Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing cookies from spreading too thin, and it helps the flavors to meld. This step is key for the soft texture and maintaining the fun sprinkle look.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free butter alternatives, but make sure they are suitable for baking (like vegan sticks). The texture might vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

How do I keep these cookies soft for longer?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of fresh bread or a marshmallow to keep moisture in. Avoid refrigerating since that can dry them out.

Final Thoughts

Making this Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe has become one of those little holiday traditions I look forward to every year. They’re effortless, festive, and genuinely fun to bake and share. I promise, once you make these, they’ll snag a spot on your holiday favorites list too — and maybe even become your go-to gift or treat for the season.