If you’re looking to bring a burst of holiday cheer straight from your oven, these Christmas Crack Cookies are exactly what you need. Picture buttery, soft cookies that carry just the right whisper of warming spices and a festive crunch from red and green sprinkles — all dusted lightly with powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow. These cookies aren’t just tasty treats; they’re miniature celebrations wrapped in sweetness and color, perfect for sharing joy around the holiday table or as delightful gifts that will keep everyone talking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Crack Cookies shines in their straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in their irresistible flavor and festive look. From rich butter to aromatic spices, every component is essential to creating the perfect holiday cookie experience.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, tender base that keeps the cookies moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a delightful texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies, giving them their classic bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft without becoming cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses a cozy, festive spice that evokes holiday memories.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty warmth that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- 1/2 cup red and green festive sprinkles: For that unmistakable Christmas charm and a slight crunch.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Dust lightly for a snow-kissed finish that makes each cookie picture perfect.
How to Make Christmas Crack Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it introduces air, helping your cookies to have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Next, mix in the vanilla extract and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and the batter becomes smooth and cohesive, creating the perfect foundation for your cookie dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only distributes the spices evenly but also helps the baking powder activate consistently throughout the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to keep the dough tender and delicate, so stop as soon as you no longer see flour.
Step 5: Fold in Festive Sprinkles
Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles. These little bursts of color will make your Christmas Crack Cookies instantly recognizable and delightfully festive — plus, they add a subtle texture that is just so much fun.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light, golden hue. This slight browning signals the cookie’s perfect doneness, soft and chewy in the center but sturdily holding their shape.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Dusting
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes — this helps them set without breaking. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to go the extra mile, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that snowy, festive look.
How to Serve Christmas Crack Cookies
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar dusting is a classic choice, you might also consider a drizzle of white chocolate or even some crushed peppermint candy for an added festive flair. These garnishes enhance the cookie’s sweetness and add charming textures and tastes that capture the holiday spirit beautifully.
Side Dishes
Christmas Crack Cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks such as spiced hot chocolate, creamy eggnog, or a simple, frothy latte. The warmth and creaminess of these beverages perfectly complement the spices and sweetness of the cookies, making every bite and sip a cozy holiday moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, arrange the Christmas Crack Cookies in a decorative tin lined with festive tissue paper or place them in clear cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbons. For gatherings, stack them on a pretty platter or create a cookie tree tower by stacking them on top of one another with a cardboard tree form underneath for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Crack Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their soft texture and vibrant holiday colors for up to one week — perfect if you want to bake ahead for your celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these festive delights over a longer period, freezing is a fantastic option. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, so you can bake in bulk and pull them out whenever the holiday cravings hit.
Reheating
To freshen up frozen or stored cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives their soft, chewy texture and warms the spices, making them taste just like freshly baked Christmas Crack Cookies again.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Crack Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of your choice. This swap keeps the texture tender and buttery while ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts can bring delightful texture and extra flavor notes to your Christmas Crack Cookies. Just fold them in along with the sprinkles for an even more indulgent cookie.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
These cookies bake beautifully on an ungreased baking sheet. The butter in the dough prevents sticking, and this helps them keep their perfect shape and crisp edges without extra work.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Christmas Crack Cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to maintain their flavor and texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually enhances the flavors and makes rolling the dough balls easier when you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking Christmas Crack Cookies—the way they fill your kitchen with nostalgic scents and bring smiles to everyone lucky enough to taste them. They’re simple to make, charming to look at, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you bake these up, they’ll become an instant favorite for every holiday season to come. So grab your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and get ready to unwrap the joy of Christmas in every bite!
Print
Christmas Crack Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the festive spirit with these Christmas Crack Cookies, featuring a buttery, spiced dough studded with vibrant red and green sprinkles. Perfectly soft with lightly golden edges, these cookies are an easy holiday treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious. Finished with an optional dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy touch, they make a charming gift or a festive snack to brighten your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup red and green festive sprinkles
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Incorporate the vanilla extract and then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full integration and a consistent batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg so the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the red and green festive sprinkles, distributing them evenly without melting or dulling their colors.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow space for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until their edges turn lightly golden, indicating that they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps retain their texture.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies lightly with powdered sugar to add a festive, snowy appearance.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- These cookies make a wonderful holiday gift when packaged in decorative tins or festive treat bags.
