🎄 Christmas Sprinkle Cookies ❤️💚

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Stir in ½ cup of the red and green Christmas sprinkles until evenly distributed.
6. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
9. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each. Sprinkle additional red and green Christmas sprinkles generously over the top of each cookie.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

• For perfectly shaped cookies, ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling. This prevents sticking and helps maintain the integrity of your cut-out shapes.
• Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour. Overmixing can develop the gluten, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• If your kitchen is warm, chill your baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before placing the cut-out dough on them. This helps prevent the butter from melting too quickly.
• For extra festive appeal, use various shapes of Christmas cookie cutters, such as stars, trees, or gingerbread men.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness.