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 about grabbing a warm, soft cookie fresh from the oven that just feels like Christmas magic. This Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is my go-to because it’s so simple, sprinkle-packed, and totally fuss-free—perfect for those cozy holiday afternoons when you want to bake but not stress.

A stack of round cookies with a light beige base, mixed with red and green sprinkles inside the dough. The top of the cookies is also decorated with red, green, and white sprinkles scattered unevenly. The cookies have a slightly soft texture and are placed on a white marbled surface with a few glass bowls filled with the same colored sprinkles blurred in the background. 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’ve made countless sugar cookie recipes over the years, but this Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking. The beauty is in its simplicity and the way it turns out soft, chewy, and covered in festive sprinkles — every bite just screams holiday cheer.

No rolling or cutting: Just scoop and drop—makes baking a breeze, even with little helpers.
Sprinkle-loaded fun: Packed with sprinkles inside and out for that festive look and a delightful crunch.
Soft, chewy texture: These cookies stay tender and perfect for days when stored right.
Easy chilling method: The wait time actually improves flavor and texture, so it’s worth it!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has its role to play in creating that classic sugar cookie feel while keeping things simple. Plus, half the magic is in those sprinkles—they don’t just make the cookies pretty, they add a fun texture that kids (and kids at heart) love.

Flat lay of a small mound of spooned and leveled all-purpose flour, a small pile of fine white baking powder, a tiny mound of fine salt crystals, a half cup of soft unsalted butter shaped in a smooth block, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated white sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with colorful rainbow sprinkles placed symmetrically alongside another small white ceramic bowl with more rainbow sprinkles, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: The foundation for structure; spooning and leveling it ensures your cookies aren’t dry or crumbly.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies just enough rise without making them cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for smooth creaming with sugar, it’s key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness and a slight crunch that caramelizes during baking.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; room temperature helps it blend better.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to flavor.
Sprinkles: The star of the show for festive colors and fun sprinkles in every bite.

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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

I love tweaking this Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe to suit different tastes or spice things up. Once you get the basics down, you can play around with add-ins or topping ideas to make these cookies your own.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping sprinkles for mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts when we want a change, and it turns out just as delicious—adds a little twist without losing the cookie’s charm.
Dietary: For a dairy-free version, swapping butter for coconut oil works well, but the texture shifts slightly, so chill time is even more critical.
Seasonal: Mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg can give a cozy holiday vibe if sprinkles aren’t your jam.

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

A metal baking tray sits on a white marbled surface, lined with a brown silicone baking mat. On the mat, there are fifteen evenly spaced dough balls arranged in three rows of five. Each dough ball is light beige in color with small bits of red and green sprinkled on top, giving a festive look. The texture of the dough balls is smooth and round. The overall scene is simple and tidy, focused on the neatly placed dough balls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk your dry ingredients together

Start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk them well so the chemical leaveners distribute evenly throughout the flour. This little step helps every cookie rise just right and keeps the texture consistent.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about a minute or so. This creaming step traps air, ensuring your cookies aren’t dense.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract on high speed until everything’s well combined. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl down a couple of times, so there are no hidden pockets of flour or butter hanging out.

Step 4: Mix in dry ingredients and sprinkles

Turn the mixer to low and slowly add your dry mixture. Once just combined, fold in half a cup of sprinkles for that festive burst of color. The dough will be thick and sticky, which is just how you want it.

Step 5: Form your cookies and chill

Scoop out large, roughly two-tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. For added sprinkle sparkle, lightly dip the tops of each ball into extra sprinkles. Arrange the cookie balls on a plate or lined baking sheet, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Trust me, chilling makes all the difference in how soft and flavorful these cookies turn out.

Step 6: Bake just right

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Space those chilled dough balls about three inches apart—that way they have room to spread without merging into one giant cookie. Bake for 12-13 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. That’s your cue to pull them out for perfect chewy goodness.

Step 7: Cool and enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up just enough while staying soft inside. Then, dive in or save some for later!

Top Tip

After making this Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned that chilling the dough is non-negotiable if you want soft, perfectly shaped cookies with vibrant sprinkles!

Chill time magic: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the dough firm up so cookies don’t spread too much and keeps sprinkles intact during baking.
Don’t overbake: The cookies might look soft and slightly underdone at first, but they’ll set up beautifully as they cool, ensuring that chewy texture I love.
Mix-ins matter: Adding sprinkles into the dough as well as on top creates bursts of color and texture throughout every bite.
Use room temperature ingredients: It helps everything blend smoothly and creates a consistent cookie dough.

How to Serve Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Christmas Sugar Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with extra festive sprinkles on top, but sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of colored icing for an extra holiday vibe. If you want to jazz them up for a party, a pinch of edible glitter always steals the show.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate or a cup of your favorite tea. For gatherings, I love arranging them alongside peppermint bark or gingerbread for a festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I stacked these cookies in a glass jar tied with a red ribbon and added a handmade tag—it made a perfect gift. You can also arrange them on tiered cookie stands or place them in decorative tins lined with festive paper to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, with parchment paper layered between for freshness. They stay soft and chewy for up to a week—perfect if you want to spread out your cookie enjoyment.

Freezing

If I make extra dough, I portion it into balls and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, I can bake fresh cookies anytime during the holidays without starting from scratch. When frozen cookie dough balls bake right from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. They come out tasting freshly baked with that same soft, chewy bite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute gluten-free flour in this Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit different, so chilling is even more important for best results.

Why is chilling the dough necessary for this recipe?

Chilling the dough solidifies the fat in the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps the flavors meld together and improves the texture, making the cookies soft and chewy.

Can I add other mix-ins besides sprinkles?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit would work great too. Just keep the quantities similar to the sprinkles so you maintain the right dough consistency.

How long do these sugar cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and soft for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing the baked cookies or dough balls works well.

Final Thoughts

This Drop Style Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe has been a holiday staple in my kitchen because it’s quick enough to throw together last minute yet always delivers that special, homey feel. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—nothing quite beats the joy of bite-sized cookies loaded with color and cheer! Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your festive baking lineup, too.