Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486228H50M52S
Total time: PT-486228H50M52S
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)

Sweet moments of holiday cheer spark magic with these christmas sugar cookie bites that melt smoothly on your tongue.

Delicate rounds promise festive delight for every dessert enthusiast.

Crisp edges and soft centers combine in a perfect seasonal treat.

Small yet powerful, these miniature morsels capture winter’s warmth and joy.

Each bite promises a celebration of classic flavors and nostalgic memories.

Gathering ingredients becomes an invitation to create something truly special.

You’ll want to share these delectable treasures with everyone around the table.

What makes these cookie bites different from regular sugar cookies?

These bite-sized cookies are smaller, easier to eat, and perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re quick to make and create less mess compared to traditional large sugar cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This helps the flavors develop and makes holiday prep easier.

How do I prevent my cookie bites from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before rolling into balls. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring your cookies maintain their cute bite-sized shape.

Craft Bite-Sized Joy: Miniature cookies transform traditional sugar cookies into adorable, pop-able treats perfect for holiday gatherings and festive parties.
Decorate with Festive Flair: Christmas sprinkles and optional powdered sugar create a magical, seasonal look that instantly boosts holiday cheer and makes each bite visually stunning.
Beginner Baker's Delight: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make these cookie bites accessible for novice bakers, ensuring success even for those with minimal baking experience.
Quick Holiday Happiness: Minimal preparation and short baking time allow you to create delightful treats without spending hours in the kitchen, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.

Base Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden color and crisp edges.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie bites.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Decorative Ingredients:

Christmas Sprinkles, Nonpareils: Adds festive color and holiday cheer to the cookie bites.
Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate, snow-like finish and extra touch of sweetness.

Step 1: Prep the Mixing Station

Get your mixing bowls, measuring tools, and baking sheet ready. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Mix in:

Egg
Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Shape Adorable Bites

Roll the dough into tiny balls, each about the size of a walnut. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each bite. Gently press down on top of each ball to create a slight flattening.

Step 5: Add Festive Flair

Sprinkle Christmas-themed decorations over each cookie bite. Choose colorful nonpareils or holiday sprinkles to make them look magical.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color. The centers should remain soft and tender.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the cookie bites rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack. Once completely cooled, dust with a light layer of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

Bonus Tip: Store in an airtight container to keep these delightful bites fresh and crisp for several days. Share with loved ones and spread some holiday cheer!

Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy texture without melting.
Prevent Tough Cookies: Mix dry ingredients gently and avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookie bites tender and soft.
Uniform Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent 1-inch balls for even baking and professional appearance.
Sprinkle Strategy: Add sprinkles just before baking to help them stick better and create a festive, colorful look without sinking into the dough.
Cool Down Technique: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack, preventing crumbling.

Gluten-Free Christmas Bites: Replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version of the cookie bites.
Vegan Holiday Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and choose plant-based sprinkles for a completely vegan treat.
Low-Sugar Christmas Nibbles: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the festive flavor profile.
Chocolate Chip Holiday Bites: Mix in mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra rich and indulgent Christmas cookie variation that adds more texture and sweetness.

Pair Creamy Eggnog: The rich, velvety texture of eggnog complements these sweet, buttery cookie bites perfectly. Its spiced vanilla notes enhance the cookies' delicate flavor.
Match Peppermint Hot Chocolate: The cool mint and warm chocolate create a delightful contrast with the sugary cookie bites. This festive drink brings out the cookies' Christmas spirit.
Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Chilled vanilla ice cream provides a smooth, creamy counterpoint to the warm, soft cookie bites. The cold-warm combination creates a magical dessert experience.
Enjoy Cinnamon Spiced Tea: A warm, aromatic tea with hints of cinnamon adds depth to the sweet cookie bites. Its gentle spice complements the cookie's sugary profile.

Store cooled cookie bites in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and fresh taste.
Wrap cookie bites individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Warm refrigerated or thawed cookie bites in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This method helps restore their original soft and slightly crisp texture.
If serving within 2 days, keep cookie bites in a sealed container at room temperature. Place a piece of bread inside to help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

Program: Food Safety Certification
Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.