There’s something incredibly nostalgic about biting into a sugar cookie during the holidays. But not just any sugar cookie — we’re talking about Christmas Funfetti Frosted Sugar Cookies. Imagine a soft, buttery cookie packed with cheerful red and green sprinkles, topped with a dreamy swirl of vanilla frosting and finished off with twinkling nonpareils. That’s what Christmas tastes like!
These cookies are what every cookie platter dreams of having front and center. They look just like the ones in the photo — fluffy, creamy-topped, and oh-so-festive. Whether you’re hosting a party, baking for the neighbors, or just want a sweet afternoon treat with your cocoa, these are the cookies that bring smiles every single time.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Let’s be real — sugar cookies are everywhere during the holidays. But these sugar cookies? They’re on another level. Here’s why:
- Ultra soft and thick – no crunchy edges here, just buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Loaded with sprinkles – because Christmas isn’t complete without a splash of red and green.
- Fluffy vanilla frosting – rich and creamy, perfect for piping or swirling.
- Totally customizable – add extra flair or keep them simple. Either way, they shine.
- Kid-approved and Santa-certified – yep, these are perfect for Christmas Eve cookie plates.
The Magic Behind the Texture: Soft, Thick & Perfectly Frosted
You know that magical combo of soft and chewy with just a bit of structure? That’s what we’re going for. Thanks to the perfect ratio of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, plus the right balance of baking powder and baking soda, these cookies puff up into soft, cakey perfection.
The secret to keeping them soft? Do NOT overbake. When they come out of the oven, they might look a little pale — that’s exactly what you want. The centers continue to cook as they cool, and that’s how you get that irresistible texture.
And let’s not forget the frosting. It’s thick, creamy, and holds up beautifully to festive decorating. The soft swirl you see in the image? That’s made possible by a well-whipped butter base and a touch of heavy cream.
Funfetti Meets Christmas: The Sprinkle Factor
Funfetti isn’t just for birthdays anymore. The moment you fold red and green jimmies (those longer sprinkles) into this dough, it turns into instant holiday cheer.
Here’s why jimmies are best:
- They don’t bleed color like nonpareils or sanding sugar.
- They bake well and stay bright inside the dough.
- They keep the cookie soft without adding crunch.
Save the nonpareils (tiny round sprinkles) for the frosting — they add that classic Christmas sparkle without messing with the texture.
Gather Your Ingredients (Baking Made Easy)
You probably already have most of these in your pantry. Here’s everything you’ll need to make cookies just like the ones in the photo.
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup red & green jimmies (sprinkles)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Christmas nonpareils (for topping)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (about 2 tbsp size)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Let’s walk through the entire process from dough to dreamy.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes with a hand mixer on medium-high speed. Don’t rush this part — it’s key for that soft texture.
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat again until smooth.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of your leaveners.
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. You’ll get a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Folding in Sprinkles
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in your red and green jimmies with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, or the colors may start to bleed. Stop as soon as they’re evenly dispersed.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons per ball) and drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Space them out — they’ll spread a little.
Gently flatten the tops with your fingers or the bottom of a cup. Just a slight press, not too much.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
You’re looking for set edges but soft, pale centers. They’ll continue to bake slightly as they cool on the tray.
Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely. This takes about 20 minutes.
Cooling Your Cookies the Right Way
Don’t rush the cooling step. If you frost warm cookies, your beautiful swirls will melt right off. Make sure they’re completely cool to the touch before decorating.
Whipping Up That Cloud-Like Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat your butter until creamy — about 1 minute. Add in the powdered sugar, a tablespoon of heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Start on low speed, then whip it high for 2-3 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Need a stiffer frosting? Add more sugar. Want it creamier? Add a bit more cream.
Chill the frosting for 10–15 minutes for cleaner swirls like in the photo.
Decorating with Joy: Frost & Sprinkle
Grab an offset spatula or butter knife and spread a thick, generous swirl of frosting over each cookie. Don’t worry about being perfect — swirly is charming!
Top with Christmas nonpareils while the frosting is still soft, so they stick.
You’ll be left with cookies that are as gorgeous as they are delicious.
How to Store These Cookies (They Stay Soft for Days!)
One of the best parts about these Christmas Funfetti Frosted Sugar Cookies? They stay soft for days — making them the perfect make-ahead treat for your holiday baking marathon.
Here’s how to store them properly:
- At Room Temperature: Place cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the frosting from sticking. They’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Want them to last a bit longer? Pop the container in the fridge. Just remember to let the cookies come back to room temp before serving — no one wants cold, hard frosting.
- Freezing Frosted Cookies: Yes, you can freeze them! Place frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about an hour). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use parchment between layers if needed. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months.
- Freezing Unfrosted Cookies: You can also freeze the cookies before frosting. Just thaw and decorate fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Bakers
Let’s be honest — the holidays get hectic. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice homemade goodness. Here’s how to get ahead of the game:
- Make the Dough Ahead: After mixing the dough, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temp before scooping.
- Freeze the Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop out dough, flatten slightly, and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen — just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
- Frosting Prep: You can make the frosting up to 5 days ahead. Store it in the fridge, then whip it for a minute before using.
- Pre-Bake and Freeze: Bake all your cookies, let them cool, and freeze in batches. Decorate the night before your event — easy peasy.
These tips make these cookies your holiday lifesaver.
Troubleshooting: Common Cookie Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Even seasoned bakers hit a snag now and then. Let’s solve those cookie conundrums:
Problem: Cookies are dry or crumbly
- Likely cause: Overbaking or too much flour.
- Fix: Pull cookies when they’re pale and barely set. And remember to spoon and level your flour — don’t scoop!
Problem: Cookies spread too much
- Likely cause: Butter too soft or dough too warm.
- Fix: Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Problem: Frosting is runny
- Likely cause: Too much cream or warm butter.
- Fix: Add more powdered sugar and chill the frosting.
Problem: Sprinkles bled in the dough
- Likely cause: Using the wrong sprinkles.
- Fix: Use jimmies only in the dough — never nonpareils or sanding sugar.
Problem: Cookies are hard after storing
- Fix: Place a slice of white bread in the container. It magically keeps them soft!
Christmas Funfetti Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies • Holiday Baking • Frosted Treats • Dessert
Description
🍪✨ Soft, thick, buttery, and bursting with festive red and green sprinkles! These cookies are fluffy, fun, and topped with the creamiest white frosting. A Christmas classic everyone will love! ❤️💚🎄
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup red & green sprinkles (jimmies)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Christmas nonpareils (for topping)
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. ⏱️ 2 minutes
Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. ⏱️ 1 minute
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. ⏱️ 1 minute
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. ⏱️ 2 minutes
Fold in the red and green sprinkles. ⏱️ 30 seconds
Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each), place on a parchment-lined tray, and gently flatten the tops. ⏱️ 2 minutes
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers stay soft and pale. ⏱️ 12 minutes
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. ⏱️ 20 minutes
Prepare the frosting by beating butter until creamy, then adding powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Whip until fluffy. ⏱️ 3 minutes
Spread a generous swirl of frosting on each cooled cookie and top with Christmas nonpareils. ⏱️ 2 minutes
Notes
Do not overbake — cookies should stay pale for that super-soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Use jimmies sprinkles inside the dough so they don’t bleed into the batter.
Chill the frosting for 5–10 minutes if you want cleaner, thicker swirls.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20–24 cookies
- Calories: ~230 kcal
Creative Twists on This Classic Recipe
Want to jazz up this already-festive recipe? Here are some creative variations:
⭐ Add Almond Extract:
Swap out ½ teaspoon of the vanilla for almond extract. It gives the cookies a bakery-style flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
⭐ Use Colored Frosting:
Divide your frosting and tint half red and half green using gel food coloring. Pipe alternating swirls for a wow factor!
⭐ Make Them Sandwich Cookies:
Spread frosting between two cookies for a funfetti cookie sandwich — double the joy!
⭐ Cut-Out Shapes:
Chill the dough, roll it out, and use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes). Adjust the baking time by a minute or two.
⭐ Mix In White Chocolate Chips:
Add ½ cup white chocolate chips with the sprinkles for a creamier bite.
You may like these recipes as well :
Italian Christmas Sprinkle Cookies: A Sweet Tradition
Cool Whip Christmas Crinkle Cookies – A Festive Treat Straight from the Heart🎄
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Your Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but if you’re planning a cozy dessert spread or cookie exchange, pair them with:
- Hot cocoa with whipped cream
- Peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte
- Eggnog (classic or spiked!)
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Mulled cider or cranberry punch
They also go great with other cookies like ginger snaps, chocolate crinkles, or peanut butter blossoms.
Perfect for Gifting: Packaging These Beauties
Want to spread some cheer? These cookies are perfect for gifting!
Gifting Tips:
- Place cookies in holiday tins or clear treat bags tied with ribbon.
- Add a tag that says “Made with Love (and Butter).”
- Include a handwritten note with reheating or storing instructions.
- Use a cookie box with dividers to prevent smudged frosting.
Want to be extra fancy? Include a recipe card so your friends can recreate the joy at home.
Nutritional Info (Realistic & Honest)
These are indulgent holiday cookies, so don’t expect diet food here — and that’s okay. It’s Christmas, after all!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (with frosting)
- Calories: ~230
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values vary slightly depending on frosting thickness and sprinkle amount.
Final Tips for the Best-Ever Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Before you grab your whisk and apron, keep these final tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even blending.
- Flatten dough slightly before baking to encourage spreading.
- Let cookies cool fully before frosting to avoid meltdowns.
- Frost generously – this isn’t the time to be stingy!
- Have fun with it! Decorating cookies should be joyful, not stressful.
Conclusion: Bake the Magic This Christmas
These Christmas Funfetti Frosted Sugar Cookies aren’t just cookies — they’re memories waiting to happen. From the buttery vanilla base to the colorful sprinkle crunch and dreamy frosting swirl, each bite is a little moment of joy. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers, fun enough for kids to help, and festive enough to impress any holiday guest.
So go ahead, whip up a batch (or three). Share them, gift them, or keep them all for yourself — no judgment here. Just promise us one thing: don’t skip the sprinkles. 🎄✨
Similar recipes :
Peppermint Chocolate-Dipped Sandwich Cookies
Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just check the dough texture — you might need to add a touch more cream in the frosting.
2. Can I freeze the frosted cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze them in a single layer first, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw uncovered for best results.
3. What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?
Milk works fine — start with 2 tablespoons and add more for desired consistency. For extra richness, try half-and-half.
4. Can I use different colored sprinkles?
Yes! Go with blue and silver for a wintery theme, or red and pink for Valentine’s Day. This cookie is a year-round classic.
5. How do I get perfect frosting swirls like in the photo?
Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, and chill your frosting for 10 minutes before spreading. Swirl in a circular motion, lifting at the end.
