Save Light and airy, these cookies celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and colorful sprinkles, they bring festive joy to any holiday table.
I first baked these cookies with my family when we wanted something unique for our holiday dessert tray. Watching everyone reach for their favorite sprinkle combination made the celebration extra special.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/4 cups (160 g)
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (135 g)
- Eggs (room temperature): 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Almond extract (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Blue and silver Hanukkah sprinkles: 2 tablespoons
- Red and green Christmas sprinkles: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs and extracts:
- Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape cookies:
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets. Space 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and just starting to turn golden at edges.
- Cool and add toppings:
- Let cookies cool 5 minutes on pan, transfer to wire rack. While warm, dust with powdered sugar.
- Decorate:
- Sprinkle half the cookies with blue and silver sprinkles and half with red and green sprinkles. Allow to cool completely.
Save These cookies always spark laughter and memories, especially as we choose sprinkles to celebrate each tradition together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking sheets, parchment paper, cooling rack, cookie scoop or tablespoon.
Allergen Information
Recipe contains gluten, eggs, dairy, and may contain nuts if almond extract is included. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie has about 95 calories, 4.2 g fat, 13 g carbohydrates, and 1.3 g protein.
Save For a fun finish, dust with more powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy these cookies as sweet reminders of festive togetherness.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I achieve the airy texture?
Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy helps create a soft, airy texture. Avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added.
- → Can I use different extracts?
Yes, feel free to swap almond extract for lemon zest or use only vanilla. Adjust flavors to suit your preferences.
- → What's the best way to decorate?
Dust cookies with powdered sugar while slightly warm, then add Hanukkah or Christmas-themed sprinkles for a festive look.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these treats are vegetarian but contain dairy, eggs, and gluten. Check sprinkles or extract labels for potential allergens.