Name: Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies with a Surprise Inside Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 2 egg yolks; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; ¾ cup of the above dough; ⅓ cup powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 5 ounces red, white, and green nonpareils (sprinkles)

Ingredients

¾ cup butter (room temperature)

1 cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 egg yolks

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2½ cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup powdered sugar (sifted)

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)

1 tablespoon butter (melted)

5 ounces red, white, and green nonpareils

¼ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line sheet pans with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Step 2: Pour the nonpareil sprinkles into a large bowl that is deep enough to roll the dough balls in without spilling.

Step 3: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter on medium speed until fluffy, about two minutes. A handheld mixer can be used as well.

Step 4: Add the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined.

Step 5: At medium speed, mix in the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until combined, scraping the bowl’s sides as needed.

Step 6: On medium-low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 7: Remove ¾ cup of the dough into a small bowl. Add sifted powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and melted butter. Mix well with a spoon to combine.

Step 8: Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the remaining plain dough and stir with a wooden spoon or the mixer to combine.

Step 9: Using a tablespoon, scoop 30 portions of the plain dough and roll each into balls. Use a teaspoon to scoop and roll 30 portions of the chocolate dough into balls as well.

Step 10: Flatten each plain dough ball and place a chocolate dough ball in the center. Fold the plain dough around the chocolate ball to form a smooth, round ball.

Step 11: Roll each combined dough ball between your hands until smooth and slightly tacky. Immediately roll it into the nonpareil sprinkles to coat, then place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 12: Bake the cookies for 10–11 minutes at 375°F. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 13: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

Using a stand mixer makes mixing this stiff dough much easier, but a handheld mixer can also work well with some effort.

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

Substitute the almond extract with a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive twist.

Make sure to roll the dough balls immediately in the sprinkles before the dough dries out to get a full coating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sprinkles for the coating?

Yes, you can use any nonpareil or small round sprinkles in colors of your choice. Just ensure they will adhere well by rolling the dough balls while slightly tacky.

Why do I need to roll chocolate dough inside the plain dough?

Enclosing the chocolate dough inside the plain almond-flavored dough creates a surprise center, giving the cookies a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.