Name: Christmas Cake Batter Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-Purpose Flour (4 cups, 492g); Baking Powder (3 teaspoons); Salt (1 teaspoon); Unsalted Butter (1 ½ cups, 339g); Granulated Sugar (1 ¼ cups, 250g); Light Brown Sugar (¼ cup, 50g); Large Eggs (2); Cake Batter Extract (2 teaspoons + ½ teaspoon); Holiday Sprinkles (1 cup); Powdered Sugar (5 cups, 575g); Heavy Cream (2-4 tablespoons)

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With the holidays around the corner, the warmth of Christmas fills the air, brimming with the scent of sweet spices and sugary delights. Imagine fresh-baked cookies, their soft, chewy texture inviting you to take a bite, embellished with cheerful sprinkles that scream festive joy. These Christmas Cake Batter Cookies are more than just delightful treats; they embody the magic of the season.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Christmas Cake Batter Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Christmas Cake Batter Cookies

I can still remember the first time I made these cookies with my grandmother. Her laughter echoed in the kitchen as we mixed the batter, the vibrant colors of sprinkles shimmering in the mixture like tiny decorations on a snowy tree. Each cookie we pulled from the oven carried whispers of sweetness, a perfect blend of nostalgia and cheer. So, let’s bake these easy and scrumptious cookies together—your holiday gatherings will be even more special with them on the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to bake, you can whip these up in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The vanilla and cake batter extract create a taste that’s buttery and sweet, truly like biting into festive magic.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those vibrant holiday sprinkles make these cookies not just delicious but also a delightful addition to your holiday spreads.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a sweet breakfast treat with a cup of coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can easily be adapted for gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter for those with dietary preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups, 492g): This provides the main structure of your cookies. For gluten-free versions, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Baking Powder (3 teaspoons): This helps your cookies rise and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
Salt (1 teaspoon): A key ingredient that enhances the sweetness in every bite.
Unsalted Butter (1 ½ cups, 339g): Softened butter adds richness; be sure to let it sit at room temperature for the best results—or quickly microwave it for a few seconds if you’re short on time.
Granulated Sugar (1 ¼ cups, 250g): This sweet base is essential for cookies and allows the sprinkles to shine.
Light Brown Sugar (¼ cup, 50g): The molasses in brown sugar adds that warm, caramel-like flavor.
Large Eggs (2): Eggs add moisture and bind together your dough, giving the cookies a chewy texture.
Cake Batter Extract (2 teaspoons + ½ teaspoon): This is the star flavor—incredible for evoking that cake flavor! You can substitute with vanilla extract if you can’t find it.
Holiday Sprinkles (1 cup): Nothing screams festive like these cheerful additions.
Powdered Sugar (5 cups, 575g): Perfect for creating a delicious frosting, giving a nice contrast of sweetness.
Heavy Cream (2-4 tablespoons): Used for thinning the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.

How to Make Christmas Cake Batter Cookies

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when you bake the cookies, they cook evenly and get that perfect golden edge. While the oven warms up, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper, ready to receive those delightful cookie dough balls.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps. This step isn’t just for flavor—mixing these dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the eggs, followed by the cake batter extract, mixing until fully incorporated. This fluffy mixture not only gives the cookies structure but also creates that wonderful texture that melts in your mouth.

Fold Together Gently: Now, it’s time to slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides as you go and mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, creating a festive, colorful dough that makes you smile just looking at it!

Scoop and Form: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll expand while baking, so give them a little room to spread out into beautiful cookies. You can roll them into balls for a uniform shape, but a little irregularity adds character and charm!

Bake Until Golden: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. When you pull them out, they will continue to cook slightly on the sheet, giving you that perfect gooey texture in the middle. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s fluffy and smooth. You might need to add the heavy cream gradually to reach your desired frosting consistency. A hint of cake batter extract and salt will amp up the sweetness and elevate the frosting flavor!

Frost and Decorate: Once your cookies are completely cooled, use a knife or piping bag to frost the cookies generously. Add more sprinkles on top for a festive finishing touch, making your **Christmas Cake Batter Cookies** not only delicious but also visually stunning for your holiday gatherings!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Christmas Cake Batter Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll keep for about a week. If you want to prolong their life, pop them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, though they might lose a bit of that original texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Cookies can spread too much if the butter is too warm, so ensure it’s softened, but not melted.
To achieve the best texture, use room temperature eggs; they incorporate better into the batter.
If you want your cookies extra chewy, underbake them slightly; they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Experiment with more mixing-in options like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a hint of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
You can easily double this recipe for larger gatherings or holiday gift-giving!
For make-ahead options, prepare the dough and freeze it in balls—bake them fresh whenever you want!

Whether serving them at your holiday party or enjoying them while cozied up with hot cocoa, these Christmas Cake Batter Cookies are bound to become a festive favorite. The sweetness, the sprinkles, and the joy of baking with loved ones make this recipe a holiday must-try. Enjoy experimenting, personalizing, and sharing these cookies, bringing the true spirit of the season to your table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Absolutely! While unsalted butter provides a richer flavor, margarine is a suitable substitute. Just keep in mind that it can alter the texture and flavor slightly—go for stick margarine for the best results!

What other mix-ins could I add?

You can definitely get creative! Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a sweet-tart balance. The festive potential is limited only by your imagination!

How do I ensure my cookies remain soft and chewy?

Make sure not to overbake them. As soon as the edges turn golden, you should pull them out. Another tip is to slightly underbake them, allowing them to stay soft as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. Enjoy experimenting as you cater to dietary needs without missing out on holiday flavors!