Oh, the magic of holiday baking! There’s nothing quite like filling your kitchen with the sweet, buttery scent of Christmas treats, especially when they’re as simple as this. I remember my mom pulling out her trusty mixing bowl every December, and I’d perch on the counter, sneaking sprinkles straight from the jar while she pretended not to notice. Now, I carry on the tradition with my own little ones, and this easy Christmas sweets recipe has become our go-to for spreading holiday cheer.
What I love most about these festive bites? They come together in a flash—no fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients, just pure, sprinkle-studded joy. They’re the perfect last-minute treat when neighbors drop by unexpectedly or when the kids suddenly announce they need cookies for their class party tomorrow (why does this always happen at 9 PM?!).
The best part? These aren’t just easy—they’re downright magical. One bite of these buttery, colorful delights, and suddenly you’re transported right back to those childhood Christmases when the biggest worry was whether you’d been naughty or nice. Trust me, this simple recipe will become your new holiday staple faster than you can say “Santa’s cookies!”
Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Sweets Recipe for Holiday Bliss
Let me tell you why this recipe has become my holiday MVP—it’s the little spark of joy that makes busy Decembers so much sweeter. Here’s what makes it special:
- Whipped up in a flash—From mixing bowl to oven in under 20 minutes? Yes please!
- Kid-approved magic—Little hands love stirring in those rainbow sprinkles (and sneaking a few, obviously).
- Pantry-friendly—No last-minute grocery runs for obscure ingredients here.
- Instant holiday vibes—One bite and you’re suddenly wearing reindeer pajamas by a twinkling tree.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Isn’t it wonderful when humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary? That’s the beauty here—butter and sugar become golden, vanilla whispers warmth, and those cheerful sprinkles? They’re like edible confetti celebrating the season. The first time I made these, my skeptical husband took one bite and said “Wait—this is just flour and sprinkles? How does it taste so good?” That’s the holiday baking paradox I live for!
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Sweets Recipe for Holiday Bliss
Gather these simple ingredients – chances are you’ve got most in your pantry already! The magic happens when these everyday items come together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, not packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar – regular white sugar works perfectly
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened (leave it out for 30 minutes first)
- 2 large eggs – room temperature blends better
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – the good stuff makes all the difference
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – check it’s fresh for best rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances all that sweetness
- 1/2 cup whole milk – or whatever you’ve got in the fridge
- 1 cup festive sprinkles – go wild with holiday colors!
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients ready to become something magical. Pro tip: measure your sprinkles last unless you want rainbow fingerprints everywhere (which, honestly, is kind of festive too).
How to Make This Easy Christmas Sweets Recipe for Holiday Bliss
Alright, let’s get baking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents (no tape disasters here). Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have golden, sprinkle-studded treats ready to spread holiday cheer in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven time to reach the perfect temperature while you mix. Trust me, a properly preheated oven makes all the difference for even baking.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—those tiny air bubbles you’re creating will give your sweets that perfect tender texture. The mixture should look pale yellow and make little peaks when you lift the beater.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla. This gradual approach prevents the batter from separating. If it looks slightly curdled, don’t panic—just keep mixing until smooth.
- Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in another bowl. Here’s where I do things a little differently—I like to sift them together to prevent lumps. But if you’re in a hurry (holiday rush, anyone?), a good whisking works too.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients—this keeps the batter from getting too wet. Mix just until combined after each addition. Overmixing is the enemy of tender sweets!
- Gently fold in sprinkles with a spatula. The batter will be thick, so take your time to distribute them evenly without deflating all those lovely air bubbles you worked so hard to create.
- Spoon into a greased 9×13 pan or lined baking sheet. Spread evenly—I use damp fingers to press it into the corners without sticking. The batter should be about 1/2 inch thick.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). The sweet scent will have everyone hovering by the oven!
- Cool completely before cutting—I know it’s hard to wait, but this prevents crumbly edges. As my grandma always said, “Good things come to those who wait (and don’t burn their fingers on molten sugar).”
Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Sweets
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds—they disappear fast!), I’ve learned a few tricks:
- Room temp ingredients blend better—Cold eggs or butter can make your batter separate. If you forgot to take them out, place eggs in warm water for 5 minutes, and microwave butter in 5-second bursts until slightly soft.
- Stop mixing when you see the last flour streak disappear—Overmixed batter makes tough sweets. A few tiny lumps are better than overworking the gluten.
- Rotate your pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots. My back left corner always browns faster!
- Use the toothpick test in multiple spots—Sometimes the center takes longer than the edges. If the edges are getting too dark, tent with foil.
Storage & Serving Suggestions for Easy Christmas Sweets
Here’s the best part—these treats stay fresh and festive for days! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll keep their magic for up to a week (if they last that long). For extra freshness, I like to slip a slice of bread in the container—it absorbs any moisture and keeps the sweets perfectly soft.
Now for the fun part—serving! These little beauties shine on holiday dessert platters between cookies and fudge. Or go all out and package them in cute holiday tins with parchment paper for neighbor gifts. My kids love stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon—instant teacher gifts that look way fancier than they took to make!
Pro tip: For parties, cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange on a tiered stand. The colorful sprinkles make them look like edible Christmas ornaments. Just be warned—they disappear faster than Santa’s milk and cookies!
Variations for Your Easy Christmas Sweets Recipe for Holiday Bliss
One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily it adapts to different tastes and needs! Here are some fun twists I’ve tried over the years:
- Flavor swaps – Replace vanilla with almond extract for a nutty twist, or try a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a candy cane vibe
- Flour alternatives – Gluten-free 1:1 flour works like a charm (I’ve tested several brands with great results)
- Festive mix-ins – Swap half the sprinkles for mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes
- Dairy-free option – Use plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk with no taste difference
The best part? These variations still give you that same holiday magic in every bite. My neighbor’s daughter has food allergies, and the gluten-free version made her whole season brighter. That’s the real spirit of Christmas baking – sharing joy with everyone!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in these festive treats—because even Santa likes to know what he’s nibbling! Each piece contains approximately:
- 120 calories
- 5g fat (3g saturated)
- 18g carbs
- 2g protein
Remember, these values are estimates—your actual numbers might dance a bit depending on your exact ingredients and sprinkle-to-batter ratio (we don’t judge generous sprinkle hands in this kitchen!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these Christmas sweets?
Absolutely! These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely, then layer between parchment paper in an airtight container. When that unexpected holiday guest appears, simply thaw at room temperature—they’ll taste fresh-baked!
How long do they stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll keep their magic for about a week at room temperature. After day 3, I sometimes pop a slice of bread in the container to maintain that perfect soft texture (my grandma’s brilliant trick!).
Can I use melted butter instead of softened?
I wouldn’t recommend it—the creaming process with softened butter creates those lovely air pockets that give these treats their perfect texture. Melted butter will make them denser. But in a pinch? Chill the melted butter for 15 minutes before using to thicken it slightly.
Why did my sprinkles bleed color?
Some sprinkles (especially cheaper ones) can bleed when mixed into batter. For vibrant colors that stay put, look for “nonpareils” or “confetti sprinkles” specifically labeled as colorfast. Or gently fold them in at the very end!
Share Your Holiday Creations
Nothing makes me happier than seeing your versions of these Christmas sweets! Did you try a fun variation? Did your kids go wild with the sprinkles? Snap a photo and share it—I’d love to see your holiday magic. Leave a comment below or tag me on social media. Happy baking, friends!
Print
3-Ingredient Easy Christmas Sweets for Magical Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Christmas sweets recipe to bring joy to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in festive sprinkles.
- Spoon batter into greased baking tray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
- Add extra sprinkles for more holiday cheer.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: easy Christmas sweets, holiday recipe, festive treats, quick dessert