Save Light and airy cookies that bring together Hanukkah and Christmas traditions in every festive bite. Finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar and colorful sprinkles, these treats are perfect for winter celebrations.
I first baked these cookies for a family gathering when we wanted something that honored both our Hanukkah and Christmas traditions. The moment everyone tasted the pillowy texture and saw the bright sprinkles, smiles were everywhere.
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, at room temperature: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (135 g)
- Eggs, at 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 baking sheets:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs and extracts:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Form cookies:
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and just starting to turn golden at the edges.
- Dust and decorate:
- Let cookies cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dust with powdered sugar. Sprinkle half the cookies with blue and silver sprinkles (for Hanukkah) and half with red and green (for Christmas). Allow to cool completely.
Save My kids love helping with the sprinkles, arguing over whose cookie gets more blue or more red. It always turns into joyful laughter around the kitchen table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls are essential for separating wet and dry ingredients. An electric mixer makes creaming butter and sugar easier, but a whisk works too for a homestyle touch.
Allergen Information
These cookies contain wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Adding almond extract may introduce a nut allergen, so always check your ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie has approximately 95 calories, 4.2 g fat, 13 g carbs, and 1.3 g protein. Perfect for a light holiday treat!
Save Set out these cookies on a holiday platter for a showstopping blend of traditions. Enjoy with a warm drink and plenty of cheer!
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes these cookies so light and airy?
The combination of creamed butter and sugar, plus baking powder and baking soda, ensures a puffed texture.
- → Can I customize the sprinkles for other holidays?
Absolutely! You can swap out sprinkles to match other festive themes or personal preferences.
- → Is it possible to add other flavorings?
Enhance taste by adding cinnamon, lemon zest, or substituting different extracts for new flavor profiles.
- → How should these cookies be stored?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature; they'll stay fresh for up to four days.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the dough is made with eggs and butter but contains no meat or animal gelatins, making it vegetarian-friendly.
- → What should I do if I don't have parchment paper?
You can use a lightly greased baking sheet instead to prevent sticking.