If you’re anything like me, you understand the undeniable allure of brown butter. It’s a culinary game-changer that transforms ordinary into extraordinary. From indulgent brown butter cinnamon rolls to decadent brown butter espresso chocolate chip cookies, its toasted, nutty notes add a sophistication that’s truly addictive. This time, I’ve channeled that irresistible flavor into a festive cookie, perfect for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

When I set out to create a Christmas version of my beloved sprinkle sugar cookies, the idea of incorporating brown butter was a stroke of genius. It elevates the humble sugar cookie to new heights, replacing the standard butter with a richer, more complex alternative. The process is straightforward: simply brown the butter in advance – you can even prepare it a day or two ahead – allow it to firm up, then use it as you would regular room-temperature butter. This small extra step yields immense flavor rewards, making these cookies truly unforgettable.

These delightful sprinkle sugar cookies boast a simple ingredient list, requiring only 8 common pantry staples. The entire recipe comes together in a single bowl, minimizing cleanup and maximizing holiday cheer. It’s an incredibly easy Christmas cookie recipe that ensures you can whip up a batch without stress, leaving you more time to enjoy the festive spirit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Adore These Brown Butter Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies!

• Effortless 8-Ingredient Recipe: You’ll be amazed at how much flavor can come from so few ingredients! This recipe calls for just 8 simple items, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. It simplifies holiday baking, proving that delicious treats don’t need complicated lists.
• Unforgettable Brown Butter Flavor: This isn’t just a sugar cookie; it’s a *brown butter* sugar cookie. The browned butter adds a deep, nutty, caramel-like aroma and taste that truly sets these cookies apart from any other. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms a classic into a gourmet delight.
• Remarkably Easy to Make: Forget complicated techniques or specialized equipment. The most challenging part of this recipe is patiently waiting for the brown butter to cool and set. No cookie cutters are required; simply scoop, roll, and bake for perfectly soft and chewy results every time. It’s ideal for bakers of all skill levels, even beginners.
• Perfect for Holiday Gifting & Exchanges: These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly photogenic with their festive sprinkles. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie box, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a standout contribution to a cookie exchange party.
• Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Sweet: With a crisp edge and a wonderfully soft, chewy center, these cookies offer a satisfying texture that everyone loves. The sweetness is balanced perfectly by the rich brown butter, making them utterly addictive without being cloyingly sweet.
• Customizable Festive Fun: While designed for Christmas with red, white, and green sprinkles, this recipe is easily adaptable. Swap out the sprinkle colors for other holidays or themes, or simply use rainbow sprinkles for a year-round celebration.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

Preparing these delicious brown butter Christmas sprinkle sugar cookies starts with gathering high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter: We begin with unsalted butter to give us complete control over the salt content in the recipe. For this recipe, you’ll need a generous amount, as we’ll first brown it to develop its signature nutty flavor. After browning, it needs to cool and firm up in the fridge, so plan this step ahead of time. Using good quality European-style butter can significantly enhance the richness.
• Granulated Sugar: As a classic sugar cookie recipe, granulated white sugar is our primary sweetener. It contributes to the cookie’s tender texture and helps create those delightful crisp edges. Unlike brown sugar, which adds moisture and a chewier texture, granulated sugar keeps the cookies light and allows the brown butter flavor to shine.
• All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour provides the structural base for our cookies. Ensure you measure it correctly, preferably by weight using a kitchen scale, to avoid dense or dry cookies. Over-measuring flour is a common baking mistake that can lead to tough cookies.
• Festive Sprinkles: These are essential for that joyful Christmas look! I highly recommend using long-stranded sprinkles (jimmies) rather than nonpareils (the tiny ball-shaped ones). Nonpareils tend to “bleed” their color into the cookie dough during mixing and baking, resulting in a muted or muddy appearance. While Christmas-themed red, white, and green sprinkles are perfect, feel free to use rainbow sprinkles or any other color to match your occasion or preference.
• Vanilla Extract: Given the limited number of ingredients, the quality of your vanilla extract truly makes a difference here. Opt for a high-quality pure vanilla extract over imitation vanilla for the best aroma and flavor. It complements the nutty brown butter beautifully.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for giving these cookies their characteristic lift and a soft, slightly puffy texture. It helps them spread just enough in the oven without becoming flat or crispy.
• Eggs (Whole Egg and an Extra Yolk): We use both a whole egg and an additional egg yolk. The whole egg provides structure and moisture, while that extra egg yolk is the secret to making these cookies exceptionally soft, chewy, and rich. It also helps bind the dough and prevents it from becoming too crumbly. Ensure eggs are at room temperature for optimal incorporation into the butter-sugar mixture.
• Kosher Salt: A touch of kosher salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making the brown butter notes even more pronounced. If using table salt, reduce the amount by half as it is finer and more potent.

Simple Substitutions & Creative Additions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy modifications to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these cookies uniquely yours!

• Sprinkle Variations: While Christmas sprinkles are traditional here, feel free to experiment! Use rainbow sprinkles for a year-round celebration, specific colors for other holidays (e.g., orange and black for Halloween, pastels for Easter), or even omit them entirely for a pure brown butter sugar cookie. You can also add edible glitter for an extra sparkle!
• No Brown Butter? No Problem!: If you’re short on time or prefer not to brown the butter, you can certainly use regular room-temperature unsalted butter. However, remember that browning butter causes some water to evaporate, so you’ll need to adjust the quantity. Use 227 grams (2 sticks or 1 cup) of room-temperature unsalted butter instead of the brown butter amount specified in the recipe. Your cookies will still be delicious, just without that signature nutty depth.
• Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor profile with additional extracts like almond extract (a classic pairing with sugar cookies), peppermint extract for an extra festive kick, or even a hint of lemon zest or orange zest for a bright, citrusy note. A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can also add warmth.
• Mix-Ins: For added texture and flavor, consider folding in mini white chocolate chips, chopped dried cranberries, or even a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts (especially fitting with the nutty brown butter!).
• Different Sugars for Rolling: Instead of plain granulated sugar for rolling, try rolling the cookie dough balls in turbinado sugar for extra sparkle and crunch, or even a mix of granulated sugar and a touch of cinnamon.

1. Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection. This is where the magic begins! Place 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Allow the butter to melt completely. Once melted, increase the heat slightly to medium. The butter will begin to foam and sputter. Continue stirring constantly with a heat-proof spatula, scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent the milk solids from sticking. Watch closely as the milk solids at the bottom of the pan begin to turn golden brown and the butter develops a rich, nutty, toasted aroma. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes after the foaming starts. Immediately remove it from the heat and pour the browned butter into a heat-proof medium bowl or jug to stop the cooking process. Let it cool at room temperature until it’s no longer hot, then transfer it to the fridge until it firms up to a soft, room-temperature butter consistency (like softened butter). This can take a few hours or can be done a day or two in advance.

2. Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients and Baking Sheets. In a separate large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform cookie texture. Set this bowl aside. Next, prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup, ensuring your cookies bake evenly without burnt bottoms. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).

3. Step 3: Cream Brown Butter and Sugar. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat your now-solidified brown butter for about 1 minute until it’s soft and creamy. Then, add the granulated sugar and continue beating on medium-high speed for 3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in light and fluffy cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice during this step to ensure everything is well combined.

4. Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla. After the butter and sugar are light and fluffy, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the whole egg, the extra egg yolk, and the vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; simply combine until no streaks of egg yolk are visible. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.

5. Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles. Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. The moment you no longer see streaks of dry flour, stop the mixer. Overmixing the flour can develop gluten, leading to tough cookies. Finally, gently stir in the festive sprinkles by hand with a spatula. This gentle folding ensures they are evenly distributed without breaking too much or bleeding color.

6. Step 6: Scoop, Roll, Chill, and Bake! Scoop out approximately 1 ½ tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie (a medium cookie scoop works wonders for consistency). Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms, then roll the cookie dough balls generously in extra granulated sugar. This sugar coating adds a lovely sparkle and a pleasant crunch. You can chill these dough balls for at least 20 minutes to help prevent excessive spreading, or even overnight if preferred. If chilling overnight, store them in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. Bake one sheet at a time in your preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 10-11 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft and a bit underdone. This ensures they remain delightfully soft and chewy. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Christmas Sugar Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easier than you think with a few simple tricks. Here are my top tips to ensure your brown butter Christmas sprinkle sugar cookies turn out absolutely perfect:

• Mastering Brown Butter Prep: Browning butter is a fantastic flavor enhancer, and you can absolutely prepare it 1-2 days in advance! Once you’ve browned it and transferred it to a heat-proof bowl, let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, take it out and let it come to room temperature, just like you would with regular butter, until it’s soft enough to cream. This step streamlines your baking process on the actual cookie-making day.
• Quick & Easy Alternative: Regular Butter: If the idea of browning butter feels intimidating or you’re simply short on time, you can easily use room-temperature unsalted butter instead. Just be sure to adjust the quantity! When butter is browned, some water evaporates, so you’ll need 227 grams (or 2 sticks/1 cup) of regular room-temperature butter to account for this moisture loss. Your cookies will still be delicious, albeit without the nutty complexity.
• The Golden Rule: Do Not Overbake! Sugar cookies are notoriously easy to overbake, leading to dry, crumbly results. To ensure soft, chewy cookies, keep a close eye on them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set and lightly golden, but the very center still looks a bit soft or slightly underdone. They will continue to “bake” and firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet, resulting in that perfect soft interior.
• The “Scooting” Secret for Perfect Rounds: Want perfectly round cookies every single time? As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, take a large biscuit cutter (or even a mug) that’s slightly larger than your cookie. Place it around a hot cookie and gently “scoot” or swirl the cookie inside the cutter. This manipulates the hot, soft edges into a perfectly circular shape before they set.
• Extra Sprinkles for That Bakery Look: For a truly professional, bakery-style finish, sprinkle a few extra Christmas sprinkles over the hot cookies immediately after they come out of the oven and after you’ve “scooted” them. The residual heat will help the sprinkles adhere, adding a fresh burst of color and a delightful crunch to the top.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: For the best results in baking, especially with creaming butter and sugar, ensure your eggs and butter (after browning and re-solidifying) are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smoother, more uniform dough and a better texture in your final cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate baking, measure your flour by weight using a kitchen scale. If you don’t have a scale, use the “spoon and level” method: lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. Never scoop flour directly from the bag, as this can compact it and lead to using too much.
• Chill Time is Your Friend: While you can bake these cookies without chilling the dough, a minimum of 20 minutes in the fridge will significantly help them hold their shape and prevent excessive spreading. Chilling allows the butter to firm up again and the flour to fully hydrate, leading to a thicker, chewier cookie.

Delightful Serving Suggestions

These brown butter Christmas sprinkle sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more special, especially during the festive season:

• The Ultimate Christmas Cookie Box: These vibrant cookies are an absolute must for any holiday cookie exchange or gift box! Pair them with a variety of other festive treats like classic nutella thumbprint cookies, chewy peanut butter snickerdoodles, and elegant chocolate-dipped butter cookies. The visual appeal and unique brown butter flavor of these sprinkle cookies will make them a standout.
• Cozy Beverage Companion: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee, a frothy latte, a rich hot chocolate, or a spiced mulled wine. The nutty notes of the brown butter complement hot beverages beautifully.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange them on a festive dessert platter with other holiday treats. Their bright colors and comforting flavor make them a welcome addition to any gathering.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a warm cookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert. The contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream is divine!
• Party Favors: Individually wrap a few cookies in small bags with a festive ribbon for charming party favors that guests can take home.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Ensuring your delicious brown butter Christmas sprinkle sugar cookies stay fresh is easy with these simple storage and freezing tips:

• Storing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and chewy for up to 5 days. For best results, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to help maintain their softness.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 30-60 minutes). Once firm, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe ziploc bag or an airtight freezer container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two.
• Freezing Unbaked Cookie Dough: You can also prepare the cookie dough balls ahead of time and freeze them for future baking! Scoop and roll the dough balls in sugar as instructed, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen (no need to thaw), but you may need to add an extra 1-3 minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye on them for those golden edges.

Discover More Delicious Recipes!

Loved these brown butter Christmas sprinkle sugar cookies? Explore more fantastic recipes to add to your baking repertoire. From rich desserts to delightful glazes, there’s always something new to create in the kitchen:

If you’ve had the pleasure of making this recipe, please take a moment to leave a ⭐️ rating and review below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps other bakers. I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations, so don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @alpineella so I can admire your festive cookies! You can also follow along for more delicious inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok!

Brown Butter Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Ella Gilbert

Nutrition