1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons alcohol-free vanilla extract
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup festive Christmas sprinkles (jimmies or nonpareils)
2 tablespoons milk (if needed for dough consistency)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake. Ensure your butter is soft enough that a finger leaves an indentation, but it should not be oily or melted.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about two to three minutes using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer. Creams the ingredients thoroughly to incorporate air, which creates a better cookie texture.
Add the egg and the alcohol-free vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing at this stage can result in a tough cookie, so be gentle.
Fold in the Christmas sprinkles using a spatula. You want to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without crushing them. If the dough feels very soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Press down slightly on each ball with the palm of your hand to flatten it into a thick disc. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The centers should still look soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they are cold, you can stack them in sets of three or four, tying them with a festive ribbon if you are giving them as gifts.
