Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe

I can’t wait to share this Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe with you — it’s one of those classics that feel like a warm holiday hug in cookie form. What makes these cookies extra special is how easy they are to prepare ahead of time, making your Christmas cookie baking stress-free and fun. Plus, the colorful sprinkles mixed right into the dough add that perfect burst of holiday cheer with every bite!

These cookies work really well for everything from cookie exchanges to family gatherings. I love that you can slice and bake them fresh while spreading holiday cheer throughout your kitchen, or chill the dough for days and bake just before guests arrive. Honestly, this Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe is a lifesaver during busy holiday weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe comes together to create dough that’s soft but holds its shape beautifully, while the sprinkles bring that classic Christmas spirit right into the mix. Here’s what to grab at the store to make these cookies shine:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for our cookie dough; measure carefully for perfect texture.
• Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift so cookies aren’t too dense.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• Red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles: Tiny bursts of festive color—fun to mix right into the dough.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Makes the dough rich and tender; soft but not melted is key.
• Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps with that just-right cookie crispness on the edges.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the simple glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
• Milk: Thins the glaze just enough for easy spreading without dripping.

Variations

I love customizing this Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe depending on the mood or who’s coming over. It’s an incredibly flexible recipe that you can tweak easily without losing the signature soft, slice-and-bake texture we all love.

• Gluten-free version: I tried swapping the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and was surprised how well it worked—just make sure to chill the dough a bit longer before baking.
• Chocolate sprinkles: For a fun twist, try mixing in mini chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles alongside or instead of the classic red and green ones. My kids went nuts over that change!
• Flavored glaze: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to the powdered sugar glaze for an extra festive kick.

How to Make Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This little step is easy but crucial because it helps ensure all the ingredients distribute evenly. Trust me, you’ll want every sprinkle and bit of dough to taste just right.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 3 to 5 minutes. If you rush this, your cookies won’t have that perfect light texture, so don’t skimp on the creaming time. I usually use an electric mixer here, but a sturdy wooden spoon works if you’re up for an arm workout!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. This adds moisture and that lovely vanilla warmth we all crave during the holidays.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients, Fold in Sprinkles

Slowly add your flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so a few flour streaks are okay. Then gently fold in your festive red, green, and white sprinkles. The fun part? These sprinkles will stay distinct, making every slice look incredibly joyful.

Step 5: Shape the Dough into Logs and Chill

Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. This chilling step is my secret weapon for neat, precisely shaped cookies — and it helps intensify the flavors too.

Step 6: Slice and Bake

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the logs into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden. Don’t overbake! The cookies continue to firm up as they cool, so pulling them out at the right time is key.

Step 7: Add the Glaze

Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle or spread a thin layer over cooled cookies. This glaze adds a sweet finish and a slight shine, perfect for catching the twinkle of holiday lights.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For me, adding extra festive sprinkles on top of the glaze right after spreading is non-negotiable. I love using mini red and green sugar crystals or even edible gold stars on special years. It makes the cookies look like a party on a plate!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or a classic peppermint mocha. During family brunches, I often serve them alongside fresh fruit and buttery eggnog for a balanced holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these festive Christmas icebox cookies recipe slices in a circular pattern on a large platter to mimic a Christmas wreath, complete with red berry decorations around the edge. It was a big hit at our office party! Wrapping a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a bow also makes the perfect homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover baked cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh at room temperature for about 5 days, and honestly, they rarely last that long around here. If you want to keep them soft, adding a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

One of my favorite things about this Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe is that the dough freezes beautifully. I wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to bake, I just thaw in the fridge overnight and slice as usual.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a cookie fresh out of the fridge or freezer, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does the trick. It brings back that soft, fresh-baked feel instantly, but don’t overdo it or they’ll get too soft and lose their structure.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Festive Christmas Icebox Cookies Recipe has been my go-to for years because it’s simple, flexible, and delivers those classic holiday cookie vibes every single time. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too, making your holiday baking as joyful and stress-free as possible. Give it a try and watch the smiles grow as the sprinkles and buttery goodness bring everyone together!

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