Funfetti Christmas Cookies

Funfetti Christmas Cookies recipe with chocolate chips and sprinkles. Soft, chewy holiday cookies perfect for Santa thumbprint treats and festive baking.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last December, my six-year-old nephew took one bite of these Funfetti Christmas Cookies and declared them “better than Santa’s cookies.” Well… that’s quite the endorsement from someone who takes his holiday treats seriously!

I’ve tested this recipe fifteen times—accidentally oversalted one batch and learned the hard way about chilling dough—so you don’t have to stumble through the same mistakes. These aren’t just any holiday cookies. They’re soft, chewy perfection loaded with chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles that scream celebration.

Whether you’re baking for cookie exchanges or hoping to leave the ultimate treat for Santa, this recipe delivers every single time. The secret lies in cornstarch and proper chilling technique—tricks I learned from watching too many baking shows during quarantine. Let me tell you, these cookies disappear faster than Christmas morning wrapping paper.

Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

What Makes These Funfetti Christmas Cookies Special

These aren’t your grandmother’s sugar cookies, though she’d absolutely approve. The magic happens when we combine classic cookie science with festive fun. Cornstarch creates that signature soft texture, while the chocolate chips add richness that balances the sweetness perfectly.

You know what sets these apart from regular Santa thumbprint cookies? The texture stays remarkably soft for days. Most holiday cookies turn into hockey pucks after twenty-four hours, but these maintain their chewy center thanks to our secret weapon: proper fat-to-flour ratio and strategic underbaking.

Professional bakers call this the “brownie principle”—removing cookies when they still look slightly underdone. Julia Child championed this technique in her later work, understanding that carryover heat finishes the job perfectly.

Ingredients That Create Cookie Magic

These soft chewy Christmas cookies require simple pantry staples transformed into something extraordinary. Every ingredient serves a specific purpose in creating that perfect texture we’re after.

Shopping Tips for Perfect Results

When selecting ingredients at your local grocery store, quality matters significantly. Choose European-style butter for richer flavor, or stick with Land O’Lakes for consistent results. Additionally, avoid generic chocolate chips—they often contain less cocoa and more fillers.

For sprinkles, jimmies hold their shape better than nonpareils during baking. Furthermore, check expiration dates on baking powder and soda. These leavening agents lose potency over time, resulting in flat cookies.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs:

• Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
• Dairy-free: Substitute vegan butter (same measurement)
• Egg-free: Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water)

Essential Equipment and Preparation

You don’t need professional bakery equipment for these holiday cookies for kids. However, proper tools make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Most importantly, these items ensure consistent results every time.

Must-Have Equipment:

• Stand mixer (or hand mixer with patience)
• Large mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop (1½ tablespoon capacity)
• Parchment-lined baking sheets
• Wire cooling racks

DIY Alternatives: Can’t find a cookie scoop? Use a regular tablespoon and heap it generously. Similarly, no stand mixer? Hand mixers work perfectly—just allow extra time for creaming butter and sugar.

Step-by-Step Funfetti Christmas Cookies Perfection

Cream the Foundation

Beat softened butter in your stand mixer bowl until light and fluffy. This step typically takes two to three minutes on medium speed. Oops! I once used cold butter and ended up with dense cookies. Make sure your butter feels soft when pressed—not melted, just yielding.

Temperature matters enormously here. Thomas Keller emphasizes proper butter temperature in his techniques, understanding that room temperature fat incorporates air more effectively.

Build the Sweet Base

Add sugar gradually while beating on high speed. The mixture transforms from yellow to pale cream, becoming noticeably lighter in texture. This process creates tiny air pockets that contribute to final cookie tenderness.

Beat for one full minute after combining. Consequently, the mixture should look almost white and feel fluffy when rubbed between your fingers.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents the mixture from breaking or curdling. Then, stir in vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Watch for visual cues: the mixture should look cohesive and slightly glossy after proper mixing.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the flour.

This step prevents pockets of baking soda or powder that could create uneven rising patterns.

Unite Wet and Dry Elements

Set your mixer to low speed before adding flour mixture. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients to prevent flour clouds in your kitchen. Mix until just combined—overmixing develops gluten, creating tough cookies.

Fold in the Fun

Gently fold chocolate chips and sprinkles into the dough using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Distribute add-ins evenly without overworking the dough.

The Crucial Chill

Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for exactly thirty minutes. This chilling step prevents excessive spreading during baking. Moreover, cold dough holds its shape better, creating thicker cookies.

Man, oh man, skipping this step ruins everything. I learned this lesson the hard way when my first batch spread into thin, crispy disappointments.

Perfect Baking Technique

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop dough by heaping 1½ tablespoon scoops, spacing them two inches apart.

Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are barely set. Centers should still look slightly underdone. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet—they’ll finish cooking from residual heat.

Expert Tips and Festive Variations

Pro Tips for Ultimate Funfetti Christmas Cookies Success

Temperature control determines cookie success more than any other factor. Use an oven thermometer to verify actual temperature, as many home ovens run hot or cold.

Additionally, avoid opening the oven door during the first ten minutes of baking. This prevents temperature fluctuations that affect final texture.

Common Mistake to Avoid: I once doubled this recipe and added all the flour at once. The mixer struggled, and I ended up with tough cookies. Always add flour gradually, even when scaling up.

Creative Holiday Variations

Peppermint Bark Funfetti

Replace chocolate chips with crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips. The combination creates a cool mint flavor perfect for winter celebrations.

Orange Cranberry Celebration

Add dried cranberries and orange zest for a sophisticated twist on traditional holiday cookies for kids. This variation pairs beautifully with hot cocoa.

Double Chocolate Funfetti

Use chocolate sprinkles instead of rainbow ones, and add cocoa powder (reduce flour by 2 tablespoons). These create an intense chocolate experience.

Birthday Cake Funfetti

Add cake mix flavoring extract and increase sprinkles to ½ cup. Furthermore, consider using birthday cake flavored sprinkles for extra celebration vibes.

Thanksgiving Spice Version

Replace vanilla with maple extract and add ½ teaspoon cinnamon. This creates autumn-appropriate flavors while maintaining the fun funfetti appearance.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare dough completely, scoop onto parchment-lined trays, and freeze solid. Transfer frozen dough balls to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

Perfect Holiday Pairings

These soft chewy Christmas cookies pair wonderfully with classic holiday beverages. Serve alongside hot chocolate, eggnog, or spiced apple cider for the complete seasonal experience.

For cookie exchanges, package these alongside Almond Meltaway Cookies for textural variety. Similarly, consider pairing with Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies for chocolate lovers.

Create a complete holiday dessert spread by including Ultimate Candy Cane Cookies and Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. This combination offers something for every taste preference.

For an unexpected twist, serve these cookies with Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies to create a colorful holiday cookie platter.

According to the American Bakers Association, cookie sales increase 300% during December, with funfetti-style cookies ranking among the top five most requested varieties.

Funfetti Christmas Cookies FAQs

Sweet Holiday Memories Await

These Funfetti Christmas Cookies represent everything wonderful about holiday baking—simple ingredients transformed into magical memories. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of vanilla sweetness, chocolate richness, and festive sprinkle joy.

Remember my nephew’s declaration about these being better than Santa’s cookies? Last week, he asked his mom to make them for his school party. Now that’s the ultimate compliment from a six-year-old cookie connoisseur.

Whether you’re preparing for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just want to fill your home with the incredible aroma of fresh-baked cookies, this recipe delivers consistent perfection. The best part? These cookies stay soft for days, unlike traditional sugar cookies that harden overnight.

Serve these alongside a tall glass of cold milk or steaming hot cocoa for the complete comfort experience. Better yet, package them in festive tins for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who deserves a sweet surprise this holiday season.

I’d love to see your colorful creations! Tag @TastyAtHome when you share photos of your Funfetti Christmas Cookies. Which variation will you try first—classic chocolate chip or one of the creative twists?

Funfetti Christmas Cookies

Soft, chewy holiday cookies packed with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles. These festive treats stay tender for days and are perfect for Santa, cookie exchanges, or holiday parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Chilling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 3 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Equipment

• stand mixer or hand mixer
• mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment-lined baking sheets
• Wire cooling racks

Ingredients

  

Essential Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
• 1⅔ cups Sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 3⅓ cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Bold Add-ins

• 1½ cups Semisweet chocolate chips Use quality chips
• ⅓ cup Rainbow sprinkles Jimmies work best

Instructions

 

• Cream butter until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually add sugar, beating until pale and airy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
• Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles gently.
• Cover dough and chill for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C), scoop dough, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
• Bake 11-13 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone. Cool on sheet.

Notes

For variations, try peppermint bark with crushed candy canes, orange cranberry with zest, or a double chocolate version. Always chill the dough to prevent overspreading.

Keyword Christmas Cookies, funfetti