As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. My New Year’s cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the occasion—colorful, festive, and oh-so-delicious! I love making these sweet treats to share with family and friends as we ring in the new year together. Trust me, every bite will bring joy and smiles, making your celebrations even more special. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so you can focus on what really matters—making memories and welcoming new beginnings. So, let’s get those ovens preheated and create some magic with these delightful cookies that will surely become a beloved tradition!

Ingredients for New Years Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. It adds richness and flavor!
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve that lovely golden color when baked.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping all the ingredients stick together beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor that every cookie needs!
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little bit of magic helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup sprinkles: The star of the show! Choose your favorite colors to make these cookies extra festive.

How to Prepare New Years Cookies

Making these New Year’s cookies is a breeze! Follow my easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive delights in no time. Let’s dive in!

Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden edge. While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready!

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Trust me, this is where the magic starts! It should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix again until everything is well combined. You’re aiming for a creamy consistency that will make your cookies absolutely luscious!

Combining Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Once they’re combined, gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until no floury bits remain. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender!

Adding Sprinkles

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the sprinkles. I like to use a spatula for this to avoid breaking the sprinkles too much. You want to incorporate them without overmixing, so just a few folds until they’re evenly spread throughout the dough will do!

Baking the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different! Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—perfectly festive New Year’s cookies ready to bring joy to your celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up these cookies in just about 20 minutes of prep time! Perfect for last-minute celebrations.
• Festive Appeal: With colorful sprinkles, these cookies are a visual delight, making them ideal for New Year’s festivities.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles or even add in chocolate chips for a fun twist!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out with mixing and adding sprinkles—it’s a fun activity for the whole family!
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 cookies, making it easy to share with friends and family during your New Year’s celebrations.
• Deliciously Soft: The combination of butter and sugar ensures a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Classic Flavor: The vanilla and buttery richness in every bite makes these cookies an instant favorite for everyone!

Tips for Success

To make sure your New Year’s cookies come out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few pro tips that will elevate your baking game!

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps them blend more easily, resulting in a better texture. If you forget to take them out ahead of time, a quick trick is to place the egg in warm water for a few minutes!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them soft and chewy!
• Test Your Oven: Ovens can vary quite a bit in temperature. If you’re unsure, I recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature. This little tool can save you from under or overbaking!
• Experiment with Textures: If you prefer a softer cookie, take them out of the oven when they’re just starting to brown around the edges. For a crunchier cookie, leave them in for an extra minute or two—just keep an eye on them!
• Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them between parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag.
• Mix It Up: Feel free to swap out the sprinkles for mini chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a unique twist on these festive cookies every time!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each of these delightful New Year’s cookies. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 1g

These cookies are not only a festive treat but also a delightful way to kick off the new year! Enjoy indulging in them while keeping an eye on the nutrition—moderation is key, after all!

FAQ About New Years Cookies

I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I get about these delicious New Year’s cookies, so you can bake with confidence and enjoy every bite!

How should I store these cookies?

Store your New Year’s cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to layer them between parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag!

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any type of sprinkles you like—rainbow, metallic, or themed sprinkles for different occasions! It’s a fun way to customize your cookies and make them even more festive.

What can I substitute for the egg?

If you need to make these cookies egg-free, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Both options work well and keep the cookies moist!

Can I add chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in some mini chocolate chips or chunks along with the sprinkles for a delicious twist. Chocolate and sprinkles make a fantastic combination that everyone will love!

What if I want softer cookies?

If you prefer your cookies to be softer, simply take them out of the oven when they’re just golden around the edges. They will continue to firm up as they cool. A shorter baking time makes all the difference!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare the dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking. Easy peasy!

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Keep an eye on the edges! Your cookies are done when the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers might still look slightly underbaked, but they’ll set up nicely as they cool. Trust your instincts!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve baked up a batch of delightful New Year’s cookies, let’s talk about how to make your celebration even more special with a few creative serving ideas!

• Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a cozy hot chocolate station with your favorite toppings—think whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks! Pairing a warm cup of hot chocolate with your festive cookies will create a perfect winter treat.
• Cookie Platter: Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter alongside a selection of other holiday treats. Include some brownies, mini cupcakes, or even fruit tarts for a colorful dessert spread that’ll impress your guests.
• Milk or Dairy-Free Alternatives: Serve your cookies with a glass of cold milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. The creamy goodness complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully!
• New Year’s Eve Punch: Create a festive punch with sparkling water, fruit juices, and slices of fresh fruit. This refreshing drink will elevate your celebration and pair wonderfully with the cookies.
• Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Balance the sweetness of your cookies with a savory cheese and charcuterie board. The mix of flavors will keep your guests coming back for more!
• Cookie Decorating Station: For a fun twist, set up a cookie decorating station with extra icing, sprinkles, and toppings. Let everyone personalize their cookies for a creative and interactive experience!

These serving suggestions will not only complement your New Year’s cookies but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your celebration. Enjoy every bite and every moment as you ring in the new year with loved ones!