Santa’s Helper Cookies Recipe

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Cook Time: 12 minutes

Santas Helper Cookies

Santas Helper Cookies are the perfect treat for getting your little helpers into the kitchen this holiday season. With a bit of prep and lots of colorful sprinkles, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone around. While they do need a bit of chill time, the process is quick, and rolling the dough in festive sprinkles is a fun job for the kids. These cookies also make a great snack for Santa though we bet he wont mind if the helpers get a taste, too!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup almond milk (such as Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 extra large egg
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup holiday jimmie sprinkles
• 1/4 cup green sanding sugar (for rolling)
• 1/4 cup red sanding sugar (for rolling)

Directions

1. Step 1: Gather all ingredients and prepare your work area.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond milk, vegetable oil, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, almond extract, and ground nutmeg. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed and beat the mixture for about 5 minutes until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until the dough just comes together.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the jimmie sprinkles.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough and place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours) to chill.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) and position a rack in the upper third of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Pour green sanding sugar into a small bowl and red sanding sugar into another bowl for rolling the dough balls.
8. Step 8: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the freezer. Scoop out 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. The dough will be slightly sticky but should still form a ball.
9. Step 9: Roll each dough ball in one of the sanding sugars until fully coated, then place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart.
10. Step 10: If the dough becomes too sticky to handle, return it to the freezer until its easier to work with.
11. Step 11: Bake the cookies one baking sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies begin to crackle. Remove from the oven.
12. Step 12: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings per Recipe: 22
• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 5g (7% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 0g (2% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 11mg (4% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 150mg (7% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 26g (9% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 2g (5% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 31mg (2% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (5% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 40mg (1% Daily Value)

Santas Helper Cookies are a colorful and delightful treat that bring joy to the kitchen during the holiday season. These vibrant cookies, rolled in festive red and green sanding sugars, are not only easy to make but are also a perfect way to get children involved in the holiday baking tradition. Whether you are preparing them for a holiday party or as a snack for Santa himself, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

History of Santas Helper Cookies

Santas Helper Cookies are a modern addition to the wide array of holiday-themed baked goods that have become synonymous with Christmas traditions. While the precise origins of the cookie are unknown, the concept is inspired by the broader tradition of baking cookies for Santa Claus. Over the years, baking for Santa has evolved from simple sugar cookies to more elaborate creations, with modern variations like these cookies featuring bright sprinkles and festive flair. The helper aspect of the name likely refers to the involvement of children in the baking process, making these cookies a fun, family-friendly recipe.

Regional Variations

Although Santas Helper Cookies have gained popularity across the United States, they can be found in many other countries that celebrate Christmas with festive baking traditions. In some European countries, such as Germany, cookies like these are known as "Weihnachtspltzchen" and are often rolled in different colors or decorated with icing. In Scandinavian countries, sprinkles are commonly used in the holiday season, but they may be applied differently. Santas Helper Cookies, however, stand out due to their easy preparation and the whimsical element of letting children choose the colors of the sanding sugars.

How Santas Helper Cookies Differ from Similar Treats

While similar in appearance to traditional sugar cookies, Santas Helper Cookies stand apart due to their distinct texture and the use of almond milk, which gives them a slightly nutty flavor. Many Christmas cookies are made with butter, but this recipe uses vegetable oil, creating a lighter and less greasy texture. The festive sprinkles are another key difference; many sugar cookies are left plain or lightly iced, but these are coated with vibrant red and green sanding sugars, making them a visually striking treat. In addition, the dough requires chilling, which enhances the flavor and texture, something not always required for other cookie recipes.

Where Santas Helper Cookies Are Typically Served

Santas Helper Cookies are perfect for a wide variety of holiday occasions. They are commonly served at family gatherings, Christmas parties, and even as part of a festive cookie exchange. These cookies also make a great addition to a holiday-themed dessert table or as a special treat for children after a day of holiday activities. Of course, they are also ideal for leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eveafter all, who wouldnt want to give Santa a colorful, sweet treat to enjoy alongside a glass of milk?

Interesting Facts About Santas Helper Cookies

• The bright, festive colors of the sanding sugar not only make these cookies visually appealing, but they also symbolize the holiday seasonred for Christmas berries and green for the season's evergreens.
• Santas Helper Cookies are a great way to get children involved in holiday baking. The fun part is rolling the dough in the colored sugars, which is a simple task even for young bakers.
• While the dough needs to be chilled before baking, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for longer storage.
• The almond milk in the recipe makes these cookies a suitable option for those looking for a dairy-free treat during the holiday season.

Conclusion

Santas Helper Cookies are not just a treat for Santatheyre a delightful way to celebrate the season with your loved ones. Whether you're baking with kids or sharing them with friends, these colorful cookies bring an extra touch of festive cheer to any gathering. With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and fun decoration, theyre sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.

FAQ about Santa’s Helper Cookies Recipe