Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle is the perfect sweet treat for the festive season! With its crisp, buttery texture and colorful holiday sprinkles, it’s a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies. This simple recipe doesn’t require any cookie cutters, making it a quick and easy way to create a holiday dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The first time I made this, I was amazed at how much fun it was to break the brittle into pieces. My kids loved helping, and it became a family tradition to make this festive dessert every December. It’s perfect for gifting, serving at holiday parties, or just enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa.
Why Our Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle Is the Best
Our Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle delivers everything you love about sugar cookies—sweetness, buttery richness, and a little crunch—in a hassle-free recipe. There’s no need to chill dough or use cookie cutters, and the colorful sprinkles add a festive touch. This recipe is perfect for when you want a quick holiday treat without the extra steps!
Ingredients Notes for Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle
Every ingredient in this brittle contributes to its irresistible flavor and texture.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The base of the cookie brittle, creating a rich and buttery flavor.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the brittle and helps it crisp up as it bakes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Enhances the flavor with a subtle nutty note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and makes the brittle crisp.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles: Adds festive color and fun to the brittle.
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatula
How to Make Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to easily lift the brittle out later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the Extracts and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
4. Press the Dough Into the Pan
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or an offset spatula to press it into an even layer, reaching all corners of the pan. Sprinkle the holiday sprinkles evenly over the top, pressing them gently into the dough.
5. Bake the Cookie Brittle
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The brittle will firm up as it cools, so be careful not to overbake.
6. Cool and Break Into Pieces
Allow the cookie brittle to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Break it into irregular pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
How to Store Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle
Store your Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the brittle in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle Variations
- Chocolate-Drizzled Brittle: After breaking the brittle into pieces, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over each piece and let it set.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in ½ cup finely chopped pecans or almonds into the dough before pressing it into the pan.
- Spiced Brittle: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, holiday-spiced flavor.
- Festive Colors: Use sprinkles in your preferred holiday colors, such as red and green for Christmas or blue and silver for Hanukkah.
What to Serve With Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittl
Pair this brittle with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a cup of coffee for a cozy holiday treat. For dessert platters, serve it alongside chocolate truffles or gingerbread cookies to create a festive spread.
Top Tips for Perfect Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle
- Use softened butter: This ensures the dough comes together smoothly and spreads easily in the pan.
- Don’t overbake: The brittle will firm up as it cools, so take it out when the edges are just golden.
- Press the dough evenly: This helps the brittle bake uniformly, so every piece is crisp and perfect.
- Let it cool completely: Breaking the brittle before it’s fully cooled can cause it to crumble.
Helpful Notes
- For a smoother texture, sift the flour before adding it to the dough.
- If you want cleaner edges, use a sharp knife to cut the brittle into squares instead of breaking it into pieces.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Martha Stewart: Add a pinch of flaked sea salt on top of the sprinkles before baking for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Ina Garten: Chill the dough for 10 minutes in the fridge before pressing it into the pan to make it easier to handle.
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): Toast the sprinkles lightly before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before pressing it into the pan.
Q: How do I make the brittle thinner?
A: Use a larger baking pan (such as a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan) to spread the dough into a thinner layer. Adjust the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Definitely! Use two 9×13-inch pans or a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time accordingly.
More Delicious Holiday Treats
- Easy Christmas Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
- Pineapple Christmas Balls
- Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Make your holiday season extra sweet with this Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle—perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring yourself!
Holiday Sugar Cookie Brittle
Ingredients
- – 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 1/2 tsp almond extract optional
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1/4 tsp salt
- – 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) and mix well.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the dough comes together. It will be slightly crumbly but should hold when pressed.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the holiday sprinkles or colored sugar evenly over the top, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove the cookie slab from the pan and break it into irregular pieces like brittle.
- Serve and enjoy or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- For a festive twist, drizzle melted white chocolate over the brittle after breaking it into pieces.
- Substitute sprinkles with crushed candy canes for a peppermint flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled and baked on a large sheet pan for more servings.
