Name: Christmas Sprinkle Pudding Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour; 3.4 ounces (96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 tablespoons red Jello mix; 2 tablespoons green Jello mix; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (128 grams) white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup (42 grams) Christmas sprinkles

Sweet holiday magic comes alive with christmas sprinkle pudding cookies that sparkle with festive cheer.

These delightful treats blend classic comfort with playful seasonal joy.

soft, chewy pudding cookies capture the warmth of winter celebrations.

Colorful sprinkles dance across each cookie, creating a whimsical dessert that delights both kids and adults.

The secret ingredient adds unexpected richness and depth to every bite.

Butter, sugar, and sprinkles combine into a merry masterpiece that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Bake a batch and watch smiles light up the room.

Main Ingredients:

Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their form.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic sweet and aromatic flavor to the cookies.
Pudding Mix: Contributes to the soft texture and adds extra flavor depth.
Red Jello, Green Jello: Provides vibrant color and additional fruity taste to each half of the cookie dough.

Leavening and Seasoning:

Baking Soda, Salt: Helps the cookies rise and balances the overall flavor.
Sprinkles: Adds a fun, colorful decoration to the cookies.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie release.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Splash in vanilla extract and crack in an egg.

Blend everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Bring Dry Ingredients Together

Gather your dry ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Instant pudding mix
Baking soda
Salt

Gently fold these into your creamy mixture until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Step 4: Add Some Colorful Magic

Divide your cookie dough into two equal portions.

Transform one half with vibrant red jello powder and the other with green jello powder.

Sprinkle some festive colored jimmies or sprinkles into each batch for extra cheer.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop out round dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Look for golden edges as your signal that these beauties are ready.

Step 6: Cool and Celebrate

Transfer your freshly baked cookies to a wire cooling rack.

Let them rest and firm up before storing in an airtight container or serving to delighted friends and family.

Chill colored dough separately before shaping to maintain vibrant red and green hues without mixing.
Use instant pudding mix for extra softness and rich vanilla undertones in your cookies.
Space cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart to ensure even baking and prevent merging.
Remove cookies from oven when edges are just golden for soft, chewy centers that stay moist.
Keep cookies in airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.

Red and Green Cookies: Fun Alternatives

Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the festive color and soft texture.
Vegan Christmas Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based pudding mix to create dairy-free, egg-free cookies.
Low-Sugar Festive Treats: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce jello amount, and use sugar-free pudding mix for a healthier cookie option.
Protein-Packed Holiday Cookies: Add protein powder to the dough, use Greek yogurt instead of butter, and incorporate ground nuts for extra protein and nutrition.

Serving Up Soft Holiday Cookies

Festive Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a colorful tray with holiday-themed decorations, creating a cheerful dessert display perfect for gatherings.
Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap cookies in clear cellophane with festive ribbons, making adorable homemade gifts for friends and family during special occasions.
Dessert Pairing Magic: Serve alongside cold milk, hot cocoa, or vanilla ice cream to enhance the cookies' soft texture and complement their vibrant colors.
Kids' Decorating Station: Let children add extra sprinkles or create fun cookie designs, turning baking into an interactive and memorable experience.

Keeping Red and Green Cookies Fresh

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their soft texture.
Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Add small piece of bread to container to help maintain cookie softness and prevent them from drying out.

FAQs

Why use pudding mix in the cookie recipe?

Pudding mix adds moisture, softness, and helps create a tender texture that keeps cookies fresh longer.

Can I use different flavored jello for coloring?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other jello flavors like strawberry, lime, or orange to create unique color and subtle flavor variations.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, which helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

What type of sprinkles work best for these cookies?

Nonpareil or small round sprinkles blend nicely without changing the cookie’s texture and add a fun, festive touch to the red and green cookies.

Soft Red and Green Cookies: Why They’re a Treat

Craft Colorful Treats: Easily create festive red and green cookies that bring holiday cheer to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Customize Flavors Boldly: Experiment with different jello colors and sprinkle combinations to match any celebration or mood, making these cookies super versatile.
Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delightful cookies in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for last-minute gatherings or sudden sweet cravings.
Kid-Friendly Baking: Involve children in mixing colors and adding sprinkles, turning cookie-making into a fun family activity that sparks creativity and joy.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.