1-Getting started with Christmas Sprinkle Cookies is straightforward and fun, beginning with preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep things neat and prevent sticking, setting the stage for bakery-style results. This method ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out with that ideal soft center.

2-Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender texture, so take your time. Then, add the egg, egg yolk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth while scraping down the bowl as needed to incorporate everything fully.

3-In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix. Once blended, fold in the 1/2 cup red and green jimmies sprinkles evenly for that colorful surprise in every bite.

4-Scoop about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, or 1 tablespoon for smaller ones, and roll into balls. Coat each ball in the additional granulated sugar for a nice crunch and sparkle. If you like, chill the dough for 1 hour up to 3 days to help it hold shape better let it come to room temperature before baking.

5-Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set and centers stay slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely, and add extra sprinkles on top for a festive look.