Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat cold butter and sugar until light and fluffy (use a stand mixer or be patient with a hand mixer—it may take a few minutes!).

Mix in vanilla, then gradually add flour. Dough will look crumbly—keep mixing!

Use your hands to bring dough together. Gently knead in the sprinkles.

Form cookies:

For gingerbread men: roll out dough to ½ inch thick and use cookie cutters

For bites: press dough flat into the baking sheet and score into squares

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until edges are just golden.

Cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle white chocolate once cooled.