Sprinkle cookies are soft, sweet delights with colorful sprinkles that bring joy to every bite. They’re perfect for parties or just a fun snack at home!
I love how easy they are to make; all you need is some basic ingredients and a sprinkle of fun! Kids and grown-ups alike can’t resist these cheerful treats. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookies. It’s versatile and gives the cookies a soft texture. If you’re gluten-free, swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter helps achieve that light, fluffy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Granulated and brown sugars: Together, they create a nice balance of sweetness and moisture. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier twist, but it may alter the color slightly.
Rainbow sprinkles: These make the cookies festive! Use jimmies or nonpareils, but avoid sugar sprinkles, as they bleed color when baked. For a healthier version, opt for natural sprinkles.
How do I get the perfect cookie texture?
The key here is to cream the butter and sugars properly. This incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies light and soft. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best results.
- Beat the butter and sugars for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Don’t overmix when adding the dry ingredients; mix just until combined.
- Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
With these tips, your sprinkle cookies will be soft and magical every time! Enjoy baking! 🍪
How to Make Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus extra for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet. Overall, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now. It’s important to mix these dry ingredients first for even distribution throughout the cookies!
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat this mixture until it’s light and fluffy; this should take about 2-3 minutes. It helps to incorporate air, making your cookies soft!
4. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it). This should all blend together nicely—just enough to combine everything.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Think of gently folding them together like a hug!
6. Adding Fun with Sprinkles:
Now for the fun part! Fold in 1/4 cup of rainbow sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for that pop of color.
7. Shaping Cookies:
Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls and roll each ball in additional sprinkles to coat the outside. This gives them a delightful crunch and more vibrant color!
8. Baking the Cookies:
Place your sprinkle-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, giving them about 2 inches of space apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass for that perfect cookie shape.
9. Baking Time:
Place the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges while keeping the centers soft. Keep an eye on them—no one likes a burnt cookie!
10. Cooling Down:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps preserve their soft texture.
Enjoy your delicious sprinkle cookies! They are perfect for celebrations, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Happy baking! 🍪
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter. Just ensure it’s softened to room temperature for the best mixing results. The flavor might differ slightly, but it will still yield delicious cookies!
What If I Don’t Have Almond Extract?
No worries! Almond extract is optional in this recipe. If you don’t have it on hand, just omit it or substitute it with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract for a more classic flavor.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before or after rolling it in sprinkles. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your sprinkle cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for a couple of months.