Sprinkle cookies are colorful, sweet bites that feel like a party in your mouth! With a soft texture and lots of sprinkles, they’re perfect for any celebration or snack time.
Who can resist a cookie that looks this cheerful? I love making a big batch and sharing them with friends—or keeping them all to myself! Well, maybe just a few for sharing… 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or vegan butter instead. It works just as well!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is best for sweetness and texture. However, feel free to swap half of it for brown sugar for more moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Egg: The egg adds moisture and binds everything together. If you’re vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for similar results.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice structure, but if you want a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for best results!
Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles are classic, but you can use chocolate sprinkles, or even themed sprinkles for holidays. Make sure they are non-pareils if you want them to hold up in the oven.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
The key to keeping your sprinkle cookies soft and chewy is in the baking time and temperature. Here’s what you should do:
- Keep an eye on them while baking. The edges should be light golden brown, but the centers should look slightly underbaked.
- Flattening the dough balls slightly before baking helps them cook evenly and achieve that soft texture.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this keeps them soft as they finish cooking from the residual heat.
By following these tips, you will have delicious cookies that are soft on the inside with a delightful crunch on the outside!
How to Make Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes for baking. Additionally, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. In total, you should be enjoying your cookies in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Preparing the Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or your trusty wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s the air whipped into the butter that helps the cookies stay soft!
3. Adding Egg and Vanilla:
Crack the egg into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You want all those delicious flavors to blend beautifully!
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that your cookies have the right texture and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to over-mix, as this could make your cookies tough.
6. Adding Sprinkles:
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles with a spatula. If you can, save some for rolling the dough balls in later to make them even more colorful!
7. Shaping the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, form dough balls. Roll each ball in the extra sprinkles, coating them thoroughly. This adds a delightful crunch and festive look to your cookies!
8. Placing on Baking Sheets:
Place the sprinkle-covered dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
9. Flattening:
Gently flatten each dough ball using your hand or the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that perfect cookie shape!
10. Baking Time:
Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers should still look soft. This is the secret to soft cookies!
11. Cooling Down:
Once baked, take the cookies out and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your colorful, soft, and festive sprinkle cookies! They make a delicious treat for any occasion, or just because you deserve a little sweetness in your day! 🍪
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe! Just make sure to use a stick version for the best results, similar to the consistency of butter.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Different Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit along with the sprinkles for extra flavor and texture. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins around 1 cup to ensure the dough remains balanced.
