These sprinkle sugar cookies are a sweet delight! Soft and buttery, they are packed with colorful sprinkles that make them so fun and cheerful to eat.
They’re perfect for any occasion, or just for a treat at home. I love how easy they are to whip up, and the sprinkles make them look extra special—who could resist one? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It usually works well in cookie recipes!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you don’t have any, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with the texture. If you want a deeper flavor, use light brown sugar; it adds a hint of molasses.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. For a vegan option, consider using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce instead.
Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles are fun and colorful! If you want to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount or swap to nonpareils for a smaller sprinkle size.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To get soft and chewy cookies, pay attention to baking time and temperature. Here are some tips:
- Keep an eye on the oven; your cookies should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the sprinkles, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough for about 15 minutes before baking if you want a thicker cookie; this helps control spread.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious, soft cookies every time!
How to Make Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Ingredients List:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus extra for topping
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 8-10 minutes to bake. After baking, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. So, in total, you should set aside around 30-40 minutes to make these delightful cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, you can prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and baking powder, ensuring your cookies rise evenly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the two ingredients well will help create a nice texture in your cookies!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you just want everything to come together nicely.
6. Fold in Sprinkles:
Carefully fold in the rainbow sprinkles, making sure not to overmix or the colors might bleed into the dough. It’s fun to see the colorful specks throughout the cookies!
7. Shape the Cookie Dough:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in extra sprinkles to coat the outside, creating a festive look.
8. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.
9. Flatten the Dough Balls:
Gently flatten each dough ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly and gives them a nice shape.
10. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
11. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from breaking.
12. Enjoy!
Your colorful and soft sprinkle sugar cookies are ready to eat! They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a glass of milk. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a chewier texture and deeper flavor. Just remember that this might result in a slightly different color and sweetness level.
What If I Don’t Have Rainbow Sprinkles?
No problem! You can use nonpareils, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts instead. Each option will give your cookies a unique twist!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can! Roll the dough into balls, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
