Sprinkle cookies are fun and colorful treats that everyone loves! Soft and chewy, these cookies are loaded with rainbow sprinkles that make them extra cheerful.
Making these cookies always puts a smile on my face. They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! Grab a glass of milk, and enjoy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for giving the cookies a rich flavor. If you’re short on butter, you can use half coconut oil or margarine. Just note this might slightly change the taste and texture.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar is best for a perfect sweet flavor, but you can swap it for brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. Just remember, brown sugar can make cookies a little chewier.
All-purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which usually works well in cookie recipes.
Rainbow Sprinkles: These give your cookies their fun, vibrant look. If you prefer, you can use chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit as mix-ins instead!
How Do You Get Soft, Chewy Cookies?
The key to achieving soft, chewy sprinkle cookies lies in a few important steps during preparation. Proper creaming of butter and sugar is essential for the right texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mix, making the cookies soft.
- Don’t over-mix once you add in the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies.
- Remember to bake them until the edges are set but the centers look soft. They will continue cooking while cooling, leading to that perfect texture!
Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow a bit of time for the cookies to cool afterward. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious sprinkle cookies in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to make sure the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and it’s important for the texture of your cookies!
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined, and the mixture is smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that the baking powder and salt are evenly mixed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in the Sprinkles:
Now it’s time to add some fun! Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions of dough and shape them into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Roll in Extra Sprinkles:
For added color, roll each dough ball in extra sprinkles before placing them on the baking sheet. This gives your cookies a beautiful finish!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop your baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!
11. Dig In!
These colorful, soft sprinkle cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Pair them with a glass of milk for an extra special delight!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of unsalted butter. However, keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly and can result in a different texture.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works great in this recipe. Just be sure it is suitable for baking, as some blends vary in thickness and texture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and rolling.
How Do 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 in a single layer in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw before enjoying!