These sprinkle sugar cookies are bright, sweet, and oh-so-fun! Soft on the inside with a little crunch outside, they’re perfect for snacks or celebrations!
Every time I make these, I can’t help but sneak a bite (or two!). It’s like a party in my mouth with all those colorful sprinkles! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Just be sure it has xanthan gum in it for best results!
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the cookies. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or margarine can work as replacements, though you might lose some of the creaminess.
Granulated Sugar: For added depth of flavor, you can use brown sugar instead. It will give the cookies a slight caramel flavor and chewiness. Also, a mix of both gives great results!
Sprinkles: Use any colorful sprinkles you like! If you want something healthier, try using chopped nuts or dried fruit for crunch and color.
Why Does Creaming Butter and Sugar Matter?
Creaming your butter and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial. This step adds air to the dough, which helps your cookies rise and gives them a soft texture. If you skip this, your cookies might turn out dense.
- Make sure your butter is soft but not melted – about room temperature.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. Mix for about 3-4 minutes until it looks fluffy.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Bake Evenly?
To achieve uniform baking, ensure your dough balls are the same size. Using a cookie scoop makes this easier. Also, leave space on the baking sheet, as the cookies will spread a bit while baking.
- Ensure your oven is preheated before placing the cookies inside. Any fluctuation in temperature can affect how they bake.
- Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking. If your oven has hot spots, this step is key!
These simple tips will help you bake the perfect sprinkle sugar cookies every time! Enjoy baking!
Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup assorted colorful sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and an additional 8-10 minutes for baking. After that, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a rack. In total, set aside roughly 30-40 minutes to enjoy your delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure everything is evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps texture.
4. Combine Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add in the large egg and the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix. Beat this together until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Add the Fun:
Now, gently fold in the ½ cup of colorful sprinkles into the cookie dough. This part adds joy and color to your cookies!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and gently roll them into a small amount of extra sprinkles, pressing lightly to make sure they stick. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to be set and slightly golden while the centers look a bit underbaked; they will continue cooking as they cool.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Your colorful, soft sprinkle sugar cookies are ready! These treats are perfect alongside a glass of milk or your favorite hot drink. Share with friends or keep the joy all to yourself!
These cookies are soft and chewy with a delightful crunch from the sprinkles, making them a festive treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Sprinkles?
Absolutely! You can use any colorful sprinkles you like, such as nonpareils, jimmies, or edible glitter for an extra fun twist. Just remember that some sprinkles may bleed color into the dough, so choose based on your desired visual effect!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and roll the dough into balls as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
What to Do If My Cookies Spread Too Much?
If your cookies spread excessively, check that your butter was softened properly; if it’s too warm, it can lead to spreading. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help reduce spread and create thicker cookies. Just remember to let them warm up a bit before rolling in sprinkles if they’re too firm!