Some days just need a little extra sparkle. You know the ones. A bit of brightness and a whole lot of fun can turn an ordinary afternoon into something special. And what’s more fun than sprinkles?
I’ve got just the thing for you. These are one of my favorite cookie recipes because they are simple, joyful, and oh so delicious. They are packed with color and have a wonderfully soft texture.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this is one of those genuinely easy dessert recipes. There are no complicated steps or tricky techniques. It’s all very straightforward, which is great for new bakers.
The texture is just right. We’re talking soft centers with slightly chewy edges. Each bite is a buttery, sweet delight that everyone seems to enjoy. It is a real crowd pleaser.
Plus, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. When it comes to cookie ideas, this one is top tier. You can change the sprinkles for any holiday or occasion. Think red and green for Christmas or pastels for spring.
It is also a wonderful recipe to make with kids. They love helping with the mixing and especially rolling the dough balls in extra sprinkles. These are truly fun cookie recipes for the whole family.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for these amazing sprinkle cookie recipes. Having everything at room temperature is really important for the best results, especially the butter and egg.
- 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (80g) sprinkles, plus more for topping
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get started? Let’s walk through the process together. It’s easier than you think. Just follow along and you’ll have beautiful cookies in no time.
Step 1: Whisk The Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly. It ensures every cookie puffs up nicely.
Once they are combined, just set that bowl aside for a few minutes. We will come back to it soon.
Step 2: Cream The Butter And Sugar
In a separate large bowl, grab a hand mixer or a stand mixer. You want to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium high speed. Do this for about a minute.
The goal is to get it “creamed.” This means it should look light in color and fluffy in texture. This process adds tiny air pockets that help make the cookies soft.
Now, add your room temperature egg and the vanilla extract. Beat everything on high speed for another minute until it is all combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to get everything mixed in.
Step 3: Combine And Add Sprinkles
Pour the dry ingredients into your wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the flour is combined. Be careful not to overmix here. Too much mixing can make the cookies tough.
Next comes the best part. Gently beat in your 1/2 cup of sprinkles. The dough will be thick and probably a little sticky. That is totally normal, so don’t worry.
Scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll it into a ball between your palms. For that extra pop of color, lightly dip the tops of the dough balls in more sprinkles. Place them on a large plate or a lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Chill The Dough
This step is very important. Cover the plate of dough balls and chill them in the refrigerator. They need at least two hours. You can even leave them in there for up to four days.
Chilling the dough solidifies the butter. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in a more delicious cookie.
Step 5: Preheat The Oven
When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 6: Bake The Cookies
Arrange your chilled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about three inches of space between them. They will spread a bit as they bake.
Bake for 12 to 13 minutes. You will know they are done when the edges are lightly browned. The centers will still look very soft, and that’s exactly what you want for chewy cookies.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies cool right on the sheet for five minutes. This helps them set up so they do not fall apart when you move them.
After five minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then you can finally enjoy one of your fantastic homemade treats. This is one of the most rewarding cookie recipes you can make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any cookies left over, they are easy to store. Just place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week.
You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage. Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They will be good for up to three months.
Another great option is to freeze the cookie dough balls. After chilling, place them in a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Tips
Want to make sure your cookies come out great every time? Here are a few extra tips for this recipe, turning good cookie ideas into great ones.
First, measure your flour correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. Packing the flour in can lead to dry, dense cookies.
Second, do not skip the chilling time. I know it is tempting to bake them right away, but chilling is key. It really does prevent the cookies from turning into thin, flat discs.
Third, use good quality sprinkles. The long, thin kind called jimmies are best for baking. They hold their color and shape better than the tiny round nonpareils, which can bleed into the dough.
Finally, trust the process when it comes to baking time. Pulling them out when the centers look a little soft is the secret to a perfectly chewy cookie once it cools.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, cheerful recipe that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. These sprinkle cookies are proof that the best easy dessert recipes are often the most fun.
Baking should be an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one. This is one of those fun cookie recipes that reminds us of that. It is all about enjoying the sweet moments.
So go ahead, give these a try. Share them with family, friends, or just keep them all for yourself. I hope you love these cookie recipes as much as I do.
FAQ
Can I Make The Dough Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to four days. This makes it a great option for planning ahead for parties or events.
What Kind Of Sprinkles Are Best?
For baking, rainbow jimmies are a great choice. They tend to hold their color much better than nonpareils (the tiny balls), which can sometimes bleed into the cookie dough and look messy.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes. You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. You can also freeze the raw cookie dough balls and bake them from frozen whenever you want a fresh cookie.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
The most common reason for overly spread cookies is that the dough was not chilled long enough. Chilling solidifies the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Make sure you chill for at least two hours.
Sprinkle Cookies
These easy and fun sprinkle cookies are wonderfully soft with slightly chewy edges, packed with color, and simple to make, making them a family-friendly treat for any occasion.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer on medium-high speed for about a minute until light and fluffy. Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract; beat on high speed for another minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the flour is combined. Gently beat in 1/2 cup of sprinkles. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie, roll into a ball, and lightly dip the tops in more sprinkles. Place on a large plate or a lined baking sheet.
- Cover the dough balls and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours (or up to four days). This is crucial to prevent spreading.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Arrange chilled cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving about three inches of space between them. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, until edges are lightly browned and centers look soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents dry, dense cookies.
Do not skip the chilling time of at least two hours; it prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Use good quality jimmie sprinkles for baking, as they hold their color and shape better than tiny round nonpareils.
Trust the baking time: pull cookies out when edges are lightly browned but centers still look soft for a perfectly chewy texture once cooled.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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