These cute sprinkle sugar cookies are a sweet treat that everyone loves! Soft, buttery, and packed with colorful sprinkles, they bring a smile with every bite.
Making these cookies is a breeze! Just mix the dough, roll it in sprinkles, and bake. I can’t resist sneaking one (or two!) right out of the oven. 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies! If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well without altering the taste too much.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. You can substitute it with margarine or a plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Granulated sugar: For a different sweetness and texture, brown sugar is a great substitute. It adds a hint of caramel flavor, but the cookies will be a bit chewier.
Egg: If you’re looking for an egg-free option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup applesauce for moisture.
Sprinkles: I love rainbow sprinkles, but feel free to switch it up with chocolate sprinkles or themed sprinkles for holidays!
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
Achieving soft and chewy cookies really comes down to a few key steps. The most important is not to overmix the dough once you’ve combined the dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Also, don’t skip the step of flattening the dough; it helps them bake evenly.
- Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. This creaming step is crucial for the texture.
- Add just enough milk to form a soft dough; too much can make cookies spread too thin. Aim for a dough that feels slightly sticky but holds its shape.
- Watch the baking time! Take them out when they look set but still soft in the middle – they will firm up as they cool.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. This helps maintain their structure!
How to Make Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk or milk
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus another 8-10 minutes to bake, making a total time of around 25-30 minutes. Plus, a little extra time to cool before munching!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps ensure the cookies don’t stick!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix it until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step is key for that deliciously soft cookie texture.
4. Add Egg and Extracts:
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) until everything is well combined. The extracts add extra flavor that you’ll love!
5. Mix Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, mixing until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle!
6. Add Milk:
Start adding the buttermilk or milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough is soft but not overly sticky. You want it to hold its shape well.
7. Fold in Sprinkles:
Gently fold in the 1 cup of rainbow sprinkles until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. These colorful bits are what make these cookies so fun!
8. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out dough balls and roll them into smooth balls with your hands. This helps them bake evenly.
9. Roll in Sprinkles:
Pour some extra sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sprinkles, pressing gently so that they stick nicely on the surface of the dough.
10. Place on Baking Sheets:
Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one since they will spread as they bake.
11. Flatten and Bake:
Gently flatten each cookie ball using the bottom of a glass or your palm until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden and the tops look set.
12. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your colorful, soft, and buttery sprinkle sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
These cookies are perfect for celebrations or just a delightful everyday treat. The sprinkles add a cheerful pop of color and a little crunchy fun!
Can I Use Different Types of Sprinkles?
Absolutely! While rainbow sprinkles are fun and colorful, you can use:
- Chocolate sprinkles for a richer flavor
- Seasonal or themed sprinkles for holidays
- Nonpareils for a unique texture
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 sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then proceed with rolling in sprinkles and baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using, and you’ll have a great buttermilk replacement!
