These Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are delightful little treats that bring smiles with every bite! Soft, sweet, and covered in colorful sprinkles, they are perfect for any occasion.
Honestly, what’s not to love? Making these cookies feels like a party in the kitchen! I always let the kids help with the sprinkles. It’s the messiest fun ever! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix, or almond flour for a nutty taste. However, keep in mind the texture may vary slightly!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it allows better control over the salt level. If you’re in a pinch, margarine or coconut oil can be used instead, but they might change the taste and texture a bit!
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives that great sweetness and texture. For a different flavor, you can use brown sugar, which adds a hint of molasses. Just be aware that cookies might be softer and chewier!
Egg: This adds moisture and helps bind the cookies. If you want to make them vegan, you can substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
Sprinkles: Get creative with sprinkles! Use any color or shape to match your occasion. If you prefer a healthier option, you can skip these altogether or use dried fruit pieces instead!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Cookies?
Getting that perfect cookie texture can be tricky! Here’s how to do it:
- Use softened butter, not melted. This helps trap air, making your cookies light.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Flatten the dough balls lightly before baking. This helps them spread evenly and bake properly.
- If your cookies don’t seem soft after baking, let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes. They will continue to set as they cool.
With these tips, you’ll have a batch of delightful sprinkle sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and oh-so-fun!
Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or yogurt (optional, for softness)
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes for baking. So, you’ll be enjoying these sweet treats in about 30 minutes total, plus a little time for cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Easy cleanup is a bonus!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step is essential for creating a nice texture!
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Beat everything together until well combined. This adds great flavor to your cookies!
5. Incorporate Sour Cream (Optional):
If you’re using sour cream or yogurt, now’s the time to mix it in. This step helps make your cookies extra soft but isn’t necessary if you don’t have it on hand.
6. Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the two are combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender!
7. Add Sprinkles:
Gently fold in the ½ cup of colorful sprinkles. This is the fun part! They’ll make your cookies look festive and appealing.
8. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Then, roll the dough ball in some granulated sugar, and flatten it slightly using the palm of your hand. This gives a lovely sweet crust!
9. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Place each cookie dough ball about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheet. To make them look extra delightful, press a few more sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be golden around the edges, while the centers still look a little soft. That’s the secret to softness!
11. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key—if you can resist eating them right away!
12. Enjoy:
Now, it’s time for the best part! Grab your favorite glass of milk or tea and dig in. These sprinkle sugar cookies are soft, a tad crisp on the edges, and bursting with color. Perfect for any celebration—or just because!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary with these substitutions!
How Can I Make These Cookies Chewier?
To achieve chewier cookies, try using more brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also add an extra egg yolk and reduce the baking time slightly.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a container or a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.