These Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are a joyful treat that makes any day feel special! Soft, sweet, and topped with colorful sprinkles, they’re perfect for parties or just a fun snack at home!
Who can resist a cookie that looks as cheerful as this? I love making these with my kids—they enjoy rolling the dough in sprinkles, and the cookies disappear in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cookies. For gluten-free options, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, you can substitute it with coconut oil or even margarine, although the flavor will differ slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cookies their sweetness and crisp edges. You can replace some of it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and a bit of tang. If you want a dairy-free version, try using coconut yogurt or a nut milk yogurt. They’ll still keep the cookies soft!
Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles are fun, but feel free to use any kind, like chocolate or themed sprinkles, depending on the occasion!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Dough Consistency?
Getting the right cookie dough consistency is crucial for soft, chewy cookies. Start by following the wet and dry ingredient steps precisely. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect:
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing, which helps achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
- After mixing in the sour cream, the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels overly wet, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Remember, overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just incorporated for a tender texture.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking delightful Sprinkle Sugar Cookies everyone will love!
How to Make Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cookies:
- 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)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup colorful rainbow sprinkles (for rolling and topping)
- For the Icing (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. Overall, you can enjoy fresh cookies in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent your cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents in the flour. Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the dough for a nice rise!
4. Add the Egg and Flavors
Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) until everything is well combined. The mixing should be smooth and creamy at this point!
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients with the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough!
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll each portion into a ball using your hands. Then, roll each ball in rainbow sprinkles to coat them completely. It’s time to add some fun color!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the sprinkle-covered dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to help them spread evenly while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start turning a light golden brown and the cookie centers look set. Take care not to overbake them; they should be soft!
9. Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This lets them firm up a little before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. (Optional) Add Icing for Extra Sweetness
If you want to make your cookies even sweeter, you can whip up a simple icing! In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle or spread a thin layer over the cooled cookies and then sprinkle more rainbow sprinkles on top for that extra fun touch!
11. Enjoy Your Cookies!
Let the icing set, and then they’re ready to enjoy. These Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are soft and bursting with sweetness, perfect for any celebration or just a cheerful treat at home!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly. Choose a stick margarine for the best texture, and make sure to let it soften before mixing.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best results, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for an extra twist. Just keep in mind the total volume of the dough to ensure cookies maintain their shape and texture while baking.