Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are sweet, soft, and oh-so-fun! These cookies are packed with sugar and covered in colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for any celebration.
Making these cookies always brightens my day! I love how the sprinkles add a pop of color. They are great for sharing, or you know, just keeping all to yourself. 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is vital for achieving the right texture. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use margarine or plant-based butter. Just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe if needed.
Granulated Sugar: This is what makes the cookies sweet and helps them spread. For a twist, you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Sprinkles: These colorful pieces make the cookies pop! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles you like. You can use chocolate sprinkles or even seasonal shapes for holidays to make them special!
What’s the Secret to Soft and Chewy Cookies?
The key to soft and chewy sprinkle sugar cookies lies in how you mix the ingredients. Here are some tips to get it right:
- **Cream Butter and Sugar Well:** Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This allows air to incorporate and makes cookies airy.
- **Don’t Overmix:** When adding the flour mixture, mix on low only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- **Chilling the Dough:** If time permits, chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking can help keep the cookies from spreading too much.
These small steps can really make a difference, making your cookies wonderfully soft and delicious!
How to Make Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup colorful confetti sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 10-12 minutes to bake. Make sure to let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack! You will be enjoying your delicious sprinkle sugar cookies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with either parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This process is important for the texture of your cookies!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat them together until everything is well combined. It should be smooth and creamy!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix — just mix until the flour is no longer visible.
6. Add the Fun — Sprinkles!
Gently fold in the ½ cup of colorful confetti sprinkles. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for that delightful burst of color in each cookie!
7. Form the Cookies:
Scoop out the dough and roll it into balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
8. Flatten and Decorate:
Lightly flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand. Then, generously sprinkle some extra sprinkles on top of each cookie for decoration!
9. Bake:
Place the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set, and the cookies should just begin to turn golden on the edges. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Now your soft, colorful sprinkle sugar cookies are ready to enjoy!
This delightful recipe yields tender, buttery cookies that are perfect for celebrating or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter if needed! Just ensure it’s softened to the same consistency, and keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
What Should I Do If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Alternatively, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help firm it up before baking!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage; just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months!
Can I Use Different Types of Sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate sprinkles, seasonal sprinkles, or even sanding sugar for a different look. Just ensure they are fun and colorful to keep that festive spirit alive!
