These sprinkle sugar cookies are sweet, colorful, and super fun! They are soft and buttery, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, those sprinkles make everything more cheerful!
I love making these cookies with my kids. The best part? They get to sprinkle away! It’s a messy joy, but we laugh it off while enjoying our yummy creations together. 🍪🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the base for our cookies. If you’re gluten-free, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It might change the texture a bit, but they will still be tasty!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavor balanced here. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but butter gives the best flavor and texture!
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is essential for sweetness. For a different taste, try using brown sugar, which will add a hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles are super fun, but you can switch them up! Try chocolate sprinkles, holiday-themed sprinkles, or even nuts or dried fruit for a twist.
Milk: Milk keeps the dough moist. You could use almond milk or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is a key step for light, fluffy cookies. It helps to incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies a nice texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with room temperature butter – it should be soft but not melted. Cut it into chunks for easier mixing.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the butter for about 1 minute until it’s smooth.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar. Continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy.
Don’t rush this step! It makes a big difference in your cookie’s texture!
How Do I Handle Cookie Dough for Perfect Cookies?
Handling cookie dough is important for the final outcome. Here are some tips:
- Don’t over-mix once you add the flour. Just mix until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky to handle. This makes it easier to shape into balls.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. This keeps baking consistent.
Following these simple steps will help your cookies turn out beautifully every time!
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
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ to 1 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 8-10 minutes to bake. After baking, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to enjoying your sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure the cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking.
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 throughout the flour. Once combined, set this mix aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat them together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for your cookies to be soft and airy!
4. Add Egg and Flavors:
Next, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) into the butter mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will give your cookies a wonderful flavor!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft but not too sticky.
6. Fold in the Sprinkles:
Now it’s time to add some fun! Fold in about ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles into the dough. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so that every cookie gets some colorful goodness!
7. Scoop and Coat:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in extra sprinkles. This will give your cookies a festive look! Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
8. Shape and Bake:
Gently flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand. This helps them spread into nice cookie shapes while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to be just golden, while the centers should remain soft. They will continue baking slightly after they come out of the oven!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your sprinkle sugar cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. They’re perfect for sharing or just treating yourself!
These cookies come out soft, chewy, and joyful with every colorful bite!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced. You can also try margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the taste may differ a bit.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit in addition to or instead of sprinkles. Just make sure to keep the total volume of add-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the right dough consistency.