Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only pantry staples you likely already have.
- No Chill Time: The dough doesn’t need refrigeration, so you can bake immediately.
- Versatile and Fun: Easily customizable with different sprinkle colors for various holidays and events.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy interior with a slight crunch from the sprinkles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Nonpareils sprinkles
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fully combined and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour until the dough forms.
- Shape and Coat: Scoop out 2-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Dip each ball into a bowl of nonpareils sprinkles, ensuring an even coating.
- Flatten: Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a flat object like a cup, gently press each ball down to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are light to golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 18 cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Alternative Sprinkles: Use rainbow sprinkles or “jimmies” for a softer exterior texture.
- Flavor Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract and reduce the vanilla extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons for a festive holiday flavor.
- Themed Colors: Customize the sprinkles to match seasonal holidays or special events.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What type of sprinkles work best for these cookies?
Nonpareils sprinkles provide a delightful crunch, while jimmies offer a softer texture. Choose based on your preference.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.
Is it necessary to flatten the cookies before baking?
Yes, gently flattening the dough ensures even baking and achieves the desired cookie thickness.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
If using salted butter, omit the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The bottoms should be light to golden brown. The tops may appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Certainly! Adding a few drops of food coloring to the dough can create vibrant, festive cookies.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
You can substitute with an equal amount of almond extract or another flavoring of your choice.
Why didn’t my cookies spread much during baking?
These cookies are designed to hold their shape. Flattening them before baking helps achieve the desired thickness.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, feel free to fold in up to 1/2 cup of your favorite mix-ins for added flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding into the dough?
To minimize color bleeding, avoid overmixing the sprinkles into the dough and use high-quality sprinkles.
Conclusion
These easy sprinkle cookies are a delightful treat that combines a soft, buttery interior with a crunchy, colorful exterior. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking to add a bit of fun to their baking repertoire. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or share them at your next gathering!
Print
Easy Sprinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy sprinkle cookies are soft, chewy, and buttery with a delightful crunch from colorful sprinkles. Made with just six simple ingredients and no chill time required, these fun cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup nonpareils sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Shape and Coat – Roll 2-tablespoon portions of dough into balls. Dip each ball into sprinkles, coating evenly.
- Flatten – Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently press to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown. Let cookies cool before serving.
Notes
- Alternative Sprinkles: Use jimmies for a softer exterior.
- Flavor Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a festive taste.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minute
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
