These Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are a bright and cheerful treat! Soft and buttery, they are loaded with colorful sprinkles that make them perfect for any celebration.
Baking these cookies feels like a mini party in the kitchen! I love how you can easily customize them with your favorite sprinkles. They always disappear fast at home! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the cookies. You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute if you need a gluten-free version. I’ve had great success with a 1:1 gluten-free blend!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for control over the saltiness. You could use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option, which I often do for friends with dietary needs. It works well!
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and a slight tang. You can easily substitute with buttermilk or even applesauce for a lighter version, which I sometimes prefer when watching my sugar intake.
Sprinkles: Go wild with your sprinkles! While jimmies are a classic choice, you can try nonpareils or even themed sprinkles for different occasions. I love using seasonal sprinkles for a festive touch!
How Do I Get Soft and Chewy Cookies?
The way you mix and bake can really affect the texture! Here are some tips for keeping these cookies soft and chewy:
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Just mix until combined!
- Flatten the dough balls slightly before baking to achieve that perfect cookie shape.
- Watch the baking time closely! Remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden, and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set while cooling.
With these tips, you’ll end up with soft, delightful cookies every time! Enjoy baking!
Delicious Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe
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
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, a little extra time for cooling after, making it a quick and delightful cookie option for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This is important to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process adds air to your dough, making your cookies chewy!
4. Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Sour Cream:
Next, beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture will be rich and delicious!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Fold in the Sprinkles:
Now it’s time to add fun! Gently fold in the ½ cup of colorful sprinkles with a spatula. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough for a wonderfully colorful cookie!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop the dough into 1 ½ tablespoon portions and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in extra sprinkles to coat the outside—this makes them look super festive!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball a bit using the palm of your hand. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers remain soft.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve these delightful sprinkle sugar cookies and enjoy the smiles they bring!
Can I Substitute the Butter for Margarine?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter in this recipe. Just make sure it’s softened and at room temperature for the best results. Your cookies will still turn out delicious!
Can I Use Other Types of Sprinkles?
Absolutely! While jimmies are a classic choice, you can use nonpareils, star-shaped sprinkles, or even seasonal themed sprinkles for a festive touch. Get creative with your mix!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking as directed.
