Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

If there’s one cookie that brings pure, unfiltered joy to any table, it’s Sprinkle Cookies. They combine a buttery, tender crumb with a delightful cream cheese tang and, of course, an explosion of colorful sprinkles—every bite is a celebration. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want a dose of nostalgia, these whimsical treats never fail to charm. Get ready to watch them disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sprinkle Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to yield the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of cream cheese to the crunch of jimmies, these essentials make the magic happen.

• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone that holds your cookies together while keeping them tender.
• Baking Soda: Lends a gentle lift, making sure your cookies aren’t too dense.
• Baking Powder: Partners with baking soda to ensure just the right amount of puff.
• Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and really letting that buttery sweetness shine.
• Unsalted Butter, cubed and cold: Keeps layers ultra-tender and delivers classic cookie richness.
• Cream Cheese, cold: Adds a subtle tang and makes the cookies incredibly soft and chewy.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives your cookies structure and a lovely, subtle sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate texture and helps with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds a hint of richness.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Elevates the basic dough with warm, aromatic flavor.
• Jimmies Sprinkles: The star of the show—bright, fun, and ready to add a burst of joy to every bite!

How to Make Sprinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line your baking pans with silicone mats or parchment paper—this ensures that your Sprinkle Cookies bake evenly and release easily. Trust me, this little detail saves you so much clean-up and preserves those perfect cookie bottoms.

Step 2: Assemble the Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of your food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give it a few quick pulses to evenly blend everything. This quick step makes sure your leaveners and salt are distributed perfectly for even cookies every time.

Step 3: Blend in the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

Add the cold, cubed butter and cream cheese, plus both the granulated and powdered sugars, to your flour mixture. Pulse until the mixture transforms into a sandy texture. This is where the magic begins—cold fats help create those soft, pillow-y cookies we all crave!

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Toss in your large egg and pour in the pure vanilla extract. Blend again just until the dough comes together. You’ll see it turn smooth and supple, ready for its sprinkle-filled transformation.

Step 5: Shape and Roll in Sprinkles

Scoop the dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each for that perfect bakery-style size). Now, the fun part: roll each dough ball in your colorful jimmies until every side is coated. The more generous you are with the sprinkles, the more festive your cookies will look!

Step 6: Flatten and Arrange

Arrange your sprinkle-covered dough balls onto the prepared pans, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each ball to about ¼ to ½ inch thick—this helps your Sprinkle Cookies bake up with pretty, crinkled edges.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the cookies look slightly under baked in the center. (They’ll finish setting as they cool, so resist the urge to leave them in longer!) Let your cookies rest on the pan for 2 minutes. If they’ve puffed a bit, gently press them down with your glass for that just-right texture, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, marvel at those beautiful Sprinkle Cookies!

How to Serve Sprinkle Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are gorgeous as they are, but you can dust with a little extra powdered sugar or even add a drizzle of white chocolate for a special touch. For birthdays or holidays, consider themed sprinkles right on top to match the occasion!

Side Dishes

Pairing Sprinkle Cookies with a cold glass of milk is classic, but they also shine alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or your favorite hot beverage. Their mild sweetness means they won’t overpower anything you serve them with—just pure cookie joy.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in jars as colorful gifts, arrange on a tiered dessert stand at your next party, or sandwich two cookies with a bit of ice cream for the ultimate sprinkle-studded treat. Sprinkle Cookies truly steal the show wherever they go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep your Sprinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for parties and gatherings.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers. Alternatively, freeze unbaked, sprinkle-rolled dough balls and bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Your future self will thank you.

Reheating

If you like your cookies a touch warm, just pop them in a 300 degree F oven for 2-3 minutes or give them a quick blast in the microwave. This brings back that delightful just-baked softness—perfect with a mug of cocoa.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles in Sprinkle Cookies?

Absolutely! While classic jimmies give the best color and hold up in baking, you can also experiment with nonpareils or even holiday-themed mixes for any occasion.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping, so it’s easy to roll in sprinkles.

Why do I need both granulated and powdered sugar?

Each sugar brings something special: granulated sugar adds crunch and structure, while powdered sugar ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—both are crucial for perfect Sprinkle Cookies.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Just be sure to start with cold butter and cream cheese, and mix until you have that sandy texture before blending in the egg and vanilla.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about bringing a batch of Sprinkle Cookies to the table. Their cheerful colors, tender bite, and nostalgic flavor make them irresistible for kids and grown-ups alike. Give them a try and watch how quickly these little bursts of happiness brighten your day!

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