Sprinkle Cookies
There’s something undeniably joyful about a cookie adorned with sprinkles. These Sprinkle Cookies are soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. The combination of cream cheese and butter gives them an incredible texture that’s both chewy and tender. Plus, the vibrant colors of the sprinkles add a fun and festive touch. Get ready to make a batch of these delightful cookies that will disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
If you’re searching for a cookie that is quick to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Sprinkle Cookies. Here are a few reasons why they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these treats with confidence.
- Versatile: You can customize the sprinkles to match any occasion, from pastel colors for spring celebrations to bold hues for festive gatherings.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of butter and cream cheese yields a cookie that’s soft yet sturdy, making them perfect for dunking in milk.
- Fun to Decorate: Let your creativity shine by using different types of sprinkles or even drizzling melted chocolate on top.
What to Buy
Before you start baking your Sprinkle Cookies, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 2 1/2 cups (355g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened but still slightly firm
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 2 oz. (56g) cream cheese, softened but still slightly firm
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 – 1 cup sprinkles (nonpareils, jimmies or colored sugar sprinkles)
Before You Start: Equipment
Here’s a quick list of the equipment you’ll need to make your Sprinkle Cookies:
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing your wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: To cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together easily.
- Baking Sheet: A flat tray for baking your cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Cooling Rack: To cool your cookies after baking.
Directions: Sprinkle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Sugar
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Step 5: Incorporate Egg and Extracts
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture, beating until combined.
Step 6: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 7: Fold in Sprinkles
Using a spatula, gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Sprinkle Cookies!
Tailor It to Your Diet
If you have specific dietary needs, these Sprinkle Cookies can be tailored to suit your preferences:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
- Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and replace the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
Baking can sometimes be tricky, but here are some common pitfalls when making Sprinkle Cookies and how to avoid them:
- Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Too Soft Dough: If your dough is too soft to scoop, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Burnt Cookies: Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, as ovens can vary. Remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
- Soggy Cookies: Make sure to let the cookies cool on a wire rack to prevent moisture from building up.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
These Sprinkle Cookies are great for make-ahead baking. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! You can use nonpareils, jimmies, or colored sugar sprinkles as per your preference. Each type adds a different look and texture to your Sprinkle Cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Your cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and they look set in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help make it easier to scoop and handle.
Try These Next
If you loved these Sprinkle Cookies, you might also enjoy:
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking your very own Sprinkle Cookies. With their irresistible flavor and delightful appearance, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture, beating until combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Sprinkle Cookies!
Notes
- Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill dough if too soft to scoop.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
