These delightful Sprinkle Cookies are a burst of joy in every bite, combining a soft, chewy texture with a vibrant, colorful crunch. Perfect for any occasion, they’re quick to make—ready in just 25 minutes—and bring a playful touch to your dessert table. The buttery base melts in your mouth, while the sprinkles add a satisfying pop of sweetness and fun.
With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, these cookies are ideal for busy bakers who crave a treat that’s both easy and indulgent. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich flavor and light, airy texture, making them irresistible for kids and adults alike. Share them at parties, pack them for snacks, or enjoy them fresh from the oven—they’re guaranteed to brighten your day!
Ingredients for Sprinkle Cookies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (tip: ensure it’s soft but not melted)
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (tip: room temperature eggs blend better)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar (substitution: 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups nonpareil sprinkles (tip: use colorful sprinkles for a festive look)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (avoid overmixing).
- Scoop the dough into Tablespoon-sized balls and roll between your palms until smooth and round.
- Immediately roll each ball in the nonpareil sprinkles until fully coated.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 ½ inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden (the centers will look slightly soft).
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy!
Fun Variations to Try
Switch up the sprinkles for a festive twist! Use seasonal sprinkles for holidays or try chocolate jimmies for a different texture. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor or mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they’re even better with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. For a party, arrange them on a platter with mini cupcakes or fruit skewers for a colorful dessert spread.
Storing for Freshness
Keep your sprinkle cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Time-Saving Tips
To save time, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time, roll it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. When ready to bake, just roll in sprinkles and pop them in the oven!
Common Questions Answered
Wondering if you can skip the cream of tartar?
It helps with texture, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Also, if your sprinkles aren’t sticking, lightly dampen your hands before rolling the dough balls for better adhesion.
Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature 226 g
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 300 g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose plain flour 375 g
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl and using an electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until well-combined.
- Add egg and egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until completely combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet until completely combined.
- Scoop dough into Tablespoon-sized balls and roll between your palms until smooth and round. Immediately roll through nonpareils until cookie dough ball is completely coated with sprinkles.
- Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 1 ½” apart.
- Transfer to 350F (175C) preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. Allow to cool completely on baking sheet before serving.