Soft Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a chewy, tender cookie with a pop of color and fun. These cookies are delightfully sweet, with a slight crispiness on the edges and a soft, pillowy center. The addition of sprinkles not only makes them visually appealing but also adds a bit of crunch and excitement to every bite. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a simple dessert, these sugar cookies are sure to please people of all ages. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. If you’re looking for a classic yet festive cookie to bake, this recipe is the perfect solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies have the ideal soft and chewy texture that makes them melt in your mouth. With a slight crisp around the edges and a tender center, every bite is comforting and satisfying.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is simple to prepare. If you’re new to baking, these cookies are a great place to start. They don’t need fancy tools or techniques—just mix, scoop, and bake!

3. Fun and Festive

The colorful sprinkles not only brighten up the cookies but also add a fun, celebratory touch, making them perfect for parties, birthdays, or holidays.

4. Customizable Flavor

The addition of almond extract is optional, but it provides a delightful flavor twist. You can leave it out or experiment with different extracts like lemon or coconut for a unique variation.

5. Make Ahead and Store Well

These cookies stay soft for days, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. They also freeze well, allowing you to make a batch and save them for later.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened slightly but still cool)
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Pure vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
Sprinkles

Variations

Different Sprinkles: You can use themed sprinkles for holidays or celebrations, such as red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or even glitter sprinkles for a fun sparkle.
Flavor Variations: Add citrus zest (such as lemon or orange) to the dough for a fresh twist, or mix in some mini chocolate chips for a delicious contrast.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter for plant-based butter and the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: For extra flavor, you can roll the cookies in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking them for a warm, spiced kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and continue to mix until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 3: Roll the Dough into Balls

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in sprinkles until evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to help them spread evenly while baking.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be sure not to overbake them.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If you prefer a thicker, chewier cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls and baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tougher cookies.
Use Cool Butter: Softened butter should be slightly cool to the touch. If it’s too warm, the cookies might spread too much while baking.
Adjust for Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons, but be mindful that this may alter the texture.

How to Serve

These soft sprinkle sugar cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They make a great snack for kids and adults alike, perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or a casual gathering. For an extra indulgence, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They will remain soft and chewy, making them a delightful treat throughout the week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to bring them back to their soft, delicious texture.

Reheating

To reheat the cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2-3 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe so you can control the amount of salt. If using salted butter, omit the added salt in the dough.

2. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes! You can add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet, chocolatey twist.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s a one-to-one replacement for regular flour.

5. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

6. Can I substitute the egg with something else?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.

7. How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading. Also, ensure the butter is not too soft when mixing.

8. Can I use a different extract?

Yes, you can substitute the vanilla extract with other extracts such as lemon or coconut for a different flavor.

9. How can I make these cookies chewier?

For a chewier texture, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough, and consider chilling the dough before baking.

10. Can I skip the sprinkles?

Yes, if you prefer plain sugar cookies, you can leave out the sprinkles or replace them with a sprinkle of granulated sugar on top before baking.

Conclusion

Soft Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are a simple, fun, and delicious treat that everyone will love. The buttery, chewy texture paired with the sweetness of sprinkles makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a casual treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a batch of festive, flavorful cookies ready to enjoy in no time!