Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Soft, chewy, and bursting with color, Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any celebration or everyday indulgence. These cookies come together quickly, require no chill time, and are ideal for making with kids or preparing last minute for a party or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes
Perfectly soft and chewy with crisp edges
Customizable with seasonal or themed sprinkles
No dough chilling required
Fun and festive for holidays, birthdays, or just because

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
¾ cup sprinkles, plus more for rolling

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Fold in ¾ cup sprinkles gently with a spatula.
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and roll each into a ball. Dip the tops into additional sprinkles.
Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Makes approximately 15–20 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use holiday-themed or colored sprinkles for different occasions
Swap almond extract with lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist
Add mini chocolate chips for extra richness
Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats or larger ones for bakery-style results

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
To freeze, place baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
Dough balls can be frozen and baked straight from the freezer—add an extra 1–2 minutes of baking time

FAQs

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Use jimmies or confetti sprinkles, as they retain their shape and color during baking.

Can I leave out the almond extract?

Yes, simply increase the vanilla extract slightly or omit the almond extract entirely.

How do I get that soft center?

Remove cookies from the oven while the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll set as they cool.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this recipe is designed to be made and baked immediately without chilling.

How large should the dough balls be?

Use about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie for the ideal size and texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute designed for baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, this recipe scales well for larger batches.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Ensure your butter isn’t too soft and that you’re measuring ingredients accurately.

Can I use other extracts or flavors?

Yes, experiment with citrus zest, maple extract, or coconut extract for different flavors.

Conclusion

Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are the perfect combination of fun and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. With their bright sprinkles, soft centers, and easy preparation, they’ll become a staple in your cookie rotation.