Soft sugar cookies with sprinkles are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: a sweet, buttery flavor and a soft, pillowy texture. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations, and are sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. The colorful sprinkles add a festive touch, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing. If you’re looking for a sweet, comforting dessert that’s easy to make and loved by all, these soft sugar cookies are the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft sugar cookies with sprinkles are incredibly easy to prepare and yield the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The dough is simple to mix, and the cookies bake to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that everyone will love. The vibrant sprinkles not only add a pop of color but also a fun, festive touch to these classic cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sprinkles (your choice of color)

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently press the tops of the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your fingers to slightly flatten them.
Sprinkle the cookies with your choice of colorful sprinkles.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist on these classic sugar cookies.
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
Sprinkle Themes: Use different colors of sprinkles for various occasions, such as red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your soft sugar cookies with sprinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds, or reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How do I make sure my sugar cookies stay soft?

To keep your sugar cookies soft, be sure not to overbake them. The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before rolling and baking.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, it may affect the texture of the cookies. Butter gives these cookies their signature soft, rich flavor, so using margarine might result in a slightly different taste and texture.

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! You can use any type of sprinkles you prefer, such as nonpareils, jimmies, or sugar crystals. Just make sure the sprinkles are fresh and not clumping together.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent excessive spreading, make sure your dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough helps maintain the shape of the cookies as they bake.

Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes, you can add ingredients like mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to customize your cookies. Just be sure not to overload the dough with too many additions, as it can affect the texture of the cookies.

How do I get the cookies to look perfect?

For perfect-looking cookies, roll the dough into uniform balls and gently press them down before baking. Adding sprinkles just before baking ensures they adhere well to the cookie dough.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overbaking.

Can I use this recipe for cookie cutters?

Yes, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make shaped sugar cookies. Just chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out for the best results.

How do I make my cookies extra festive?

You can add colored sugar, festive sprinkle mixes, or even a drizzle of icing on top of the cookies to make them look extra special for holidays or celebrations.

Conclusion

Soft sugar cookies with sprinkles are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their light, airy texture and sweet flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are easy to make, customizable, and utterly delicious. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the joy that these delightful cookies bring!

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These Soft Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles are a fun, classic treat! They’re buttery, sweet, and topped with festive sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup colorful sprinkles

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Instructions

Make the Dough:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
- Slowly add dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Bake the Cookies:
- Roll dough into balls and press sprinkles onto tops.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool before serving.

Notes

Add almond extract for extra flavor.

Use different sprinkles for holiday theme