These Classic Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies are a joyful blend of soft vanilla flavor and vibrant color. With a delicate, buttery texture and a crisp outer edge, they’re coated in cheerful rainbow sprinkles that make every bite feel like a celebration. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just adding a pop of fun to your day, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with just a hint of crispness around the edges. They’re easy to make and require no chilling, making them a go-to for last-minute celebrations or spontaneous baking sessions. The use of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and the visual appeal of rainbow sprinkles ensure that both children and adults will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup milk (as needed for consistency)
1 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-style)
Directions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together.
If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency.
3. Shape & Roll:
Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the rainbow sprinkles until fully coated.
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
4. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 185 kcal
Variations
- Holiday Theme: Use colored sprinkles that match the season (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter).
- Lemon Twist: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with white or milk chocolate for added sweetness.
- Mini Version: Make smaller cookies and adjust the baking time to 8–9 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls (without sprinkles) in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed bag. Roll in sprinkles before baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To refresh baked cookies, warm them in the microwave for 5–7 seconds before serving.
FAQs
Can I use nonpareils instead of jimmies for the sprinkles?
It’s not recommended. Nonpareils can bleed color during baking, while jimmies retain their shape and color better.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes. Freeze the dough balls without sprinkles, then thaw slightly and roll in sprinkles just before baking.
Why is my dough crumbly?
If the dough seems dry, add a small amount of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together smoothly.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed. Ensure it is stick margarine, not spread.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your sprinkles are also gluten-free.
How do I get my cookies to stay round and uniform?
Use a cookie scoop and gently flatten each ball before baking for even shapes.
Can I make these cookies egg-free?
Yes, use a suitable egg replacer like flax egg or commercial egg substitute designed for baking.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, making this a quick and convenient recipe.
Can I add extracts for different flavors?
Yes, almond, lemon, or coconut extracts work well for variations. Adjust quantity to taste.
Conclusion
Classic Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies are a cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat. Their soft texture, colorful appearance, and buttery vanilla flavor make them ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to spread a little joy. With minimal prep and maximum impact, these cookies are sure to become a baking favorite.
Print
Classic Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic rainbow sprinkle cookies are soft, buttery vanilla treats with a crisp edge and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. Rolled in vibrant sprinkles, they’re festive, fun, and perfect for any celebration or everyday joy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-style)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk if the dough is too dry.
- Scoop dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and roll each in rainbow sprinkles to coat fully.
- Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each. Slightly flatten the tops with fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just golden and the centers are still soft.
- Cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use jimmies-style sprinkles for best texture and color retention during baking.
- Do not overbake to maintain a soft, chewy center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
