As I sift through flour and sugar, the kitchen fills with a nostalgic sweet aroma that instantly transports me back to carefree childhood afternoons spent baking with family. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles—a delightful, customizable treat that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. These soft and chewy cookies not only bring joy to gatherings but also provide a fun, creative outlet for your inner baker. With the ability to swap out extracts or add mix-ins like chocolate chips, you can easily tailor them to your taste. So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a homemade indulgence, let’s dive into creating these colorful cookies that scream happiness. Are you ready to sprinkle some joy into your kitchen?
Why are these cookies so special?
Endless Customization: These Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles are a blank canvas! Swap flavors with vanilla or almond extract, or add chocolate chips and nuts for a delicious twist. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy bakers, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, ideal for spontaneous cravings or unexpected guests. Feel-Good Treats: Delight family and friends with these colorful cookies that elevate any gathering, making smiles all around. Soft, Chewy Goodness: You'll love the melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps them coming back for more. This classic cookie is perfect for baking with kids or for anyone tired of fast food.Explore more sweet variations like adding seasonal sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
Drop Sugar Cookie Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create delightful Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Powder – A leavening agent that helps create a light texture in your cookies.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; remember to let it soften at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve a light texture; essential for classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together for cohesiveness in texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; for a unique twist, feel free to swap in almond extract.
For the Colorful Finish
- Colorful Sprinkles – These vibrant touches add visual excitement and fun; consider using seasonal sprinkles for added theme flair!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent your Drop Sugar Cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly, ensuring you achieve that delightful soft and chewy texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder until well blended. This mixture provides essential structure to your cookies. Set this aside and breathe in that sweet anticipation as your kitchen fills with the aroma of flour, creating the perfect base for your delicious Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial; the light texture will result in cookies that are soft and tender on the inside, so keep mixing until you see a nice, pale color.
Step 4: Add Egg and Flavoring
Once your butter and sugar are beautifully creamed, add in one large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is combined and smooth, roughly 1 minute. This not only helps bind the ingredients together but also infuses your Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles with a rich, delightful flavor that brings joy to every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your creamed mixture, blending on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in ½ cup of colorful sprinkles with a spatula, ensuring even distribution that adds a festive flair to each cookie.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The distance allows them to spread while baking, achieving that adorable rounded shape we all love in Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles. The colorful dough should proudly show off its sprinkles, creating excitement even before they hit the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You'll know they are ready when the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft. They will puff up slightly and then settle as they cool—this is your cue to avoid overbaking for that soft, chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is vital for achieving the perfect melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles so irresistible. After they’ve cooled, grab a glass of milk and savor your homemade treats!
Tips for the Best Drop Sugar Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth and fluffy dough, leading to soft cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cookies to turn out tough instead of soft and chewy.
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Chill the Dough: For even softer cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape and improves texture.
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Underbake Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are just set and the edges are lightly golden. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring the perfect soft centers.
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Customize Wisely: While adding extra mix-ins like chocolate chips is tempting, be cautious not to overload the dough. Too many add-ins can affect the texture of your Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles.
What to Serve with Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles?
Transform your cookie experience into a delightful feast with these perfect pairings.
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Cold Milk: An absolute classic! The rich, creamy texture of cold milk complements the sweet softness of the cookies, creating a comforting duo.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream mingles beautifully with the chewy cookie texture, adding a delightful creaminess.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrast. The natural sweetness of fresh fruit lightens up the indulgence of the cookies, creating balance.
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Hot Cocoa: Pairing with hot cocoa not only warms you up but the chocolaty flavor enhances the sweetness of the sugar cookies, making this combo perfect for chilly days.
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Candied Citrus Peel: A handful of candied orange or lemon peel provides a zesty kick. Its chewy texture and citrus flavor elevate the overall sweetness of the cookies delightfully.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea pairs wonderfully, as the rich flavors balance the sugary cookies, wrapping you in a cozy embrace.
These pairings not only highlight the delightful nature of Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles but also add an array of textures and flavors that elevate your treat experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their baking routine! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to Step 6, then cover the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This helps the flavors meld and ensures the dough stays fresh. When you're ready to bake, drop rounded balls onto your baking sheets and bake as directed. If you'd like to extend the prep time further, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking for warm, fresh cookies that are just as delightful!
Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles: Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize these delicious Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version; your cookies will still be soft and delightful.
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Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an added crunch and earthy flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus note that brightens every bite.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent touch that pairs perfectly with the cookie's soft texture.
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Seasonal Sprinkles: Swap out colorful sprinkles for themed sprinkles—think pastel shades for Easter or vibrant colors for birthdays—to make the cookies extra festive.
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Heat Factor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of chili powder to the batter for a surprising heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
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Almond Delight: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique, nutty flavor that enriches your cookies and makes them truly special.
Feel inspired? The possibilities are endless with these Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles! Whether you try some fun mix-ins or seasonal sprinkles, your loved ones will appreciate the thoughtful variations you create. If you're looking for even more inspiration, don’t forget to explore my popular recipe for Soft Sugar Cookies for even more delightful twists!
How to Store and Freeze Drop Sugar Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and chewy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness.
Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature—this helps it blend well with sugar, creating a fluffy texture. When using eggs, choose large eggs—preferably organic for added flavor.
What is the best way to store Drop Sugar Cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help retain moisture.
Can I freeze Drop Sugar Cookies?
Certainly! To freeze, place your unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and they can last up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a minute or two to the baking time!
What if my cookies turn out tough?
No worries, it happens! Make sure you're not overmixing your dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. If they still turn out tough, check your baking time—removing the cookies from the oven while they're still soft in the center ensures the perfect chewy texture.
Are these cookies safe for my pets or people with allergies?
Good question! Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles are not suitable for pets, especially because of the sugar and potential chocolate mixes. For those with allergies, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure to pick allergen-free sprinkles for a safer treat.
Can I customize the drops or sprinkles?
Absolutely! You can swap in almond extract for a fun twist, or mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even nuts for different textures and flavors. Feel free to get creative with seasonal sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion!
Irresistibly Soft Drop Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until well blended. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix on low speed until combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed mixture and blend until just combined.
- Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles using a spatula.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but centers are soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks.
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