If you’re looking for the happiest dessert on Earth, you can’t go wrong with Funfetti Cookies. These beauties are loaded with colorful sprinkles that turn an ordinary sugar cookie into a bite of pure joy! The outside edges are lightly crisp, the centers stay chewy, and every mouthful is dotted with vibrant rainbow pops of color. Whether you’re whipping these up for a birthday party, a rainy afternoon treat, or just because you need a dash of cheer, Funfetti Cookies truly make every day feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Funfetti Cookies lies in their simplicity – just a handful of pantry staples, plus those signature sprinkles! Each ingredient plays a special role, from butter lending richness to the sprinkles contributing a burst of color and whimsy.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives these cookies their soft, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps with the cookies’ irresistible crisp edges.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure, binding, and notable richness to each cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends warm flavor and that classic sugar cookie aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, giving it its familiar texture and body.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Provides gentle lift for a light, tender bite.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a touch of spread and helps create those perfectly chewy centers.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
- Rainbow sprinkles, jimmies preferred (1/3 cup): The star of Funfetti Cookies! Use jimmies for the best color and texture.
- Nonpareil sprinkles (2 tablespoons, optional): For a little extra color and crunch, sprinkle some of these over the top.
How to Make Funfetti Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Giving your oven a proper preheat ensures the cookies bake evenly every batch.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab your largest mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for tenderness in Funfetti Cookies. Beat away until the mixture is pale and looks almost cloud-like—it’s worth the extra effort!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. This is when that irresistible sugar cookie aroma starts filling the kitchen, and you know you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to blend these well so every Funfetti Cookie rises and bakes up perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it; you want these cookies to stay tender!
Step 6: Gently Fold in Sprinkles
Delicately fold in the jimmies (and nonpareils, if you like). Folding gently keeps the sprinkles from bleeding too much color into the dough while still making sure every cookie is loaded with cheerful pops of color.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping each mound about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and centers look set. For bakery-style cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes beforehand can give you even thicker, chewier Funfetti Cookies!
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them finish setting up without overbaking, ensuring the best soft centers. Once cooled completely, your Funfetti Cookies are ready to share (or not!).
How to Serve Funfetti Cookies
Garnishes
A little extra flair never hurts! Sprinkle a few extra nonpareils over the freshly baked cookies while they’re still warm. You can also press a few extra jimmies onto the top for a bakery-style finish that makes your Funfetti Cookies irresistible on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
Funfetti Cookies pair fantastically with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a fruity sorbet. For parties, serve them alongside other classic cookies, or arrange with fresh berries for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by sandwiching a layer of ice cream or buttercream between two cookies for DIY funfetti ice cream sandwiches. Stack the cookies on a colorful platter, wrap a few stacks in ribbon for edible gifts, or use them as cupcake toppers for a double dose of celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Funfetti Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes or grabbing for a quick treat.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place fully cooled Funfetti Cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, just pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. You can also reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 2-3 minutes to gently revive their texture.
FAQs
How do I keep the sprinkles from bleeding into the dough?
Fold the sprinkles in gently at the very end, and use jimmies (the longer, rod-shaped kind) since they’re less likely to bleed than nonpareils. Chilling the dough can also minimize color streaking in your Funfetti Cookies.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! This Funfetti Cookies recipe doubles (or even triples) without a problem. Just be sure to bake in batches and rotate your pans for even baking.
Are there other mix-ins I can add?
You can make these your own by adding white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a little almond extract for a flavor twist. Just be careful not to overload the dough, so you keep that perfect Funfetti Cookies texture.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Prepare your dough and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilled dough bakes up thicker and is perfect for making fresh Funfetti Cookies on demand.
Do I have to use nonpareils?
Nope! They’re completely optional and mainly add some crunch and extra color on top. Jimmies are best for folding into the dough, so stick with those if you want classic Funfetti Cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a fresh batch of Funfetti Cookies – every colorful bite brings instant joy! Whether you’re new to baking or a sprinkle enthusiast, I promise these cookies will become a favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try, share them with friends, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
Print
Funfetti Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Funfetti Cookies are delightful, colorful treats that are perfect for any celebration or just to brighten up your day. Made with rainbow sprinkles, these easy sugar cookies are sure to put a smile on your face!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies preferred)
- 2 tablespoons nonpareil sprinkles (optional, for extra color)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add sprinkles: Fold in the sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can also add white chocolate chips or almond extract for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
