If you’re craving a treat that brings a pop of color and a huge smile to your morning routine, look no further than Rainbow Sprinkle Scones. These whimsical, fluffy scones are bursting with all the best bakery flavors—rich cream, real butter, sweet vanilla—and, of course, those irresistible rainbow sprinkles that make every bite utterly delightful. Whether you’re baking with kids or just channeling your own playful side, this recipe promises scones that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Rainbow Sprinkle Scones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these cheerful scones, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—each one plays a special part in creating flavor, texture, and that iconic colorful flair. Here’s what makes every component shine:

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for tender, flaky scones.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the dough.
Baking powder: Lends essential lift, ensuring your scones rise beautifully.
Salt: Brightens all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Gives you those dreamy, layered scone bites (don’t skip the chilling!).
Rainbow sprinkles: The star of the show, these not only add color but a playful crunch in every bite.
Heavy cream: Makes the dough rich and ultra-moist for melt-in-your-mouth scones.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together while giving extra richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and brings those sweet, bakery notes.
Coarse sugar for topping (optional): Adds a sparkly, toasty finish to the tops of your scones.

How to Make Rainbow Sprinkle Scones

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step will save you from scrubbing stuck-on bits later! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the leavening is evenly distributed, which is key for consistently fluffy Rainbow Sprinkle Scones.

Step 2: Work in the Butter

Drop your cold, diced butter right into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or a sturdy fork to cut the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs. The key is to keep those butter bits cold and visible; this technique creates those pillowy, buttery pockets that make scones so special.

Step 3: Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently stir in the rainbow sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix at this stage—too much handling can break up the sprinkle colors too much, and you want bright pops scattered through your dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. This will help distribute the egg and vanilla evenly, giving the scones uniform flavor and color inside.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently and quickly stir together until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few floury spots—overmixing can make scones tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Shape and Cut

Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. With gentle hands, knead it just a few times until it comes together, then pat it into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, just like slicing a pizza.

Step 7: Bake

Arrange the wedges on your lined baking sheet, leaving a little space for spreading. Brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream and, if you like, a sprinkle of coarse sugar. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the edges look just set. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery in no time!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Rainbow Sprinkle Scones cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Serve them slightly warm—this is when the magic truly happens, and each bite is perfectly soft inside with crisp, sugar-topped edges.

How to Serve Rainbow Sprinkle Scones

Garnishes

For extra flair, try topping your scones with a handful of additional rainbow sprinkles before baking, or dust with a bit more coarse sugar once they’re fresh out of the oven. A drizzle of simple vanilla glaze works beautifully, too, giving each scone a sweet finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Rainbow Sprinkle Scones pair perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream, a swirl of fruit preserves, or even a light cream cheese spread. A fresh fruit salad or a juicy orange wedge alongside your scone makes breakfast feel extra-special without extra effort.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your scones in a circle on a cake stand for a stunning centerpiece at brunch, or serve them piled high in a basket lined with a cheerful napkin. For parties, wrap individual scones in clear cellophane and tie with colorful ribbons—the perfect grab-and-go treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have any Rainbow Sprinkle Scones left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two days, but I promise they’re tastiest on day one when they’re still soft and fragrant.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the scones. Once completely cooled, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll maintain their texture and color for up to three months—just remember to label the bag so you never lose track of these happy little gems.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a scone in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked magic so each bite tastes just like it came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! While classic rainbow jimmies are the most fun and reliable for Rainbow Sprinkle Scones, you can use other shapes or colors to fit any occasion—just make sure they’re bake-safe so they don’t melt or bleed too much.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

For best texture, heavy cream is ideal, but you can substitute with full-fat canned coconut milk or a mixture of whole milk and a tablespoon of melted butter. The end result will still be delicious and satisfyingly rich.

Why is cold butter important in this recipe?

Cold butter is the secret to those signature flaky, tender scone layers. When the cold butter melts in the oven, it creates steam, which gives your Rainbow Sprinkle Scones their delicate, airy lift and crisp edges.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, cut it into wedges, and refrigerate overnight on a baking sheet covered loosely with plastic wrap. Bake straight from the fridge—add an extra minute or two to the oven time for perfect results.

How do I keep the sprinkles from bleeding into the dough?

To help sprinkles stay vibrant, gently fold them in right before adding wet ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough. Using good-quality, wax-coated jimmies also helps the colors keep their shape during baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing Rainbow Sprinkle Scones—each one is a bright, tasty reminder that the simplest ingredients can turn an ordinary morning into something extraordinary. I hope you’ll give them a try soon and let their joyfulness brighten up your kitchen!

Rainbow Sprinkle Scones Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Rainbow Sprinkle Scones are a colorful and fun twist on the classic scone. Packed with rainbow sprinkles and topped with a sugary crust, these scones are perfect for a delightful breakfast treat or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
3/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coarse sugar for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough just comes together.
Shape and bake: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead it a few times, pat it into a circle, and cut into wedges. Place the scones on the baking sheet, brush with heavy cream, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and serve: Cool the scones slightly before serving.