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For these sweet sprinkle sugar cookies, you need some key ingredients: - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon baking powder - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 ½ cups white sugar - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon salt These ingredients create the base of the cookies. Flour gives structure. Sugar adds sweetness, while butter makes them rich and tender. The egg helps bind everything together. Baking soda and baking powder create a nice rise. You can also use some optional ingredients: - ½ teaspoon almond extract - 3 tablespoons colored sprinkles (plus extra for topping) Almond extract gives a nice twist to the flavor. Sprinkles add fun color and texture. Feel free to skip the almond if you want a classic taste. Each ingredient plays an important role in making perfect sugar cookies. - All-purpose flour: This is the main structure. It makes the cookies hold shape. - Baking soda and baking powder: These are leavening agents. They help the cookies rise and stay soft. - Unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture. It also helps create a tender texture. - White sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps them brown. - Egg: It binds the dough and adds moisture. - Vanilla extract: This gives a warm, sweet flavor. - Salt: Just a little salt balances the sweetness. Understanding these roles helps you appreciate how each ingredient works together. Enjoy baking these delightful treats! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets. Use parchment paper to line them. This step helps prevent sticking. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mix. Set it aside for now. 3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar. Mix until it is smooth and fluffy. This step gives your cookies a nice texture. 4. Beat in one egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you want. Make sure everything is well mixed. This adds flavor to your cookies. 5. Gradually add your dry mix to the wet mix. Stir well to combine. Then, fold in the colored sprinkles. Save some sprinkles for later. 6. Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Place them on the baking sheets, keeping about two inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread while baking. 7. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand. Add a few extra sprinkles on top for a fun look. This step makes your cookies pop with color! 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden. This is a sign they are done. 9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them set. 10. After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to wire racks. Let them cool completely before serving. Enjoy your sweet sprinkle sugar cookies with friends and family! To start, you need soft butter. Take it out of the fridge early. Use a large bowl to mix the butter and sugar. Beat them together until the mix is light and fluffy. This step adds air, which makes your cookies rise. If you rush this, your cookies may not be as soft. Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for light golden edges. The centers may seem a bit soft, but that is fine. They will harden as they cool. If they look too brown, they are overbaked. Store your cookies in a sealed container. This keeps them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. When you want one, just take it out to thaw. Enjoy your sweet treat anytime! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For even better flavor and texture, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the taste. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier creaming and better incorporation into the dough. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center when you take them out of the oven for the best texture. Experiment with Sprinkles: Feel free to mix different types of sprinkles or even chocolate chips into the dough for a fun twist! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your sugar cookies in fun ways. Add zest from a lemon or lime for a fresh twist. You can also use different extracts like coconut or maple. Want a chocolate kick? Mix in cocoa powder for chocolate sugar cookies. For a spice touch, try cinnamon or nutmeg. You can even fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to make them unique. If you need to adjust the recipe for dietary needs, you can do it easily. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce. If you want a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check the blend for baking powder and other ingredients. Decorating sugar cookies is a great way to get creative. After baking, you can use royal icing to create fun designs. Sprinkles are a classic choice and make cookies festive. You can also dip the tops in melted chocolate for a treat. Try using edible glitter for a sparkling effect. Let your imagination run wild and have fun with the designs! After baking, let your cookies cool on a wire rack. Once they are cool, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft for up to one week. If you add extra colored sprinkles, they will look fun and bright in the container. You can also place a slice of bread in the container. This keeps the cookies soft for longer. For long-term storage, use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Be sure to wrap each cookie in plastic wrap first. This adds extra protection against freezer burn. You can store them this way for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature. They will taste just like fresh cookies! Freezing sugar cookies is easy and a great way to save some for later. First, bake and cool the cookies completely. Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This way, they won’t stick together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Mark the bag with the date and type of cookie. This makes it easy to find them later! To make sugar cookies softer, use room temperature butter. Cream it well with sugar. This adds air and lightness. You can also add an extra egg yolk. This keeps the cookies moist. Bake them for a shorter time. Check them when the edges turn golden. The centers should look soft. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set without becoming hard. Yes, you can freeze sugar cookie dough. First, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer bag. This keeps it fresh and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the dough for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Roll and shape it as usual. Then bake according to the recipe. If you don’t have almond extract, use vanilla extract instead. Vanilla gives a nice flavor too. You can also use a splash of milk for moisture. If you want a nutty taste, try hazelnut extract. Always adjust to your taste. Experimenting can lead to fun new flavors! You learned about key ingredients for sugar cookies and their roles. I shared steps to prepare, bake, cool, and serve your cookies perfectly. You now have tips for creaming and checking doneness, plus ways to store your treats fresh. We also explored fun variations and answered common questions. Baking sugar cookies can be fun and easy. With practice, you’ll impress everyone with your skills. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Sweet Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Deliciously soft sugar cookies topped with colorful sprinkles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.5 cups white sugar
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons colored sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the white sugar until smooth.
  • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
  • Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the colored sprinkles, reserving some for topping.
  • Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
  • Flatten each ball slightly and add a few extra sprinkles on top for decoration.
  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add almond extract, but it's optional.
Keyword cookies, dessert, sugar cookies