Are you craving a sweet treat that's both simple to make and irresistibly delicious? Look no further! This sprinkle sugar cookie recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey. These cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet they deliver maximum flavor and charm. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day you need a little extra sprinkle of happiness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get baking!
Ingredients: You'll only need a few simple ingredients for this recipe.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Assorted sprinkles (jimmies)
Instructions: Let's bake those delightful sprinkle sugar cookies!
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can certainly use a strong arm and a whisk if that's your preference. The key is to get a good amount of air incorporated for a light and airy cookie.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Incorporate Sprinkles
Gently fold in your favorite sprinkles. The more the merrier!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial. It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, resulting in nice, thick, chewy cookies.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious sprinkle sugar cookies!
Tips for the Best Sprinkle Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. Don't melt it!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: This step is essential for preventing spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies.
Variations: Make it your own!
- Different Sprinkles: Get creative with your sprinkle choices! Use different colors, shapes, and sizes.
- Flavored Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 Fat: 5-7g Sugar: 8-10g Protein: 1-2g
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
These easy and delicious sprinkle sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. They’re a guaranteed hit with family and friends, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. Enjoy the baking process and the delightful results!