Brighten up your child’s day with these delightful Funfetti Cookies!
Bursting with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make.
Perfect for birthday parties, after-school snacks, or just because, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Plus, they’re super simple to prepare, making them a great baking project for kids.
Funfetti Cookies
A Burst of Color and Joy in Every Bite! 🎊
Ingredients
- 2 ⅛ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (85g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sprinkles (or up to ⅔ cup for extra fun!)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup later. Set the prepared baking sheets aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt. Sifting not only ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed but also helps to aerate the flour, which can contribute to a lighter texture in the cookies. Once sifted, set this mixture aside; it will be incorporated into the wet ingredients later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large mixing bowl, fitted with a paddle attachment if using a stand mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat the mixture on medium-low speed for about 4 minutes. The goal here is to cream the butter and sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates air pockets that will give the cookies a soft texture. Be patient with this step, as proper creaming is essential for the final texture of your cookies.
4. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar mixture is sufficiently creamed, add in the large egg and pure vanilla extract. Beat on low speed just until the egg and vanilla are fully incorporated into the dough. Over-beating at this stage can result in tough cookies, so mix just until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients. You can do this in portions to prevent the flour from spilling out of the bowl. Beat on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain. It’s important not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies.
6. Fold in the Sprinkles
With the dough fully mixed, gently fold in the sprinkles. Use a spatula to ensure the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Mixing by hand at this stage helps to avoid overworking the dough, which is crucial for maintaining a tender cookie texture.
7. Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into balls, each about 1.5 tablespoons in size. Roll the dough between your hands to create smooth, uniform balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread while baking without merging into each other.
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you’re looking for the edges to just begin turning golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. This ensures a chewy texture once they cool.
9. Cool the Cookies
After removing the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This initial cooling period helps the cookies set, making them easier to transfer without breaking. After this time, gently move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Yes, you can use any type of sprinkles you like! Rainbow sprinkles are popular, but you can also use themed sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
4. What if I don’t have a paddle attachment?
No worries! You can use a hand mixer instead. Just be sure to mix at a medium-low speed to avoid overmixing.
5. How do I keep the cookies soft?
To keep the cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help maintain their softness.
