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Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookies — Soft, Chewy & Fun!

These Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, buttery, and full of colorful celebration in every bite. Each cookie has a tender vanilla-sweet crumb and is rolled in rainbow sprinkles for that iconic bakery-style funfetti look. They’re joyful, nostalgic, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, parties, or anytime you want to brighten the day. With their soft centers, lightly crisped edges, and irresistible sugar-vanilla flavor, these cookies feel like happiness you can eat. And the best part? They’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients — no chilling required.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • ¾ cup butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-In
  • ½ cup rainbow sprinkles plus more for rolling, optional

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

    View ↗
  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes, until light, creamy, and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla
  1. Add the egg and vanilla extract.
  2. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In another bowl whisk together:
  2. flour
  3. baking powder
  4. baking soda
  5. cornstarch
  6. salt
Step 5: Combine
  1. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
  2. Mix on low until a soft dough forms — do not overmix.
Step 6: Add Sprinkles
  1. Use a spatula to fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently.
Step 7: Shape & Bake
  1. Scoop dough into balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons each).
  2. Roll the tops in extra sprinkles for a bright finish (optional).
  3. Place on baking sheet with space between each cookie.
  4. Bake 8–11 minutes, until edges are just set and centers are soft.
Step 8: Cool
  1. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
  2. They will firm slightly as they cool — don’t overbake!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months.
Warm in the microwave 6–8 seconds to restore softness.
🥄 Variations
Birthday Cake Flavor:
Add ½ teaspoon almond extract.
Double Sprinkle:
Increase sprinkles to ¾ cup for extra fun.
Frosted Sprinkle Cookies:
Add vanilla buttercream and extra sprinkles on top.
Holiday Themes:
Swap rainbow sprinkles for seasonal color sprinkles.
Extra Chewy:
Slightly underbake and let cool on the tray.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I chill the dough?
Yes — chilling 20–30 minutes makes cookies thicker.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes — reduce added salt to a pinch.
Why use cornstarch?
It keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
Can I use confetti sprinkles instead of jimmies?
Use jimmies — nonpareils can bleed color.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze cookie balls and bake from frozen.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Butter was too soft — chill dough briefly next time.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — doubles perfectly.
Can I reduce sugar?
Slightly, but cookies become less chewy.
Are these good for kids?
Yes — they’re a kid-favorite treat.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes — white chocolate chips pair beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
These Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are cheerful, soft, and full of funfetti magic. With their tender centers, bright sprinkles, and buttery vanilla flavor, they bring joy to every bite. They’re the kind of cookie that makes ordinary days feel like celebrations.
Colorful. Cozy. Sweet.
A guaranteed mood-booster cookie.