Name: Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cups unsalted butter (softened); ¼ cup shortening; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup red, green, and white sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 66 reviews

If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with colorful jimmies and a soft, tender crumb enriched by a hint of vanilla pudding, these cookies bring joy with every bite. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack, these Sprinkle Cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with a round yellow dough ball in the center. Around the dough ball is a thick layer of small red, green, and white cylindrical sprinkles, covering the plate in a colorful ring. The yellow dough ball is smooth with a soft texture, and the sprinkles are scattered densely and evenly, creating a festive and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sprinkle Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role— from the butter and shortening creating that perfect buttery softness, to the instant vanilla pudding adding moisture and a tender crumb, and of course, the sprinkles that crown each cookie with festive color and crunch.

¾ cups unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough and keeps the cookies tender.
¼ cup shortening: Adds extra softness and helps maintain the cookie’s shape while baking.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens naturally and helps create a slightly crisp edge on each cookie.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s soft texture.
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor throughout the dough.
2 ½ cups flour: Forms the structure of the cookies, ensuring they hold together without being tough.
1 box instant vanilla pudding: Adds moisture and enhances the softness, plus a subtle vanilla punch.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides the gentle lift that makes these cookies light and fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
1 cup red, green, and white sprinkles: Brings festive color and a delightful pop of texture.

How to Make Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare your baking surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, giving you a smooth finish every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Shortening, and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, shortening, and sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is velvety and fluffy. This step is key—it’s where air gets incorporated to give your cookies that perfect light texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Pudding Mix

Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and instant vanilla pudding until everything is fully blended. The pudding mix is a clever secret ingredient that elevates the softness and adds a subtle, creamy flavor you won’t want to miss.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry components provide the essential structure and balance for your cookie dough.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually

Add the flour mixture slowly into the butter mixture, mixing in between additions. This method helps avoid overmixing, which keeps your cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Sprinkles Coating

Pour your festive red, green, and white sprinkles onto a plate or shallow bowl. Using sprinkles in a shallow dish makes it much easier to coat the dough balls evenly, ensuring each cookie is a colorful delight.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop or spoon to create uniform tablespoons, then roll into balls. Press each ball gently into the sprinkles, rolling it around until fully coated. This step is what makes these cookies stand out with their cheerful appearance.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the sprinkle-covered dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart for optimal spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers are set, promising a soft yet sturdy cookie.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period lets the cookies firm up just right, so they’re perfectly chewy and not fragile.

How to Serve Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

A white plate is full of small round cookies. Each cookie has a pale yellow base covered with red, green, and white sprinkles that give a rough texture. The cookies are stacked slightly on top of each other, showing many layers in the pile. The plate is sitting on a piece of green fabric decorated with light green and yellow snowflake shapes. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle Cookies are naturally festive thanks to their colorful outer layer, but you can elevate their look with a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness or drizzle with melted white chocolate to amp up the decadence.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of your favorite tea or coffee. The creaminess of the beverage complements the sweet, buttery cookie flavors beautifully and balances the sugary sprinkles.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange Sprinkle Cookies on a vibrant holiday-themed platter or stack them in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon. Mini cookie stacks make charming edible gifts and add a playful burst of color to dessert tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Sprinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the week or save for special moments.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies fresh even longer, freeze them in a tightly sealed container or zip-top bag. They freeze wonderfully and can be kept for up to three months without losing that tender texture or vibrant sprinkle coat.

Reheating

To enjoy your sprinkle cookies warm and soft, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven (about 300 degrees F) for a few minutes. This simple step revives that freshly-baked goodness in seconds.

FAQs

Can I use different colored sprinkles?

Absolutely! The Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is versatile when it comes to sprinkles. Feel free to use any color combination you like to suit the occasion, making them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a whimsical treat.

What if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix?

You can substitute with 3 tablespoons of vanilla pudding powder or increase the vanilla extract slightly, though the texture might be a bit less soft without the pudding’s moisture-boosting properties.

Why do some cookies spread too much when baked?

Over-softened butter or too little flour can cause excessive spreading. Be sure to use the exact ingredient measurements and keep the baking temperature steady at 350 degrees F to maintain that ideal cookie shape.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. This substitution keeps the texture similar while making the cookies safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How long will these cookies last once baked?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, Sprinkle Cookies stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a fantastic option without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about baking and sharing cookies that look as delightful as they taste, and this Sprinkle Cookies Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, making holiday memories, or just treating yourself, these cookies are easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. So grab your mixing bowl and sprinkles, and let’s make some magic happen together!