Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies
There’s something undeniably magical about baking cookies that are both soft and colorful. These Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and bring a smile to everyone who lays eyes on them. With their chewy texture and vibrant sprinkles, they are perfect for any celebration or simply a cozy night in. The combination of buttery goodness and the crunch of sprinkles creates an experience that’s both nostalgic and fun.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore these Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies not just for their delightful taste but for how they effortlessly brighten any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual get-together, or just an afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies add a splash of color and joy. They’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort, yet yield impressive results. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the look of surprise and delight when you present these colorful cookies to friends and family.
What’s in the Bowl
To create these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons clear imitation vanilla extract (real vanilla extract may be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of salt, optional and to taste
- ¾ cup sprinkles (jimmies)
Toolbox for This Recipe
To make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for creaming the butter and sugar.
- Electric mixer: For achieving that perfect creamy texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key!
- Baking sheet: A sturdy sheet to hold your cookies during baking.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cooling rack: For letting your cookies cool properly.
Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies — Do This Next
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add in the large egg, clear imitation vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is smoothly incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and optional salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles
Using a spatula, gently fold in the sprinkles. This will add that fun, colorful element that makes these cookies so special.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Don’t flatten them; these cookies are meant to be fluffy!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies warm or store them for later!
Adaptations for Special Diets
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these adaptations:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup for a less sweet cookie, or use a sugar substitute.
Problems & Prevention
Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to prevent them:
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can also help prevent spreading.
- Cookies Are Too Hard: Avoid overbaking them. They should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center when you take them out.
- Sprinkles Bleed Color: Using jimmies instead of nonpareils can help maintain the color integrity during baking.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To ensure your Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies stay fresh and delicious:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookie dough balls and bake from frozen for fresh cookies any time!
- You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! While jimmies work best for maintaining color during baking, you can use nonpareils or even chocolate chips for a different twist!
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Consider using seasonal-themed sprinkles or adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on top once they cool for a fun decoration.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can either leave it out or substitute it with more vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe can be easily doubled. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven for the extra cookies.
Don’t Miss These
If you love these Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies, don’t forget to check out these other delicious recipes:
Final Thoughts
These Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration in every bite. With their soft and chewy texture, combined with vibrant sprinkles, they are sure to bring joy to anyone who indulges. Perfect for any occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the cookie magic begin! Enjoy every colorful bite of your delightful creations!
Softbatch FUNFETTI-Inspired Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the large egg, clear imitation vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and optional salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cookie dough balls to bake fresh cookies anytime.
- Use jimmies to prevent color bleeding during baking.
