When it comes to making a colorful treat that’s simple and fun, these Easy and Chewy Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are the perfect cookie recipe. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with sprinkles for a funfetti-inspired look that’s sure to brighten any occasion.

This is an easy recipe that works for all kinds of sprinkles and is perfect for celebrations or just a weekend baking session. Whether you’re baking with kids or whipping up a batch for a party, these cookies are quick to make and packed with cheerful flavor.

Keep reading to learn how to create this perfect sugar cookie!

Ingredients you’ll need

This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, buttery base. Room-temperature butter is the best way to ensure a smooth mixture.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

• Large Egg & Egg Yolk: The yolk makes the dough richer and helps achieve a chewy texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookie comes from this readily used flour.

• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both together help the cookies rise and stay soft.

• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dough.

• Jimmies (Sprinkles): Add color and fun. You can use any rainbow sprinkles, but jimmies work best in the dough.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Add-ons & Substitutions for this Sprinkle Cookies

White Chocolate Chips: Go from simple sugar cookies to white chocolate chip sugar cookies
Chocolate Topping: Use melted chocolate chips or melted chocolate to drizzle on top or dunk the edges of the cookies in for a chocolatey addition
Extract Flavoring: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Sprinkles: Use seasonal sprinkles like Halloween sprinkles or Valentine’s Day sprinkles for a themed batch.

How to Make These Chewy Sugar Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar at medium-high speed for about 1 1/2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, then beat in the whole egg and egg yolk until smooth.

Egg and yolk added to the creamed butter and sugar

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing at low speed until combined. Avoid overmixing for soft sugar cookies. Fold in the sprinkles gently to keep them from breaking.

Use a cookie scoop to form cookie dough balls, about 3 tablespoons each. If the dough is very soft and sticky, chill it for 15 minutes. If desired, roll in a bowl of your choice of sprinkles or simply sprinkle with a few on top. I used jimmies mixed in the dough, and a mix of jimmies and nonpareils to sprinkle on top before baking.

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2.5 inches apart.

Bake cookies in the lower thirds of the oven for 10-15 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will remain slightly soft. Let the baked cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

Using a kitchen scale or the spoon and level method to measure your flour is a good rule of thumb to avoid overly dry cookies.
Use jimmies for mixing into the batter—they hold up well and won’t bleed. Nonpareils should only be used to decorate the tops of the cookies.
For perfectly shaped cookies, when they’re fresh out of the oven and still warm, use a round cookie cutter slightly larger than the cookie to gently nudge the edges into a perfect circle. Work quickly, as the cookies will set as they cool.
Chill time is optional but helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Always bake a second batch on a cooled cookie sheet to avoid uneven baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Jimmies?

Often called sprinkles in some regions, jimmies are long, thin sugar strands that add color and fun to your cookies. Unlike nonpareils, which are small, round, and crunchy, jimmies are softer and better suited for mixing into cookie dough without affecting the texture. You can use any type of sprinkles you like, but jimmies work best in the dough.

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before scooping.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a cookie sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, layering parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Seal tightly, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Why should I use parchment paper when baking cookies?

There are a few reasons:

1. It provides a non-stick surface, so cookies slide off easily without the need for greasing the baking sheet

2. It helps distribute heat more evenly across the bottom of the cookies, reducing the risk of uneven browning or burnt bottoms

3. It eliminates the need to scrub the baking sheet

Can I reuse sheets of parchment paper?

Yes, you can often reuse the same sheet of parchment paper for multiple batches, making it cost-effective.

Why do I need to use both baking soda and baking powder?

We use both baking soda and baking powder in a recipe when you need to balance the leavening effects and achieve the desired texture. Using both allows the recipe to balance acidity, achieve proper rise, and create a specific texture.

For instance, in cookies, it might prevent them from being too flat or too puffy.

Check out more amazing sprinkle and birthday-inspired recipes below, or take a look at this link for more cookie recipes.