Funfetti Cookies

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Funfetti cookies have carved out their own spot on the dessert table. With their colorful sprinkles and sweet, buttery richness, they’re a playful nod to classic birthday cake—but packaged in a soft, chewy treat. Whether you’re baking for a party, celebrating a milestone, or just need something cheerful on a regular day, a batch of homemade funfetti cookies does the trick. Here’s everything you need to create a plateful of cookies that not only look vibrant but taste like pure celebration.

What are Funfetti Cookies?

Funfetti cookies are essentially soft sugar cookies full of rainbow sprinkles. They burst with vanilla flavor and sometimes feature almond extract, which gives a subtle “cake batter” aroma. The main charm comes from their unmistakable appearance—a buttery cookie dotted with bright bits of color.

Unlike drop sugar cookies, funfetti cookies are more forgiving. They don’t require rolling or cutting; just scoop and bake. This makes them perfect for all skill levels, from first-time bakers to seasoned pros.

Why Bake Funfetti Cookies?

Funfetti cookies offer several advantages:
– Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or techniques required.
– Versatile: Adapt the sprinkles to the season, add your favorite chips or nuts, or tweak flavors.
– Kid-Friendly: Children love to help with adding sprinkles or scooping dough.
– Perfect for Gatherings: They’re approachable and instantly brighten any occasion—think birthdays, baby showers, or office parties.

Ingredient Overview

Let’s look at what you’ll need and why each item matters:

Tip: Stick with the “jimmies” style of sprinkles—rods or sticks, not nonpareils—as they keep their color and don’t bleed into the dough.

How To Make Funfetti Cookies

1. Gather and Prep

Let the butter and eggs come to room temperature before beginning. This makes blending smoother and creates a more even dough. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Use a stand mixer or handheld mixer for two to three minutes, until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step traps air, giving the cookies lift.

3. Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in one large egg plus an extra yolk. This combo produces a moist, chewy bite. Add vanilla extract and almond extract. Blend until just combined.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Adding dry ingredients separately prevents uneven mixing and clumps.

5. Combine and Add Sprinkles

Gradually blend the dry mix into the wet ingredients using a low mixer speed or a sturdy spatula. When there’s still a little visible flour, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles. Avoid overmixing—just enough to distribute the sprinkles for maximum color.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This resting period:
– Firms up the fats, limiting spread during baking
– Lets the flour hydrate
– Helps flavors meld

If you’re short on time, you can scoop dough balls before chilling to make baking go quicker.

7. Scoop, Roll, and Bake

Scoop dough into generous tablespoon-sized balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons), spacing them a couple of inches apart on prepared baking sheets. For an extra burst of color, gently roll each ball in additional sprinkles.

Bake for 10–12 minutes. Look for edges set and just starting to brown, with centers still a little soft and puffy. They’ll settle as they cool.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up while keeping the centers moist. Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Tips for Perfect Funfetti Cookies

• Don’t skip chilling: Cold dough holds its shape and keeps cookies thick.
• Check your sprinkles: Use quality jimmies or confetti sprinkles, avoiding nonpareils or sanding sugar to prevent melting or color bleeding.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup, then level it off. Too much flour = dry cookies.
• Do not overbake: Cookies often look slightly underdone at first. They continue to firm up as they cool.
• Flavor tweaks: Try white chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, or toasted coconut for variety.

Funfetti Cookies: Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

It’s easy to personalize your batch:

• Gluten-Free: Swap in a trusted 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, and double-check your sprinkle ingredients.
• Holiday Themes: Swap classic rainbow sprinkles for red-and-green (Christmas), pastels (Easter), or black-and-orange (Halloween).
• Add-ins: Stir in small chocolate chips, chunks of white chocolate, or chopped toasted nuts for a flavor twist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funfetti Cookies

Can I freeze funfetti cookie dough?

Yes. After portioning the dough, freeze on a baking tray until firm, then transfer balls to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute to baking time.

Why did my sprinkles melt or bleed?

Using the wrong type of sprinkle can cause this. Jimmies—long, rod-shaped sprinkles—work best. Opt for reputable brands whenever possible.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Absolutely. You can chill dough in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for three months. If baking later, let dough sit out for five minutes so it softens slightly.

Funfetti Cookie Storage and Make-Ahead Options

How To Store

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to seven days. Layer with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Make Ahead

Shape the dough balls and chill for up to three days before baking. You can also bake a batch in advance, then freeze for easy, spontaneous snacking.

Funfetti Cookie Recipe

Ingredients List

• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon fine salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110g) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• ¾ cup (110g) rainbow jimmies (plus extra for rolling)

Step-by-Step Directions

• Cream the butter and both sugars in a mixing bowl for 2–3 minutes on medium speed.
• Add the egg, yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix until blended.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually pour the dry mix into the wet, mixing on low speed. When only a little flour remains, fold in the sprinkles.
• Cover the bowl and chill the dough for 2 hours.
• Scoop tablespoon-sized balls, roll in more sprinkles if desired, and space them on lined baking trays.
• Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
• Rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Homemade funfetti cookies are all about sharing something joyful—each bite is soft, chewy, and packed with happy color. The flavor is nostalgic, the method is straightforward, and the results never fail to get a smile. Customize them for holidays, swap in your preferred flavors, or double the recipe to spread the cheer far and wide.