Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies Recipe

When you're in the mood for a delightful burst of sweetness, look no further than Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies. These cookies are a celebration in every bite. Loaded with colorful sprinkles, they are perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply as a treat to brighten any day.

Photos of Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies Recipe

Most of the ingredients required are kitchen staples like flour, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, butter, and sugar. Cream of Tartar might not be readily available in your pantry, but it's a common ingredient you can find in the baking section of any supermarket. It helps to give the cookies their soft texture. The star of the show, funfetti or sprinkles, can be found in various types and colors in the baking aisle.

Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies Ingredients

All-purpose flour: Used as the base for the cookies, providing structure.

Baking powder and baking soda: These are leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Cream of tartar: This ingredient helps the cookies to maintain their soft texture.

Salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture to the cookies.

Granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps them to brown nicely.

Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Sprinkles: These add color, texture, and a bit of crunch to the cookies.

One reader, Fidelity Knutson says:

These soft-baked funfetti sugar cookies are a delight! The sprinkles add a pop of color and the texture is perfect—crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. They're a hit with kids and adults alike. I'll definitely be making these again!

Fidelity Knutson

Techniques Required for Making Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

How to prepare the cookie dough: Mixing the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients helps ensure even distribution and proper incorporation of the leavening agents.

How to chill the cookie dough: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and the fats to solidify, resulting in a better texture and flavor in the baked cookies.

How to bake the cookies: Baking the cookies at 350 degrees F for 11 to 12 minutes ensures they are cooked through but still soft and chewy in the center.

How To Make Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Your usual cookie recipe but with extra colors! These chewy soft-baked funfetti sugar cookies are loaded with crunchy sprinkles for an extra tasty snack.

Preparation: 2 hours 10 minutes

Cooking: 12 minutes

Total: 2 hours 22 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½cupsall-purpose flour,spooned and leveled
1½tspbaking powder
½tspbaking soda
½tspcream of tartar
¼tspsalt
½cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
¾cupgranulated sugar
1large egg,at room temperature
1tsppure vanilla extract
½cupsprinkles,plus more for topping

Instructions

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until creamed for about 1 minute.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat on high speed until combine for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Beat in ½ cup of sprinkles. The dough will be thick and sticky.
Scoop large sections of dough and roll into balls. If desired, lightly dip the tops of the cookie dough balls in more sprinkles. Place dough balls onto a large plate or lined baking sheet.
Cover and chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 4 days.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
Arrange chilled cookie dough balls 3 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look very soft.
Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 170.32kcal
Fat: 6.58g
Saturated Fat: 4.01g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.72g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.35g
Carbohydrates: 26.44g
Fiber: 0.34g
Sugar: 16.72g
Protein: 1.77g
Cholesterol: 28.67mg
Sodium: 95.48mg
Calcium: 39.64mg
Potassium: 37.06mg
Iron: 0.70mg
Vitamin A: 57.09µg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

When incorporating the sprinkles into the dough, it's important to gently fold them in rather than mixing vigorously. This will prevent the colors from the sprinkles from bleeding into the dough, ensuring that each cookie has distinct, vibrant spots of color. Also, chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a softer, thicker cookie.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Plan ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 days before baking. This allows you to have the dough ready to go whenever you want to bake the cookies.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help you quickly portion out the dough and ensure that all the cookies are the same size, leading to even baking.

Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.

Pre-measure ingredients: Before starting the recipe, pre-measure all the ingredients. This will streamline the baking process and make it more efficient.

Bake in batches: If your oven is not large enough to accommodate all the cookies at once, bake them in batches to ensure even baking and consistent results.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and bowls as you progress through the recipe to keep your workspace organized and make cleanup easier.

Set up a baking station: Gather all the necessary tools and ingredients before starting to bake to avoid searching for items while in the middle of the recipe.

Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you understand the steps and have all the ingredients and equipment ready.

Substitute Ingredients For Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is perfect for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to the cookies.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for granulated sugar. It has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water): This vegan-friendly substitute works well in baking and provides moisture and binding properties similar to a regular egg.
sprinkles - Substitute with chopped nuts or seeds: Chopped nuts or seeds can add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the cookies, replacing the colorful sprinkles while adding a nutritional boost.

Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Elevate the plating: When presenting the soft-baked funfetti sugar cookies, consider using a sleek and modern plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the cookies.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as pansies or violas, to the plate for a visually stunning presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the cookies to stand out, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to add a touch of sophistication and enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Pair with a complementary beverage: Consider serving the cookies alongside a complementary beverage, such as a refreshing glass of milk or a fragrant cup of herbal tea, to elevate the overall dining experience.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For an opulent and luxurious presentation, consider delicately adorning the plate with edible gold leaf to add a touch of glamour to the dish.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cookies in a symmetrical and visually pleasing manner on the plate, creating a sense of harmony and balance in the presentation.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the vibrant colors of the funfetti sugar cookies to take center stage and captivate the senses.

Essential Tools for Making Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients, typically made of metal loops attached to a handle.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, available in various sizes and materials such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Hand mixer: An electric handheld appliance with beaters used for mixing and blending ingredients.
Stand mixer: A countertop appliance with a mixing head and bowl used for mixing, kneading, and whipping ingredients.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Silicone baking mat: A reusable non-stick baking surface made of silicone, used as an alternative to parchment paper.
Baking sheets: Flat, metal sheets used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Wire rack: A rack with a grid-like surface used for cooling baked goods and allowing air circulation.

Storing and Freezing Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.
You can make the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow to come to room temperature then continue with step 7.
Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Unbaked cookie dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake frozen cookie dough balls for an extra minute, no need to thaw. Click here for my tips and tricks on freezing cookie dough.
Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies in the refrigerator or at room temperature. If desired, you can refresh the cookies in a 275°F oven for 5 minutes.
Unbaked cookie dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake frozen cookie dough balls for an extra minute, no need to thaw.

How To Reheat Leftover Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

To reheat soft-baked funfetti sugar cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will help restore the cookies' original texture and flavor, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cookies, as this can cause them to become tough or rubbery. Microwaving is a quick and convenient method, but it may not yield the same texture as oven reheating.
For a more unconventional approach, try using a waffle iron to reheat your funfetti sugar cookies. Preheat the waffle iron and place the cookies inside for 30-60 seconds, depending on the thickness of the cookies and the heat of your waffle iron. This method will create a unique, crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and chewy center, giving your leftover cookies a new twist.
If you prefer a softer, more tender cookie, wrap the sugar cookies in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving them for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the paper towel will help soften the cookies without making them soggy. This method is perfect for those who enjoy a more cake-like texture in their cookies.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed to your liking. This method is ideal for small batches of cookies and offers more control over the reheating process than a microwave.

Interesting Fact About Funfetti Sugar Cookies

The soft-baked funfetti sugar cookies recipe is a delightful treat that is perfect for birthday parties or any celebration. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with the colorful sprinkles. They are a fun and festive addition to any dessert table.

Is Making Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this soft-baked funfetti sugar cookies recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in most households, and the recipe yields a decent batch of cookies. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an affordable treat. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8/10 for its simplicity, delightful taste, and budget-friendly nature.

Are Funfetti Sugar Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This funfetti sugar cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - all-purpose flour, butter, and granulated sugar - are refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, which can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues when consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals that could provide nutritional benefits.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
Reduce the amount of granulated sugar by 1/4 cup and replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use unsalted grass-fed butter or replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce saturated fat content and increase protein
Add 1/4 cup of finely grated zucchini or carrots to the batter for added moisture, fiber, and nutrients
Use natural, plant-based food coloring or fruit and vegetable powders to create the funfetti effect instead of artificial sprinkles

Editor's Opinion on This Funfetti Sugar Cookie Recipe

The soft-baked funfetti sugar cookies recipe is a delightful treat that combines the classic sugar cookie with a fun burst of color and flavor. The addition of sprinkles adds a playful and festive touch, making these cookies perfect for any celebration or simply to brighten up a regular day. The texture is soft and chewy, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a great option for bakers of all skill levels. These cookies are sure to bring joy and smiles to anyone who enjoys them.

Enhance Your Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a creamy and flavorful side dish that complements the sweetness of the funfetti sugar cookies.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Add a tropical twist to your dessert spread with some caramelized grilled pineapple slices.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Balance out the sweetness of the cookies with some tangy and savory balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts.

Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings: Spice up your dessert table with some sticky and spicy honey Sriracha chicken wings.

Berry Spinach Salad: Offer a refreshing and healthy option with a colorful berry spinach salad to accompany the funfetti sugar cookies.

Similar Recipes to Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The zesty lemon and fragrant herbs infuse the chicken with bright and savory flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a tropical and healthy dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The creamy coconut milk and sweet mango create a luscious pudding that is both delicious and nutritious.

Appetizers and Main Courses That Complement Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable savory stuffed mushrooms. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and flavorful herbs will leave everyone wanting more. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for any gathering or party.

Crispy Zucchini Fries: Indulge in these crispy zucchini fries that are the perfect alternative to traditional french fries. The crunchy coating and tender zucchini inside make for a delightful appetizer that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in no time.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and indulgent, this dish features tender chicken and al dente pasta smothered in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It's a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef, savory mushrooms, and tangy sour cream come together in this hearty and flavorful dish. Served over a bed of buttery egg noodles, it's a comforting and satisfying meal.

Why trust this Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies Recipe:

This soft-baked funfetti sugar cookies recipe guarantees a delightful treat with its perfect balance of butter and sugar, resulting in a soft and chewy texture. The addition of sprinkles adds a burst of color and fun, making it a hit for all ages. With precise measurements and a thorough mixing process, this recipe ensures consistent and delicious results every time. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the detailed instructions to create a batch of irresistible funfetti sugar cookies that will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Have you tried making these Soft-Baked Funfetti Sugar Cookies? Share your experience and discuss the recipe with other bakers in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to balance the saltiness.

Can I use a different type of sprinkles?

Absolutely! You can use any type of sprinkles you prefer to customize the cookies to your liking.

Can I skip the chilling step for the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough is essential for the cookies to maintain their shape while baking. I highly recommend not skipping this step for the best results.

How should I store the baked cookies?

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week for optimal freshness.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply let the dough thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking as instructed.