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Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Bakery-Style)

These Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are happiness in cookie form. Soft, chewy, buttery, and full of colorful sprinkles, they taste just like the classic bakery sugar cookies you grew up loving — but even better. The vanilla-sweet cookie dough bakes up thick, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, while the rainbow sprinkles bring a cheerful and fun finish to every bite. They’re perfect for: Birthdays School treats Holidays Or days when you just want a pop of color and joy Simple, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious — these cookies always disappear fast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake & Chill Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough:
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Mix-Ins:
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles use “jimmies” type to avoid color bleeding
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

step1: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and creamy.
    step2: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
      step3: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
        step4: Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft cookie dough forms.
          step5: Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently to avoid color streaking.
            step6: Cover the dough and chill for 20–30 minutes for thicker, softer cookies.
              step7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
                step8: Roll dough into balls (about 1½ tbsp each). If desired, press extra sprinkles on the outside for a festive look.
                  step9: Place on the baking sheet with space between cookies.
                    step10: Bake 9–11 minutes, until the edges look just set and the centers are still soft.
                      step11: Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

                        Notes

                        🧊 Storage & Reheating
                        Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days at room temperature.
                        Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
                        To refresh: microwave 6 seconds for the warm bakery-soft texture.
                        🥄 Variations (Normal Style)
                        Birthday Cake Flavor:
                        Add 1/2 tsp almond extract for classic “funfetti” taste.
                        Extra Chewy Style:
                        Add 1 extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
                        Vanilla Cream Frosted:
                        Top cooled cookies with a simple vanilla buttercream.
                        Holiday Color Version:
                        Swap rainbow sprinkles for red & green, pastel Easter mix, or valentine mix.
                        Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies:
                        Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
                        ❓ 10 FAQs
                        Why chill the dough?
                        It prevents spreading and keeps cookies soft and thick.
                        Can I use margarine instead of butter?
                        Butter gives best flavor and texture — recommended.
                        What type of sprinkles should I use?
                        Use jimmies style sprinkles — nonpareils bleed color.
                        Can I make these gluten-free?
                        Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
                        Why are my cookies flat?
                        Dough wasn’t chilled long enough — chill longer next time.
                        Can I freeze the dough?
                        Yes! Freeze dough balls up to 2 months.
                        Can I make them smaller?
                        Yes, just reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes.
                        Can I reduce sugar?
                        Reducing sugar will change the texture — not recommended.
                        Can kids help?
                        Absolutely — mixing sprinkles is the fun part!
                        Can I make them extra soft?
                        Remove from oven when centers still look slightly underdone.
                        🏁 Conclusion
                        These Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, colorful, and full of feel-good baking joy. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to brighten any day. One bite and they’ll instantly become a go-to favorite.