I love making these mini sugar cookies with sprinkles whenever I want something sweet, colorful, and easy to share. They are soft, buttery, and perfectly bite-sized, with a tender crumb and cheerful pops of sprinkles in every bite. I find them ideal for parties, holidays, or simply when I want a small homemade treat without committing to a large cookie.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons (135g) all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking powde
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
⅔ cup (132g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
⅓ cup (33g) sprinkles (not non-pareils)
Directions
I start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, then I set it aside.
In a separate medium bowl, I whisk the melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Next, I pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until the dough begins to come together. I fold in the sprinkles, making sure they are evenly distributed. I cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
When I am ready to bake, I use a ½ teaspoon measure or a mini cookie scoop to portion the dough. I roll the dough into small balls and press the tops into additional sprinkles if I want extra color. I place them on a plate and refrigerate for another 15 minutes.
I preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. I arrange no more than 12 dough balls per baking sheet. I bake them for 8–9 minutes, just until the edges are set. I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 60 mini cookies
Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Calories: 60 kcal per cookie
Variations
I sometimes swap the almond extract for lemon extract to give the cookies a bright citrus twist. For a chocolate version, I mix in a few mini chocolate chips along with the sprinkles. During the holidays, I use themed sprinkle blends to match the occasion.
If I want a richer flavor, I brown the butter before mixing it with the sugar, which adds a subtle nutty depth. I can also make them slightly larger and extend the baking time by a minute or two for a softer center.
Storage/Reheating
I store the baked cookies tightly covered at room temperature for up to 1 week. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze the baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
When baking frozen dough balls, I simply add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time. I let frozen baked cookies thaw at room temperature before serving. If I prefer them slightly warm, I heat them in the microwave for just a few seconds.
FAQs
Why do I need to chill the dough?
I chill the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also helps develop the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, I can skip the almond extract if I prefer a pure vanilla flavor. The cookies will still taste delicious.
Why shouldn’t I use non-pareils?
I avoid non-pareils because their color tends to bleed into the dough, which can create streaks and discolor the cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. I also freeze portioned dough balls for longer storage.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
I make sure not to overbake them. I remove them from the oven when the edges are just set, and I store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
Conclusion
I find these mini sugar cookies with sprinkles to be one of the easiest and most cheerful treats I can bake. They are soft, buttery, and customizable for any occasion. Whether I prepare them for a celebration or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they always bring a little color and sweetness to my kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
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Mini Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
- Yield: 60 mini cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery mini sugar cookies filled with colorful sprinkles and classic vanilla flavor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a cheerful homemade dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons (135g) all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup (132g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1/3 cup (33g) sprinkles (not non-pareils)
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until the dough begins to come together. Fold in the sprinkles evenly. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
- When ready to bake, use a 1/2 teaspoon measure or mini cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll into small balls and press the tops into additional sprinkles if desired. Refrigerate the dough balls for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange no more than 12 dough balls per baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, just until the edges are set. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading and enhances flavor.
Avoid using non-pareils as their color may bleed into the dough.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Add 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Substitute almond extract with lemon extract for a citrus variation or add mini chocolate chips for a chocolate twist.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
