Easy Homemade Vanilla Sprinkle Cookies – Perfect for All Occasions

Discover the magic of homemade vanilla sprinkle cookies – a delightful treat that brings back memories of classic Italian-American bakeries.
There’s something truly special about Italian cookies. From the excitement of peering into a glass case filled with an array of sugary delights to the charming red and white string adorning the boxes, these treats hold a special place in many hearts. Whether it’s florentines, biscotti, jam-filled cookies, pinwheels, or pignoli cookies, each variety offers its own unique charm.
Among these beloved treats, the simple sugar cookies coated in sprinkles stand out as a perennial favorite. These tiny, colorful confections add an extra layer of sweetness, texture, and visual appeal that’s hard to resist.
This homemade recipe takes the classic sprinkle cookie to new heights, addressing common issues like dryness or lack of flavor. The result? A cookie with the perfect texture – soft and slightly chewy with lightly crisp edges and a moist center. A generous dose of vanilla and a pinch of salt elevate the flavor profile, while a liberal coating of sprinkles ensures a delightful crunch and sweetness in every bite.
Vanilla Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- About 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter, oil, sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. The dough will be very soft. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and position racks in the upper and lower-middle positions. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Pour sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop, form dough into balls. Roll each ball in sprinkles, ensuring complete coverage. Place on prepared baking sheets. Bake until cookies are golden at the edges, approximately 20 minutes. Allow to cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips
If you don’t have a cookie scoop, a rounded tablespoon works well as an alternative.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
181 | Calories |
10g | Fat |
21g | Carbs |
2g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 24 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 181 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 10g | 13% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 20% |
Cholesterol 23mg | 8% |
Sodium 75mg | 3% |
Total Carbohydrate 21g | 8% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Total Sugars 10g | |
Protein 2g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
Calcium 5mg | 0% |
Iron 1mg | 3% |
Potassium 18mg | 0% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |