There's something magical about biting into a soft, chewy cookie filled with colorful sprinkles. This funfetti cookie recipe transforms an ordinary sugar cookie into a celebration-worthy treat that's sure to bring smiles to faces young and old. Whether you're planning a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply craving something sweet and cheerful, these funfetti cookies deliver pure joy in every bite. Best of all, they're incredibly easy to make from scratch, giving you better results than any funfetti cookie mix could provide.
Why You'll Love These Funfetti Cookies Recipe
These vibrant, sprinkle-studded cookies are more than just eye candy. They feature a perfectly buttery, vanilla-forward base that stays soft for days, while the rainbow sprinkles add both festive color and a subtle crunch. The dough comes together in minutes, making these cookies an excellent choice for last-minute baking needs or when you're craving something sweet and fun.
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Ingredients
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles
Optional: ¼ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats
- Let butter and eggs come to room temperature if you haven't already
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt
- Set aside this dry mixture for later
Create the Cookie Base
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes)
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated
- Add vanilla extract and mix until combined
Combine and Add Sprinkles
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles (and white chocolate chips if using)
- Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause tough cookies
Shape and Bake
- Using a cookie scoop, portion dough into 2-tablespoon balls
- Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden
- Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks
Storage Instructions
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container
- Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking
Recipe Variations
- Birthday Cake: Add 1 teaspoon almond extract for a cake batter flavor
- Holiday Theme: Use seasonal colored sprinkles to match any celebration
- Double Chocolate: Add ½ cup cocoa powder (reduce flour by same amount)
- Cream Cheese: Substitute ¼ cup of butter with cream cheese for extra richness
Equipment For Funfetti Cookie Recipe
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons)
- Wire cooling rack
Top Tip
- Use jimmies sprinkles rather than nonpareils (the tiny round ones), as jimmies won't bleed their colors into the dough
- Don't overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to work with
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better incorporation and more even baking
FAQ
Is Funfetti the same as Rainbow Chip?
Funfetti and Rainbow Chip are different. Funfetti contains small, colorful sprinkles that melt during baking to create colorful speckles throughout the cake. Rainbow Chip, on the other hand, contains actual pieces of colored chocolate or candy chips that maintain their shape and provide texture. While both are colorful, their ingredients and final appearance differ significantly.
Is it OK to put sprinkles on cookies before baking?
Yes, you can put sprinkles on cookies before baking, but the type of sprinkles matters. Nonpareils (tiny round sprinkles) tend to bleed color, while jimmies (rod-shaped sprinkles) and quins (flat, shaped sprinkles) hold up better during baking. For best results, press sprinkles gently into the cookie dough before baking to help them stick and prevent rolling off.
What is a Dunkaroo cookie?
A Dunkaroo cookie is inspired by the popular 90s snack "Dunkaroos," which featured vanilla cookies with frosting for dipping. The cookie version typically includes vanilla-flavored cookies with rainbow sprinkles and a cake batter or vanilla frosting flavor profile. Modern recipes often incorporate elements like cake mix and sprinkles to recreate the nostalgic taste of the original snack.
Why is it called Funfetti?
Funfetti gets its name from combining "fun" and "confetti," referencing the colorful sprinkles that look like paper confetti when baked into cake. The term was trademarked by Pillsbury in 1991 when they introduced their rainbow-speckled cake mix. The name captures both the playful nature of the colorful dessert and the visual effect of the sprinkles scattered throughout the cake like confetti at a party.
HOW DID YOUR FUNFETTI COOKIE RECIPE TURN OUT?
How did your Funfetti Cookie Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of soft, buttery vanilla cookies loaded with colorful sprinkles that create a festive treat that's as fun to make as it is to eat. If you're a fan of playful desserts, be sure to try our S'mores Cookies Recipe next - another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Funfetti Cookie Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Some bakers have had great success adding white chocolate chips, while others love incorporating almond extract for extra flavor. Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
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Funfetti Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons)
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles
- Optional: ¼ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in sprinkles gently.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon portions onto prepared sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- Use jimmies sprinkles, not nonpareils
- Don't overbake - centers should look slightly underdone
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients
- Chill dough 30 minutes if too soft
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