Slice and Bake Sprinkles Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a cookie that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious, then the Slice and Bake Sprinkles Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies are pure joy wrapped in colorful sprinkles, boasting a buttery, tender crumb with just the right amount of vanilla and almond flavor to keep your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring a bit of patience but very little fuss, making them perfect for everything from casual tea times to festive celebrations. Get ready to fall in love with a slice-and-bake that delivers smiles in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slice and Bake Sprinkles Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and eye-catching color.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): The base that adds richness and tenderness to your cookies.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp edge.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a soft, chewy center.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or flavoring: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract or flavoring: Adds a subtle nutty note that elevates the overall taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, determining its body and chewiness.
• Sprinkles: For a playful, colorful coating that makes these cookies even more irresistible.

How to Make Slice and Bake Sprinkles Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by using a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, helping your cookies rise slightly and develop that tender texture we love.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Next, mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined. These flavors create a beautifully fragrant base that hints at the classic allure of slice-and-bake cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently beat in the salt and all-purpose flour, making sure to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl. The dough will start to come together but remain soft. Don’t worry if it feels a bit delicate—this softness is what will give you the tender crumb on baking.

Step 4: Form the Dough Logs

Divide the dough roughly in half and place each half on a double layer of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to shape the dough into logs approximately two and a half inches wide. It’s a little tricky because the dough is soft, but getting close to a log shape now makes slicing later much easier.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the logs tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours. This chilling step is key—it firms up the dough so that when you bake your slice and bake sprinkles cookies, the shapes hold perfectly and flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Take one log out of the fridge and roll it gently on the counter (still wrapped) to round it out further if needed.

Step 7: Add the Sprinkles Coating

If you want that magical sprinkle-dusted effect, pour sprinkles into a shallow tray. Remove the plastic wrap from the log and roll it in the sprinkles to evenly coat the outside. This adds beautiful color and a little crunch on the edges with every bite.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange them on your baking sheet. Give each cookie a gentle nudge with your fingers to perfect their round shape. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn a light golden hue. For a softer cookie, stick closer to 10 minutes; if you prefer a crispier edge, bake a bit longer.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up without losing their delicate texture. Now, your Slice and Bake Sprinkles Cookies Recipe is ready to impress!

How to Serve Slice and Bake Sprinkles Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While the colorful sprinkles are a star garnish themselves, you can get creative by pairing these cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair. Fresh berries on the side add a bright, fresh contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Slice and Bake Sprinkles Cookies make the perfect companion to a warm cup of tea, a classic glass of milk, or even a rich hot cocoa on chilly days. These simple pairings highlight the cookie’s buttery vanilla and almond notes without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the cookies stacked on a decorative platter or arranged in festive shapes. Wrapped in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon, they make lovely homemade gifts that everyone will adore. You can also sandwich a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two weeks, making them a perfect treat to enjoy over time or share with friends and family.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 12 months, which is fantastic for planning ahead. Just thaw in the refrigerator before slicing, coating with sprinkles, and baking. Baked cookies also freeze well—store them in a freezer-safe container for long-term enjoyment.

Reheating

If you want to bring your stored cookies back to life, let them come to room temperature, or warm them slightly in a low oven for a few minutes. This helps refresh that just-baked softness and crunch, making them seem freshly made all over again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! You can experiment with all sorts of sprinkles—from classic rainbow nonpareils to chocolate jimmies or even holiday-themed sprinkles. Just be sure to use enough to coat the dough well for both visual appeal and textural contrast.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

No worries! You can simply leave it out or substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract. While almond extract adds a lovely subtle depth, your cookies will still be deliciously rich and vanilla-forward.

How thick should I slice the dough?

Slice the dough into about 1/4-inch thick rounds for the perfect balance of tenderness and crispness. Thinner slices will bake crispier, while thicker ones stay softer in the center. It’s very much a personal preference!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, so look for a blend that includes xanthan gum or similar stabilizers to mimic the binding properties of wheat flour.

How long should I chill the dough?

Chilling for at least 4 hours is important to firm up the dough, making it easier to slice and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking. If you’re short on time, even an hour or two helps, but overnight chilling is best for flavor development.

Final Thoughts

This Slice and Bake Sprinkles Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to bring color, flavor, and a little bit of magic to your baking routine. Its simple ingredients and approachable technique make it a winner for bakers of all skill levels. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these cookies as I do every time I pull a fresh batch from the oven. Trust me—friends and family will be asking for the recipe again and again!

Print