Tender Butter Cookies with Colorful Sprinkles

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Tender Butter Cookies with Colorful Sprinkles are a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with a pop of color. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-04T18:58:51.232Z

These Tender Butter Cookies with Colorful Sprinkles are a family favorite that has been passed down for generations. The simple yet delicious recipe makes them perfect for baking with kids or for a festive celebration. With their soft texture and buttery flavor, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness
  • Vibrant sprinkles add fun and festivity
  • Perfectly soft and chewy texture

The Joy of Baking Cookies

Baking cookies is not just about creating delicious treats; it's an experience that brings joy to the kitchen. The aroma of butter and sugar wafting through the air is enough to make anyone feel warm and nostalgic. When you bake these Tender Butter Cookies with Colorful Sprinkles, you’re not just making a snack; you’re creating memories. Whether you're baking alone or with loved ones, the process is both fulfilling and fun.

These cookies are incredibly versatile. You can whip them up for a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or even just a cozy evening at home. The colorful sprinkles add a festive touch, making them perfect for celebrations. Plus, they’re easy to customize; feel free to swap out the sprinkles for chocolate chips or nuts if you prefer!

Perfect Cookies Every Time

One of the secrets to achieving the perfect cookie is to ensure your butter is just the right temperature. Softened butter allows for easy creaming with sugar, creating that light, airy texture that is so characteristic of tender cookies. Make sure to leave your butter out for about an hour before you start baking. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

Another important step is to mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle when incorporating the dry ingredients. This will guarantee that your cookies come out soft, chewy, and absolutely delightful. Also, remember to allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this helps them set up properly.

Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies

Once your Tender Butter Cookies are baked and cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

These cookies are perfect for sharing! Pack them in a decorative box for a sweet gift or take them to your next potluck. Their vibrant colors and delightful taste will surely impress anyone lucky enough to get one. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or simply on their own; they are a treat that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

Baking Tips for Success

For the best results, always use high-quality ingredients. Fresh butter and pure vanilla extract can make a noticeable difference in flavor. Additionally, measure your flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dense cookies.

If you find yourself short on colorful sprinkles, you can easily make your own by mixing food coloring into sugar. Spread it out on a baking sheet to dry before using it in your cookies. This DIY approach allows you to customize colors for any occasion!

Variations to Try

While the classic version of these cookies is delightful, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract can give your cookies a unique twist. You can also mix in different types of sprinkles or even small pieces of dried fruit for a surprising flavor burst.

For a festive touch, consider rolling the cookie dough in sprinkles before baking. This will create a fun exterior that adds even more color and crunch. It’s a simple technique that elevates the presentation and makes your cookies stand out on any dessert table.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the cookies.

→ How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I use instead of sprinkles?

You can use chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit as alternatives to sprinkles.

Tender Butter Cookies with Colorful Sprinkles

Tender Butter Cookies with Colorful Sprinkles are a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with a pop of color. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 large egg
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  6. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 05

Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 06

Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 07

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 1g