Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe because it brings out a nostalgic, fun vibe in any kitchen. The way colorful sprinkles burst through soft, buttery cookie dough is just magical, and it’s always a hit whether you’re baking with kids or prepping treats for a casual get-together. You’ll find that these cookies are delightfully simple but packed with that homemade charm you can’t get from store-bought versions.

When I first tried these, the best part was seeing how easy the dough comes together and how versatile the recipe is. These cookies don’t require fancy cutters or rolling out dough—just scoop, chill, and bake. Perfect for those moments when you want festive cookies without all the fuss. Once you try this Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe, I bet it will become your go-to for celebrations and everyday sweet cravings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe come together to create a classic taste enhanced by colorful sprinkles both inside and on top. I always recommend using good-quality unsalted butter and fresh baking powder to get the best texture. Also, picking your favorite type of sprinkles can really make this recipe your own.

• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy to keep the cookies tender.
• Baking powder: This little lift helps with the cookie’s texture, giving it a light, soft crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors wonderfully.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature; this is key for better creaming with the sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Provides just the right sweetness and a nice crunch when baked.
• Large egg: At room temperature for smooth mixing and proper dough consistency.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm, inviting notes that make the cookies smell amazing.
• Sprinkles: Use your favorite kind! I love classic rainbow nonpareils, but jimmies work great too.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to play around with the flavors and add ins. Whether you want to make them allergy-friendly or just shake things up for the season, a few tweaks can go a long way.

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with great success—just expect a slightly softer texture.
• Flavor Twists: Adding a bit of almond extract instead of vanilla can change things up deliciously!
• Chocolate Chip Combo: Sometimes I mix mini chocolate chips in with the sprinkles for an extra treat.
• Holiday Colors: Swap sprinkles seasonally (like red and green for Christmas) to make these cookies perfect for any celebration.

How to Make Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your leavening and seasoning is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise uniformly. Set this aside while you get started on the butter and sugar.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about a minute. I like to do this until it gets light and fluffy; this is where your cookies get their tender crumb and great crumbly texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed. The egg adds moisture and richness, while the vanilla is just pure flavor magic.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until everything is just combined—remember, overmixing can make cookies tough. Now stir in half a cup of sprinkles for bursts of color inside every bite.

Step 5: Shape and Chill Your Cookie Dough Balls

Because this is a drop style recipe, scoop large tablespoons (about 2) of dough and roll them into balls. For extra sprinkle fun, dip the tops in more sprinkles before placing them on a plate or lined baking sheet. Cover the dough balls and chill for at least 2 hours—I promise this resting step makes the cookies better by preventing spreading and encouraging soft centers.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and arrange chilled dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 3 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until the edges barely brown but the centers still look soft. Cooling on the sheet for 5 minutes helps them set before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.

How to Serve Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the sprinkles on top shine, but sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish without hiding that colorful sparkle. For holiday versions, you might toss a few edible glitter sprinkles or colored sanding sugar for extra glam.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk—classic combo! For parties, I like to serve them alongside warm cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic treat the whole family loves.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these is in mason jars tied with a cute ribbon as edible gifts. You could also arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with colorful liners to make your cookie table pop at birthdays or baby showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and soft for up to one week. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep moisture in, which is a neat trick I learned for sugar cookies.

Freezing

I find freezing the cookie dough balls before baking works perfectly for when you want fresh cookies on demand. Just scoop and chill the balls on a tray, freeze until hard, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth again, pop a few cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. It revives that soft texture and melty sprinkle goodness incredibly well.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen because it balances ease with that charming homemade touch everyone appreciates. I encourage you to give it a try—not just for holidays or special occasions, but anytime you crave something sweet and colorful without fuss. Baking these cookies is like a little celebration in itself, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the process and the delicious results as much as I do!

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