Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love making these drop style sprinkle sugar cookies because they bring out the kid in everyone—myself included! There’s something so joyful about biting into a soft, buttery cookie that’s bursting with colorful sprinkles, and the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques. This Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe is perfect when you want a straightforward, fun baking project that ends with delicious, charming cookies ready to brighten any day.

Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together, a holiday treat, or just because it’s Tuesday, this recipe hits the spot. I discovered this trick of chilling the dough before baking, and it really helps the cookies keep their shape and develop that perfect tender bite. You’ll find that these cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, so once you try this Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to sweets.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients—nothing fancy, just basics that come together to create magic. Make sure to use good-quality butter and fresh sprinkles for that perfect taste and pop.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender; spooned and leveled for accuracy.
• Baking powder: Gives just a hint of lift so your cookies aren’t flat and dense.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming; adds richness and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that perfect cookie texture.
• Large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
• Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Sprinkles: The star of the show—adds color and fun texture inside and on top!

Variations

While I adore this classic sprinkle cookie as is, sometimes I like to mix things up based on the occasion or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe; it’s forgiving and fun!

• Gluten-Free: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend once, and the cookies still came out super soft and tasty.
• Different Sprinkles: Using seasonal sprinkles (like red and green for Christmas) instantly transforms these cookies into themed treats.
• Flavor Boost: Adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest can give a fresh twist if you want to experiment.
• Chocolate Chip Mix-In: Sometimes I toss in mini chocolate chips in place of sprinkles for a fun flavor change.

How to Make Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the raising agents and salt are evenly distributed before they meet the wet ingredients. I like to whisk these first to avoid any clumps of baking powder later on.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about one minute. This step is key—it traps air that makes your cookies tender and elevates their texture. Don’t rush this part; slow and steady means better results.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed until everything is well combined. I always scrape down the bowl sides to make sure no pockets of unmixed ingredients remain—this prevents uneven baking.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients, Then Add Sprinkles

Mix the dry ingredients on low speed into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix! Then fold in half a cup of sprinkles. The dough will be thick and sticky, and that’s exactly what you want. You’ll find the dough easy to handle once chilled.

Step 5: Shape the Dough and Add More Sprinkles

Scoop roughly two tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll them into balls. For an extra sprinkle party, lightly dip the tops of the dough balls in more sprinkles before placing them on a lined baking sheet. I like using a cookie scoop for consistent sizes, but a spoon works just fine too.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

This step is my secret to cookies that bake up beautifully — pop those dough balls in the fridge for at least two hours, or up to four days if you want to get ahead of time. Chilling firms the dough so the cookies don’t spread too thin and keeps the texture tender and soft.

Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Place chilled dough balls about 3 inches apart—give them room to spread slightly—and bake for 12-13 minutes. They’ll look soft in the centers but will firm up as they cool. This is when patience pays off.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, even though it’s tempting, this step prevents them from breaking apart while still warm. Then, dig in and enjoy the colorful, tender delights you just created.

How to Serve Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, I love to add a few extra sprinkles right on top once the cookies have cooled, just to amp up the fun factor. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a subtle sweetness and pretty finish without overshadowing those cheerful sprinkles.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a warm mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy snack. They’re also fantastic alongside a simple fruit salad or yogurt parfait if you want a balanced treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these cookies in a layered glass jar or tying a stack with a cute ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also use colorful cupcake liners to serve individual cookies at parties—it makes them look extra festive and keeps things neat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I usually stack mine with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking and keep their texture just right.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dough, I recommend shaping the dough balls first, freezing them on a tray to solidify, then transferring to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, just pop the frozen dough balls straight onto a baking sheet and increase the baking time by a couple of minutes. The cookies still come out just as fresh-tasting!

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I like to heat them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or gently warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel as if they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies Recipe has become a true staple in my kitchen, not only because it’s simple and quick but also because it brings so much happy color and joy with every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try and feel as thrilled as I do every time those cookies come out of the oven just right. Baking these is like wrapping up a little celebration in each cookie—perfect for sharing or sneaking your own sweet treat. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your new favorite sprinkle-packed delight.

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