Name: Easy Funfetti Cookies- Best Homemade Sprinkles Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 54 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

Funfetti cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a vibrant burst of pure joy baked right into a chewy, tender bite. Who can resist the kaleidoscope of colorful sprinkles scattered throughout a perfectly golden-brown cookie? It’s the unofficial anthem of any celebration, bringing smiles to faces of all ages. What makes these Funfetti cookies so universally loved? It’s that delightful contrast of a slightly crisp edge giving way to a soft, buttery center, all punctuated by the fun, playful crunch of those rainbow sprinkles. They’re incredibly simple to make, yet the impact is huge, transforming an ordinary day into something wonderfully special. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, these Funfetti cookies promise to deliver a dose of delicious happiness.

Ingredients:

Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened for the cookie dough.
Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, for sweetness.
Brown sugar: 3/4 cup, packed for moisture.
Eggs: 2 large, for binding.
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.
All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, for structure.
Baking soda: 1 tsp, for leavening.
Salt: 1/2 tsp, to balance sweetness.
Rainbow sprinkles: 1/2 cup, for color in the cookie dough.
Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened for cheesecake filling.
Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup, for cheesecake filling sweetness.
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for cheesecake filling flavor.
Rainbow sprinkles: 1/4 cup, for color in the filling.

Making the Funfetti Cookie Dough

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

To get started on these delightful Funfetti Cookies, we’ll begin by creating the base of our cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. It’s crucial that the butter is truly softened, not melted. This will allow it to cream properly with the sugars, incorporating air that will contribute to a tender cookie. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients together for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll notice it becomes paler in color and significantly increases in volume. This step is key to achieving that perfect cookie texture, so don’t rush it!

Adding Wet Ingredients and Dry Ingredients

Next, we’ll incorporate the wet ingredients into our creamed butter and sugar mixture. Add the two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully combined. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any pockets of bitterness or uneven rising in your cookies. Once the dry ingredients are well combined, gradually add them to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies.

Incorporating the Funfetti

Now for the fun part – the “fun” in Funfetti Cookies! Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles into the cookie dough using a rubber spatula. Be sure to mix them in just until they are evenly distributed. We want vibrant flecks of color throughout our cookies, but overmixing can cause the colors to bleed into the dough, making it look muddy. The goal is to see distinct sprinkles. The dough will be slightly sticky at this point, which is perfectly normal. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is an essential step that allows the fats to solidify, making it easier to handle and scoop, and it also helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious cookie.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

Whipping the Cream Cheese Base

While the cookie dough is chilling, let’s prepare the luscious cream cheese filling that will make these Funfetti Cookies extra special. In a clean medium mixing bowl, add the 8 oz of softened cream cheese. It’s important that the cream cheese is fully softened, just like the butter for the cookies, to ensure a smooth and lump-free filling. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure all the cream cheese is incorporated.

Sweetening and Flavoring the Filling

Now, we’ll add sweetness and flavor to our cream cheese base. Gradually add the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar to the beaten cream cheese. Mix on low speed until just combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Next, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will add a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the filling. Finally, gently fold in the remaining 1/4 cup of rainbow sprinkles. Just like with the cookie dough, mix until they are evenly distributed. You’ll have a beautiful, colorful, and subtly sweet cream cheese filling ready to go.

Assembling and Baking the Funfetti Cookies

Forming and Filling the Cookies

Once the cookie dough has chilled sufficiently and your cream cheese filling is ready, it’s time to assemble these delightful Funfetti Cookies. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Take about a tablespoon of the chilled cookie dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of the dough. Then, carefully bring the edges of the cookie dough up and around the filling, sealing it completely. Roll the dough into a smooth ball, ensuring there are no gaps where the filling can escape during baking. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. You want to give them enough space to spread slightly as they bake.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still appear slightly soft. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your cookies, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up further before you attempt to move them. After the initial cooling period, carefully transfer the Funfetti Cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If you try to move them too soon, they might fall apart. Once cooled, these vibrant cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – the ultimate guide to baking the most delightful Funfetti Cookies! We’ve covered everything from the basic ingredients to achieve that perfect chewy texture to creative ways to customize your batches. These vibrant cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, guaranteed to bring smiles to any occasion. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy and have fun with the decorating process; that’s half the joy of making these cheerful treats!

I hope this recipe inspires you to whip up a batch of these delicious Funfetti Cookies soon. They are fantastic on their own, but also pair wonderfully with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For variations, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the dough, or perhaps some white chocolate chips alongside the sprinkles for an extra layer of sweetness. You can also experiment with different sprinkle colors to match a specific holiday or celebration.

Remember, the most important ingredient is love and a willingness to experiment. So, preheat your ovens, gather your sprinkles, and let the baking adventure begin! I can’t wait to hear about your delicious creations. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Funfetti Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply bring the dough to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why are my Funfetti Cookies spreading too much?

This can happen for a few reasons. Ensure your butter and sugar are not over-creamed, as this incorporates too much air. Also, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.