Savory Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

There is something undeniably cheerful about a tray full of bright, colorful treats fresh from the oven. My Sprinkle Cookies recipe brings instant joy with every soft, buttery bite.

Whether you need a quick dessert for a party or just want to bake with the kids, these sugar cookies are effortless. You will love how the cream cheese keeps them incredibly tender for days.

What Makes This Sprinkle Cookies Recipe Special

The secret addition of cream cheese transforms the texture into something delightfully soft and almost cake-like. It balances the sweetness perfectly so you can enjoy more than one.

You can customize these for any holiday simply by swapping out the colors of the nonpareils or jimmies. They are a versatile blank canvas that makes every occasion feel a little more festive.

This dough comes together quickly and is sturdy enough to shape without being difficult to handle. It is the ideal baking project for beginners or busy weeknights.

If you enjoyed this colorful treat, you should definitely try my Ultimate Valentine’s Day Cookies Recipe next. For a different flavor profile that is just as satisfying, the Savory Molasses Cookies Recipe is another favorite in my kitchen.

Everything You Need for Perfect Sprinkle Cookies

Here is the simple grocery list to get you started:

• All-purpose flour: This provides the necessary structure for the cookie dough.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch helps to balance the sugar and enhance the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure this is softened but still slightly cool for the best texture.
• Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create tender edges.
• Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that adds richness and a soft, pillowy crumb.
• Egg: This acts as a binder to hold everything together.
• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best aromatic background note.
• Almond extract: This gives the cookies that classic bakery-style flavor profile.
• Sprinkles: You can use nonpareils, jimmies, or colored sugar depending on your preference.

My Method for Sprinkle Cookies

Let’s get baking with these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
3. Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until well combined.
4. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is fully incorporated.
5. Add the flour mixture slowly and mix just until combined. If the dough feels too sticky due to humidity, chill it for 30 minutes.
6. Place your Sprinkle Cookies decorations in a small bowl. Scoop out 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough, shape into balls, and roll them through the sprinkles to coat.
7. Transfer the coated dough balls to the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie about halfway down using the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake one sheet at a time for about 9 minutes until they look set but slightly under-baked. Cool on the pan briefly before moving to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Sprinkle Cookies

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but still slightly firm to the touch. If they are too warm or melted, your Sprinkle Cookies might spread too much in the oven.

I highly recommend using the almond extract listed in the ingredients for that classic bakery flavor. If you have a nut allergy, you can double the vanilla extract instead.

Be careful not to overbake these or they will lose their signature soft texture. Pull them out when they look set but slightly underdone in the center.

How to Serve This Sprinkle Cookies

These colorful treats look fantastic stacked high on a white platter for a birthday party or holiday gathering. I love pairing a warm Sprinkle Cookies treat with a cold glass of milk.

You can also sandwich two of them together with a layer of frosting for an indulgent whoopie pie effect. They pack well in lunchboxes for a midday surprise that brings a smile.