Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Name: Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sprinkles (plus more for topping)

Published: June 8, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: No need for rolling pins or intricate shaping; simply drop the dough onto your baking sheet.
Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, providing a delightful bite every time.
Customizable Sprinkles: Use your favorite sprinkles to match any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because!
Quick Cleanup: With minimal tools needed, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your treats.
Perfect Storage: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools! Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone mats
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without mess.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes mixing easy and ensures even blending of ingredients.
Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly.
Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleaning up effortless.

Ingredients

You can make these soft, chewy, sprinkle loaded drop style sugar cookies with only 8 ingredients! No rolling pin or cookie cutters required. Make sure you chill the cookie dough for at least 2 hours before baking.

Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (80g) sprinkles, plus more for topping

How to Make Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside to ensure they are well combined.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat the butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until creamed (about 1 minute).
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat on high speed until combined (around 1 minute).
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients from Step 1 to the wet mixture:
* Mix on low speed until just combined.
* Fold in 1/2 cup of sprinkles, creating a thick sticky dough.

Step 4: Shape the Dough Balls

Scoop large sections of dough (about 2 tablespoons/40g each):
* Roll them into balls.
* For extra sprinkle goodness, lightly dip the tops in more sprinkles before placing them on a plate or lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Chill the Dough Balls

Cover and chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator:
* Let them chill for at least 2 hours (and up to 4 days for better flavor).

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) while you prepare your baking sheets:
* Line them with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Arrange chilled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets:
* Place them about 3 inches apart.
* Bake for 12-13 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Once done:
* Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes.
* Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying!

How to Serve Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

These delightful Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Milk

Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the sweetness of the cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite flavor and add sprinkles for extra fun!

Dessert Platter

Arrange these cookies on a colorful dessert platter with other treats like brownies and fudge for an appealing dessert table at celebrations.

Coffee or Tea

Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The soft texture of the cookies complements the warmth of your drink perfectly.

Gift Packaging

Package these cookies in cute boxes or bags to give as gifts. Add a little tag with baking details for a personal touch.

How to Perfect Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Perfecting your Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least 2 hours. This helps prevent spreading during baking and keeps them fluffy.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and better texture.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour when measuring. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can produce tough cookies instead of soft ones.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time. Remove the cookies when they are lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Consider serving them with one or more of these sides for an enhanced dessert experience.

Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and balance, making it a perfect accompaniment to sweet cookies.
Chocolate Fondue
Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that adds extra richness to your dessert spread.
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt, granola, and cookie crumbles in a glass for a delightful parfait that’s both tasty and visually appealing.
Cheesecake Bites
Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy goodness that pairs well with the chewy texture of sprinkle sugar cookies.
Pudding Cups
Serve individual cups of chocolate or vanilla pudding alongside these cookies for a comforting dessert combo.
Coffee Cake
The crumbly texture of coffee cake makes it an excellent partner, especially enjoyed over brunch or afternoon tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy results.
Skipping the Chill Time: Not chilling the dough can result in flat cookies. Always chill for at least 2 hours to maintain shape and texture.
Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can affect the creaming process. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie doneness. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
Not Measuring Flour Properly: Packing flour into your measuring cup can lead to dry cookies. Spoon and level flour for precise measurements.

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.
Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Why are my Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies spreading too much?

Excess spreading may occur if the dough is not chilled enough. Always chill the dough before baking to maintain shape.

Can I use different sprinkles in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles you like. Colorful or themed sprinkles can add fun variations.

What should I do if my cookies turn out hard?

Hard cookies may result from overbaking or using too much flour. Keep an eye on them while baking and measure flour correctly.

Final Thoughts

These Drop Style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and delightfully colorful, making them perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to customize with different sprinkles or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy baking these delicious treats!

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