There’s something about Funfetti cookies that makes them irresistible to both kids and adults. With their vibrant pops of color from the rainbow sprinkles, these cookies are as fun to look at as they are to eat! Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a special treat at home, Funfetti cookies are sure to be a hit.
In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy recipe for making homemade Funfetti cookies, provide some fun variations to try, and share tips for getting that perfect soft, chewy texture.
What Are Funfetti Cookies?
Funfetti cookies are soft, chewy sugar cookies that are filled with colorful sprinkles, giving them a festive and cheerful appearance. The word “Funfetti” comes from the combination of “fun” and “confetti,” referring to the rainbow sprinkles that give the cookies their signature look. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays and holidays to casual family baking days.
One of the best things about Funfetti cookies is how easy they are to make, and they’re a great baking project to do with your kids. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can start baking!
Funfetti Cookies Recipe
Here’s a simple and straightforward recipe for homemade Funfetti cookies. You can whip up a batch in no time, and they bake quickly, making them the perfect last-minute treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (or more, if you love sprinkles!)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for getting the right cookie texture.
- Add the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined. The almond extract adds a hint of extra flavor, but it’s optional if you prefer a classic vanilla taste.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Fold in the sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as the sprinkles can bleed their colors if handled too much.
- Scoop and shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The centers should still be soft and slightly underbaked to ensure a chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Funfetti Cookies
To ensure your Funfetti cookies come out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Don’t overbake: One of the secrets to getting soft, chewy Funfetti cookies is to take them out of the oven while they still look slightly underbaked in the center. They’ll continue to set as they cool, giving you a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Use the right sprinkles: For the classic Funfetti look, use jimmies, the long, soft sprinkles that hold their shape well when baked. Avoid using nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles), as they tend to bleed their color into the dough.
- Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. This will result in thicker, chewier cookies. However, this step is optional, and the cookies will still turn out great if you skip it.
- Double the sprinkles: If you want extra colorful cookies, feel free to add more sprinkles to the dough. You can also gently press a few extra sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking for an even more festive look.
Fun Variations to Try
While classic Funfetti cookies are always a hit, there are several ways to put a fun twist on the traditional recipe. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Chocolate Chip Funfetti Cookies
Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough along with the sprinkles for a delicious combination of rainbow sprinkles and chocolatey goodness. These cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers who want to enjoy a colorful treat.
2. Funfetti Cookie Sandwiches
Turn your Funfetti cookies into delightful cookie sandwiches by spreading a layer of buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or marshmallow fluff between two cookies. You can even roll the edges of the frosting in extra sprinkles for added fun.
3. Gluten-Free Funfetti Cookies
To make gluten-free Funfetti cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that is made for baking cookies and doesn’t affect the texture too much.
4. Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars
If you’re short on time or prefer bars to individual cookies, turn this recipe into Funfetti cookie bars! Press the cookie dough into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Let cool, then slice into squares.
5. Holiday Funfetti Cookies
Swap out the classic rainbow sprinkles for seasonal sprinkles to create Funfetti cookies for any holiday. For example, use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, orange and black sprinkles for Halloween, or red and pink sprinkles for Valentine’s Day.
Why Kids Will Love Funfetti Cookies
Funfetti cookies are a kid-friendly treat that will bring smiles to your little ones’ faces. The colorful sprinkles add an element of fun, and the sweet, soft texture of the cookies makes them easy to enjoy. Plus, baking Funfetti cookies is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen! Let them help mix the dough, add the sprinkles, or scoop the cookies onto the baking sheet.
Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they’re also a fun activity for families to do together, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for fun.
Conclusion
Funfetti cookies are a delightful, colorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a birthday party, a family gathering, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With their soft, chewy texture and festive sprinkles, they bring joy with every bite.
This easy recipe allows you to whip up a batch in no time, and the variations make it versatile enough to enjoy year-round. So, gather your ingredients, grab your favorite sprinkles, and have fun baking these delicious, kid-friendly cookies with your family!
