If you have a soft spot for everything sweet and colorful, then you are absolutely going to adore this Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the perfect cloud-like softness with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, making every bite a celebration of flavor and fun. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy day craving a treat, these soft funfetti cookies are the ultimate comfort and joy on a plate. They’re simple to make, irresistibly tender, and packed with bursts of playful color that brighten up any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe just right depends on a handful of straightforward but important ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from creating that tender texture to adding a touch of sweetness and a splash of color.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened unsalted butter ensures a creamy base and lets you control the salt levels perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: The classic sweetener that helps create a light, fluffy cookie texture.
- Large egg: At room temperature to keep the dough smooth and to bind all ingredients together seamlessly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a touch to elevate the cookie with a subtle nutty hint.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for that soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, giving them lightness without spreading too thin.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors harmoniously.
- Rainbow sprinkles: The colorful fun factor that transforms these cookies into little edible celebrations.
How to Make Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake from the moment you place your cookies inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is vital for a tender and airy cookie texture; you want to incorporate air so your cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the room-temperature egg, vanilla extract, and, if you’re using it, almond extract. These ingredients bring moisture and a lovely depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and the sprinkles.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed for consistent rising. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, taking care not to overwork the dough to avoid the colors bleeding into the batter. This step is what makes your Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe so visually joyful, turning each cookie into a colorful little masterpiece.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to give them room to spread and puff. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes—as soon as the edges are set and the centers still look slightly underbaked, they’re perfectly done for that soft texture.
Step 7: Cool
After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up just enough to move without breaking. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the cookies to finish setting into their wonderfully soft yet stable shape.
How to Serve Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are beautiful on their own, you can sprinkle a few extra rainbow sprinkles on top right after baking for that extra pop. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweet touch and makes each cookie look just a bit more festive.
Side Dishes
Serve your Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee. The creamy, smooth drinks complement the cookie’s soft texture and sweet flavors brilliantly, creating a comforting pairing perfect for snack time or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange these cookies on a colorful platter surrounded by fresh berries or edible flowers. You can also sandwich two cookies with vanilla or cream cheese frosting for a fun twist that’s sure to wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to save these beauties for later, freeze your cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until just soft and cozy again. This quick trick refreshes their softness and enhances that fresh-baked feeling we all love.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract in the Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond extract is optional and adds a subtle nutty aroma. If you don’t have any on hand or prefer to skip it, just leave it out or try a few drops of lemon extract for a different but equally delightful twist.
How do I prevent sprinkles from bleeding color?
To keep the colors vibrant, gently fold the sprinkles in last and avoid overmixing. Using high-quality, “frosting style” sprinkles rather than candy confetti can also help maintain sharp colors.
Why do the cookies look underbaked in the center?
The slightly underbaked center is intentional because it keeps the cookies soft and tender once cooled. If you bake them until fully set, they might become more cakey or crumbly instead of delightfully soft.
How large should I make each cookie?
Your best bet is to use about a tablespoon of dough per cookie. This size bakes evenly and makes them nice and soft without overbaking on the edges.
Can I use this recipe to make cookie bars?
Yes, you can press the dough into a lined baking pan and bake to make funfetti cookie bars. Adjust baking time to about 20-25 minutes and check for a slightly set top but soft interior.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully joyful about a batch of soft, colorful Funfetti cookies fresh from the oven, and this Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Whether you bake them for a crowd or just to treat yourself, these cookies bring smiles, warmth, and a burst of youthful spirit to any occasion. Give them a try—you’re bound to fall in love with that soft texture and cheerful sprinkle studded bite!
Print
Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft Funfetti Cookies are delightful, tender cookies filled with colorful rainbow sprinkles, perfect for celebrations or a cheerful everyday treat. These cookies feature a light, fluffy texture and a sweet vanilla-almond flavor, making them a joy to bake and enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the creamed mixture. Mix well until fully combined, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a smooth dough forms.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into the dough to maintain their vibrant colors and prevent bleeding into the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion the dough and roll each into a ball. Place them at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set, and the centers appear slightly underbaked for a soft center.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted.
- Using room temperature egg helps the dough mix evenly and achieve the right texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Optional: substitute rainbow sprinkles with chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
