Name: Pastel Sprinkle Confetti Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional); 1/2 cup pastel rainbow sprinkles (jimmies or confetti style)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are as fun to eat as they are to look at. They have a soft, chewy center with lightly crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s enhanced by a sweet vanilla flavor. The pastel sprinkles give them a vibrant, playful appearance—no icing or decorations needed. Best of all, they’re easy to make and loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Pastel rainbow sprinkles (jimmies or confetti style)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using), and beat until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the pastel sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 42 minutes

Variations

Lemon Confetti: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Chocolate Chip Confetti: Fold in mini white or milk chocolate chips along with the sprinkles.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-friendly.
Iced Version: Top cooled cookies with a glaze or frosting and extra sprinkles for added flair.
Holiday-Themed: Swap pastel sprinkles for holiday-themed colors for year-round fun.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls and bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use nonpareils instead of jimmies?

Nonpareils tend to bleed color into the dough. Jimmies or confetti sprinkles are best for clean, vibrant results.

Do I have to chill the dough?

No chilling is necessary, but if your kitchen is very warm, a 15-minute chill can help prevent spreading.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Baked cookies or unbaked dough can be made ahead and stored for later use.

Why did my cookies come out flat?

Over-softened butter or warm dough can lead to excess spreading. Chill the dough slightly if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales well for larger batches.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

No. They have a classic sugar cookie sweetness that’s balanced by the subtle crunch and texture of the sprinkles.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes. Use a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?

A cookie scoop ensures even portioning and consistent baking.

Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Yes. For a fun look, add a drop or two of pastel food coloring to the dough before adding sprinkles.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely. These cookies are simple to make and decorating with sprinkles is a fun task for little hands.

Conclusion

Pastel Sprinkle Confetti Cookies are a cheerful and tasty treat that adds a splash of color and fun to any occasion. With their soft texture, buttery flavor, and playful appearance, they’re sure to brighten up your dessert table and bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just craving a little color in your day, these cookies are a sweet and simple win.