Funfetti Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something truly magical about Funfetti Sugar Cookies that instantly lifts your spirits with each bite. These chewy, colorful treats are packed with rainbow sprinkles both inside and out, creating a playful burst of color in every cookie. Flavored with warm vanilla and a hint of almond extract, they bake up soft with perfectly set edges, making them an irresistible choice for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cheerful everyday snack. If you’re craving a cookie that tastes like a party in your mouth, these Funfetti Sugar Cookies are your new best friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a cookie that’s bursting with flavor, color, and the perfect chewy texture. Each element plays a key role—from the creamy butter that lends richness, to the almond extract that adds a subtle nutty warmth, and of course, the rainbow sprinkles that provide all the fun.

• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation that gives the cookies structure and chewiness.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise gently for a tender crumb.
• Baking powder (½ tsp): Adds lightness to keep the cookies soft.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough and helps with that slight crisp edge.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to cookie texture.
• Vanilla extract (3 tsp): Deepens flavor with familiar warmth.
• Almond extract (1 tsp): Gives a subtle, nutty note that’s surprisingly delightful.
• Rainbow sprinkles (½ cup + ⅔ cup for rolling): The star of the show adding color and a little crunch in every bite.

How to Make Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to make sure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This little prep step ensures a smooth baking process and perfect cookie bottoms.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, so your cookies rise beautifully and have the perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat your room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is key to creating a soft, fluffy texture that will carry through to your final cookie.

Step 4: Add eggs and extracts

Next, mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined. The eggs add moisture and richness, while those extracts infuse the dough with irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Combine dry and wet ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients on low speed to avoid over-mixing, which can toughen your cookies. Stir until the dough just comes together — this keeps your cookies tender and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in the sprinkles

Gently fold in half a cup of rainbow sprinkles. These aren’t just for looks—they add little pops of sweetness and a delightful crunch throughout the cookie.

Step 7: Shape and roll

Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), portion out your dough into balls. Roll each ball in the additional ⅔ cup of rainbow sprinkles to coat the outside for that classic colorful Funfetti look. Place them spaced comfortably on your prepared sheets so they can spread without crowding.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your cookies for roughly 12 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers remain slightly underbaked for ultimate chewiness. Let them cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here rewards you with perfectly soft, scrumptious cookies.

How to Serve Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Funfetti Sugar Cookies are fabulous as is, but if you want to amp up the celebration vibe, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. You can also top them with extra sprinkles right after baking to add shine and extra color.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert. A cup of strong coffee or a fruity tea also complements their sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your Funfetti Sugar Cookies on a colorful platter with edible flowers or tie individual cookies with bright ribbons as adorable party favors. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of frosting or cream cheese for a unique twist that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Funfetti Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously soft for 2 to 3 days, perfect for when you want to enjoy a spontaneous snack later on.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies. For dough, roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Reheating

If you want to warm a cookie, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven. This refreshes the soft texture and brings back that “just-baked” magic in seconds. Be careful not to overheat or the cookie might dry out.

FAQs

Can I use different sprinkles for Funfetti Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! You can personalize these cookies with any type of sprinkles you like, but keep in mind that some sprinkles melt more than others, so choose sturdy, non-melting varieties for best results.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, but texture might vary slightly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before scooping and rolling in sprinkles.

Why do the cookies need to be slightly underbaked?

Baking until the centers are slightly underbaked gives the cookies a chewy, soft texture that’s loved by everyone. If baked fully, they tend to be crispier and less tender.

Can I add frosting or icing to these cookies?

Definitely! While delicious on their own, a simple buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a thin layer of glaze makes an excellent topping, especially for festive occasions.

Final Thoughts

If you want a cookie that’s equal parts joyful and delicious, these Funfetti Sugar Cookies are your perfect go-to. They bring all the colorful excitement and warm, comforting flavors that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whip up a batch today — trust me, they’ll quickly become a favorite no matter the occasion!