If you’re on the hunt for a delicious treat that’s bursting with color and joy, this Funfetti Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, buttery cookies dotted with vibrant rainbow sprinkles that add just the right touch of sweetness and whimsy to every single bite. These cookies are crumbly on the outside, tender and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside, making them the perfect festive snack or gift. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten up an ordinary day, this Funfetti Cookies Recipe will become your new favorite go-to for easy baking that always delights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Funfetti Cookies Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that classic cookie texture, balanced sweetness, and of course, the colorful sprinkles that bring these cookies to life.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect cookie base that’s not too cakey but wonderfully tender.
- 1½ cups cake flour: Keeps the cookies light and adds softness to every bite.
- 2 tsp corn starch: Helps create that gentle texture that makes these cookies irresistibly delicate.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Gives the cookies a lovely lift and chewiness.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Enhances the rise for a fluffier texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the flavors.
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed): Essential for rich flavor and creating tender, melt-away cookies.
- 1¼ cup sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 2 large egg yolks: Contribute to that chewy, luscious texture.
- 1 tsp Cake Batter Extract: Infuses the cookies with that classic funfetti cake flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Amplifies the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
- 2 cups sprinkles (divided): The star ingredient for all that festive color and chewy bursts of sugary fun.
How to Make Funfetti Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF—a little heat boost encourages those cookies to get just the right golden edges while staying soft inside. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and salt, setting the stage for cookies that rise efficiently and taste perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat your cold, cubed unsalted butter until smooth. Then add the sugar and continue creaming until the mixture is light and fluffy—that’s the secret to tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that just seem to disappear faster than you can say “yum!”
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors
Mix in the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and the magical cake batter extract. Together, these ingredients enrich the dough with moisture and that unmistakable funfetti cake flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Fold in Sprinkles
Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing carefully until just combined. Then gently fold in ¾ cup of your rainbow sprinkles to sprinkle pockets of color throughout your dough. Too much stirring here can toughen the cookies, so be gentle!
Step 6: Shape Dough and Add Final Sprinkle Coat
Divide your dough into 8 large balls. Roll each one in the remaining rainbow sprinkles for an extra pop of color and crunch on the outside. Place 4 dough balls on each prepared cookie sheet, making sure there’s enough space between each to spread.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown—the centers will still look a bit soft, and that’s perfect. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack; this resting time helps them set to the ideal chewy consistency.
How to Serve Funfetti Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is best when it comes to garnishing these joyful treats. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate the look and flavor without overshadowing the beautiful sprinkles packed inside the cookies. Fresh berries on the side can add a nice contrast as well.
Side Dishes
Funfetti cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or your favorite flavored milk such as almond or oat milk to keep things playful and light. For coffee lovers, a creamy latte or hot cocoa is an indulgent pairing that transforms any afternoon into a special moment.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies are a natural for parties and gifts. Stack them in a clear jar tied with bright ribbon for a cheerful homemade gift, or serve on a platter surrounded by colorful napkins and confetti for a festive celebration. You can even sandwich them with frosting for extra funfetti-filled joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Funfetti Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to 4 days. Layering them with parchment paper prevents sticking and helps maintain their wonderful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When ready, just thaw slightly and bake as usual. Baked cookies freeze well too—seal them in an airtight container or freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen or stored cookies warm, pop them in a 300ºF oven for 5 minutes or heat briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This refreshes their softness and makes each bite feel like freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can substitute with all-purpose flour if cake flour is not available, but the cookies may end up a bit denser and less tender. Cake flour helps keep that light, soft texture that’s signature to this Funfetti Cookies Recipe.
What is cake batter extract and can I leave it out?
Cake batter extract adds the nostalgic flavor of funfetti cake, enhancing the cookie’s taste with a subtle, sweet richness. If you don’t have it on hand, vanilla extract alone works, but the flavor won’t be quite as distinctive.
Why do I use two types of flour?
A combination of all-purpose and cake flour strikes the perfect balance: all-purpose flour adds structure while cake flour lightens the dough, resulting in cookies that hold together but remain soft and tender.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color?
Using high-quality, non-bleeding sprinkles designed for baking helps keep your cookies vibrant without the colors running into the dough. Adding sprinkles at the last stage minimizes mixing, preserving their look.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
This recipe as written is not vegan or gluten-free, but you can experiment with plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and gluten-free flour blends. Just expect some difference in texture and flavor, so testing small batches first is a good idea.
Final Thoughts
I hope after reading this you’re as excited as I am to bake up a batch of these joyful treats. The Funfetti Cookies Recipe is truly a mood-lifter, easy to make, and perfect to share with friends, family, or just your sweet tooth. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cookie is a classic favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Print
Funfetti Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 large cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these colorful Funfetti Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery base mixed with a vibrant burst of sprinkles in every bite. Perfectly soft with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies bring a festive flair to any occasion and are easy to prepare with basic baking ingredients and fun sprinkles.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups cake flour
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1¼ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp Cake Batter Extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional
- 2 cups sprinkles, divided (¾ cup to fold in, remainder to roll dough balls)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the cold cubed butter until smooth. Add the sugar and continue to cream until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Flavorings and Eggs: Mix in the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and cake batter extract until fully combined, adding richness and depth to the dough.
- Combine Dry with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to maintain a tender dough. Then fold in ¾ cup of sprinkles evenly.
- Form Dough and Coat with Sprinkles: Divide the dough into 8 large balls. Roll each ball in the remaining rainbow sprinkles to create a fun, colorful crust on the cookies. Place 4 dough balls on each prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. This timing ensures inside softness with a slight exterior crisp.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 15 minutes so they set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using cold butter helps create a tender, flaky cookie texture.
- Cake Batter Extract enhances the classic funfetti flavor, but vanilla extract can substitute if unavailable.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft rather than crunchy.
- Rolling the dough balls in sprinkles creates an appealing, festive look with colorful edges.
- Allow sufficient cooling time on the baking sheet to help cookies firm up and maintain shape.
