Introduction
Soft Funfetti Cookies are the ultimate treat for any celebration or just a fun way to brighten up your day. These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful sprinkles that add a delightful crunch and a festive appearance. They bring back childhood memories of birthday parties and sweet indulgence, but they’re just as enjoyable for adults looking for a nostalgic treat. Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just because you love soft sugar cookies, this recipe will guide you through making the perfect batch of funfetti cookies at home. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these cookies are easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy.
The History of Funfetti Cookies
The concept of funfetti originated in the 1980s when Pillsbury introduced its iconic Funfetti cake mix, which quickly became a household favorite. The idea of incorporating colorful sprinkles into desserts took off, and soon enough, funfetti variations were popping up in cookies, cupcakes, and even pancakes. The term “funfetti” is a blend of “fun” and “confetti,” perfectly describing the joyful and playful nature of these colorful baked goods. Over the years, funfetti cookies have gained popularity because of their eye-catching appearance and deliciously soft texture, making them a go-to dessert for celebrations and everyday treats alike.
Ingredients Breakdown
Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to baking the perfect batch of Soft Funfetti Cookies. Here’s a closer look at what makes these cookies so special:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while remaining soft.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Work together as leavening agents, helping the cookies rise and achieve a light, chewy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor while keeping the cookies soft.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars ensures the right balance of sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar adds a slight chewiness, while granulated sugar gives the cookies a light, crisp edge.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Almond Extract (Optional): Adds an extra layer of flavor, giving the cookies a bakery-style taste.
- Cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Sprinkles: The star of the show! Use high-quality, non-melting sprinkles to ensure they retain their vibrant colors during baking.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set them aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the Sprinkles: Gently stir in the sprinkles, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Shape: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the dough into equal-sized balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Funfetti Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and a smooth dough.
- Don’t Over-Mix the Dough: Over-mixing can lead to dense cookies, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft, chilling it for 20-30 minutes can help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Use High-Quality Sprinkles: Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed into the dough. Jimmies or confetti sprinkles work best.
- Adjust the Bake Time: If you prefer softer cookies, bake for the lower end of the suggested time range.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Funfetti Cookies: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
- Birthday Cake Flavor: Increase the vanilla extract and add a teaspoon of butter extract to mimic the taste of birthday cake.
- Seasonal Funfetti Cookies: Use themed sprinkles for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter to match the occasion.
- Stuffed Funfetti Cookies: Place a small piece of white chocolate or cream cheese in the center of each cookie dough ball before baking for an extra surprise inside.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While these cookies are an indulgent treat, you can make small adjustments to fit certain dietary needs. Substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour can add fiber. Using coconut oil instead of butter can make them dairy-free, and a sugar substitute can lower the overall sugar content. However, as with all desserts, they are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
FAQ
- Can I freeze Funfetti cookie dough? Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Why did my cookies spread too much? The butter may have been too warm. Chilling the dough before baking can help.
- Can I use different types of sprinkles? Yes, but avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed and discolor the dough.
- How do I keep my cookies soft? Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Soft Funfetti Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ⅛ cups 300g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup 227g unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup 130g granulated sugar
- ¾ cup 85g powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup to ⅔ cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar on medium-low speed for 4 minutes. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Add the flour mixture and mix until just incorporated. Gently fold in the sprinkles, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each (an ice cream scoop works well for this), and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to brown while the centers remain soft—avoid overbaking. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.