If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect pop of color and crunch, the Slice and Bake Sprinkle Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. These cookies bring together a buttery, tender dough that’s so easy to prepare, and the sprinkles add that joyful burst of fun with every bite. Plus, their slice-and-bake nature means you can whip up a batch in advance, chill the dough, and have freshly baked cookies ready whenever the craving hits. Whether for a party, a cozy afternoon treat, or just a bright spot during the week, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a key role to ensure your cookies have the ideal flavor, texture, and sprinkle-studded charm. From rich butter to the classic hints of vanilla and almond, every item is a building block for cookie magic.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides a creamy richness and tender texture that’s the base of the cookie.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp around the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while adding moisture for the perfect chew.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm, inviting aroma and subtle sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a delicate nutty note that perfectly balances the vanilla and sprinkles.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps the dough balanced.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy foundation that keeps your cookies tender yet holds their shape beautifully.
- Sprinkles: The star that turns these cookies into a colorful party—choose your favorites to mix up the fun!
How to Make Slice and Bake Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by using a mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and velvety. This step is where you build a light, airy texture that gives the cookies a delicate crumb once baked.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts. These ingredients infuse the dough with wonderful flavor and moisture, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
Step 3: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the salt and flour gradually, mixing until the dough fully comes together but avoid overmixing. Scrape down the bowl’s sides now and then to ensure everything is incorporated evenly and the texture stays tender.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Into Logs
Divide your dough into two equal parts. Place each portion on a large double layer of plastic wrap and carefully shape them into logs about 2 1/2 inches wide. The dough will be a bit soft and might resist at first, but don’t worry—you’ll firm it up in the fridge.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Chilling not only solidifies the dough for easier slicing but also deepens the flavors — offering tastier cookies overall.
Step 6: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly with beautifully clean edges.
Step 7: Roll and Coat with Sprinkles
Take a dough log from the fridge and roll it gently on the counter (while still in plastic wrap) to make it perfectly round again. Remove the wrap and pour your preferred sprinkles into a shallow dish. Roll the dough log in the sprinkles until it’s fully coated, adding a delightful crunch and splash of color to the outside of each slice.
Step 8: Slice and Bake
Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Feel free to tweak the shape by gently shaping the rounds with your fingers for a more polished look. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to barely show a light golden brown color—that’s the sweet spot for the perfect balance of tender and crisp.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gradual cooling helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture while cooling down just enough to dive into that first delightful bite.
How to Serve Slice and Bake Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles themselves are the ultimate garnish for this recipe, of course! For extra flair, drizzle a little white or colored icing in luscious swirls after baking, or lightly dust a pinch of powdered sugar for a subtle sweet finish that looks picture perfect on every plate.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of your favorite tea or coffee. For brunch or dessert, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a balanced and festive treat that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and bake sprinkle cookies make beautiful gifts when wrapped in cellophane with a festive ribbon, perfect for sharing your love of baking. You can also arrange them artfully on a tiered serving tray to brighten holiday parties or casual get-togethers—they’re a colorful conversation starter wherever they go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your slice and bake sprinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, making them an easy treat to have on hand whenever you want a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cookies longer or prepare dough in advance, freeze the wrapped dough logs or baked cookies tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Dough can last up to 3 months, while baked cookies stay delicious for up to a year when frozen properly.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen baked cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in a low oven (about 300°F for 5 minutes) to bring back that freshly-baked softness and sprinkle crunch. The warmth will make them feel like they just came out of your own oven.
FAQs
Can I use different extracts instead of vanilla and almond?
Absolutely! While vanilla and almond are classic and delicious here, feel free to experiment with lemon, coconut, or even peppermint extracts to customize the flavor to your liking.
Do I have to chill the dough for 4 hours?
Chilling is highly recommended to firm the dough for easier slicing and better texture, but if you’re short on time, even an hour in the fridge can help. The longer you chill, the better!
What type of sprinkles works best?
Any sprinkles should work — nonpareils, jimmies, or even small sugar crystals add a fun crunch and pop of color. Just pick your favorites and go wild!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. You might notice minor texture differences, but the flavor will stay just as delightful.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these slice and bake sprinkle cookies remain fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature or longer if frozen.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing the Slice and Bake Sprinkle Cookies Recipe. Their vibrant colors, buttery texture, and that simple homemade charm make them an instant classic in any cookie collection. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how easy it is to brighten your day with a batch of these sweet, sprinkle-studded delights. Happy baking!
Print
Slice and Bake Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Slice and Bake Cookies are a classic, simple treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery, vanilla-almond flavored dough that chills into a firm log, you can slice and bake fresh cookies in minutes. Coated optionally with colorful sprinkles, these cookies deliver a delightful crunch and sweet flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or flavoring
- 1 teaspoon almond extract or flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Decoration (Optional)
- Sprinkles or nonpareils
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the salt and all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients. Beat the mixture until the dough is fully combined and uniform in texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Shape Dough Logs: Divide the dough roughly in half. Place each half on a large double layer of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap to help, form each dough portion into a log approximately 2 1/2 inches wide. The dough will be soft, so handle gently.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the logs tightly in the plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Allow the dough to chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours to firm up for slicing.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough for Decorating: Take one dough log out of the refrigerator and, while still wrapped in plastic wrap, roll it on the counter to better define the round shape of the log.
- Coat with Sprinkles (Optional): If desired, pour sprinkles or nonpareils into a shallow tray or plate. Remove the plastic wrap from the log and roll the dough log in the sprinkles to coat the outside evenly.
- Slice Dough: Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick slices using a sharp knife. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Gently reshape any slices as needed to achieve a round shape.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden brown. For softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for crispier texture, bake longer.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store Cookies: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 12 months.
Notes
- The dough must chill for at least 4 hours to allow for easy slicing and better cookie texture.
- Coating the dough log with sprinkles is optional but adds a fun and colorful touch to the finished cookies.
- Adjust baking time depending on whether you prefer softer or crispier cookies.
- If the dough becomes too soft while handling, re-chill briefly before slicing.
- These cookies freeze well both before and after baking, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
