If you’re on the hunt for a treat that guarantees smiles and a pop of color on any dessert table, these Soft Funfetti Cookies are absolute magic. Packed with buttery flavor, a melt-in-your-mouth chew, and bursts of rainbow sprinkles in every bite, this recipe transforms the humble sugar cookie into something festive and unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for birthdays, holidays, or simply need some joyful sweetness on a Wednesday, Soft Funfetti Cookies never disappoint and bring out the inner kid in everyone.

Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a special part to play in the taste, softness, and sprinkle-filled charm of these cookies. You probably have most of these on hand, and each one adds something you simply can’t skip if you want soft, tender, colorful cookies that look as wonderful as they taste.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The foundation of buttery richness and a soft, tender crumb in every cookie.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic cookie chew.
Large egg (1): Provides structure and moisture for cookies that are soft instead of crumbly.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with warm, bakery-style flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the cookies body and just enough structure to keep them pillowy-soft.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the dough so the cookies bake up tender and light rather than dense.
Cream of tartar (1/4 teaspoon): Adds that signature tang and helps maintain softness over time.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the bright, fun flavors.
Rainbow sprinkles, jimmies-style (1/3 cup): The playful heart of funfetti—use jimmies for color without bleeding!
Colorful nonpareils (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkle on for a little extra crunch and a true confetti party look.

How to Make Soft Funfetti Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This small step ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes clean-up a total breeze. If you want perfectly shaped cookies with golden bottoms, this detail is key.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and use a hand mixer (or a strong arm and a sturdy spoon) to beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar for about 2 minutes. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy texture. This aerates the dough and gives your cookies that signature soft interior.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until fully combined. The dough will look luscious and creamy at this stage, and you should be able to smell hints of that warm vanilla goodness already.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leaveners and salt, so every Soft Funfetti Cookie comes out perfectly risen and flavorful.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until everything comes together and no streaks of flour remain. Over-mixing at this stage can make the cookies tough, so a gentle hand is all you need for the ultimate soft texture.

Step 6: Stir in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles (and optional nonpareils), being careful not to overmix so the colors don’t bleed. Each stir promises a more joyful, colorful cookie!

Step 7: Scoop and Shape

Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For extra bakery flair, press a few extra sprinkles onto the tops of each dough mound before baking.

Step 8: Bake to Soft Perfection

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers still look a little soft. Resist the urge to overbake—these cookies will continue setting as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Soft Funfetti Cookies

Garnishes

For maximum sparkle, a quick pinch of extra jimmies or nonpareils on top of warm cookies makes all the difference. You can also dust with a tiny bit of powdered sugar for a soft, snowy touch that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant sprinkles.

Side Dishes

Soft Funfetti Cookies pair fantastically with a cold glass of milk, hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them at a party, arrange alongside fresh berries or a platter of mini cupcakes to keep the fun dessert energy going.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies in a clear glass jar for a stunning homemade gift, or serve them in colorful paper liners for kid-friendly parties. You can even turn two Soft Funfetti Cookies into ice cream sandwiches for the ultimate summer treat. For birthdays, try spelling out a name or age with cookie letters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, stash your Soft Funfetti Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time for gatherings or sneaky late-night treats.

Freezing

If you want to save some cookie magic for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Layer cooled cookies between sheets of parchment and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their cheerful texture and flavor for up to two months—just let them come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For a just-baked feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. This softens the center and perks up the buttery aroma. Alternatively, warm several cookies in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes—don’t overdo it or the sprinkles could discolor.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles in Soft Funfetti Cookies?

Absolutely! While jimmies-style sprinkles are best for keeping colors vibrant, you can experiment with seasonal shapes or sanding sugars for themed occasions. Just avoid nonpareils in the dough itself, as they can melt and bleed color.

Why do my Soft Funfetti Cookies come out flat?

This usually happens if the butter is too warm or the dough is overmixed. Make sure your butter is just softened (not melted), and don’t overwork the dough once the flour goes in. Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before scooping can also help.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture and chew in your gluten-free Soft Funfetti Cookies.

Is cream of tartar essential in this recipe?

Cream of tartar is key for the signature softness and a subtle tang reminiscent of classic bakery sugar cookies. If you don’t have any, you can leave it out, but your cookies may lose a bit of their distinct chewy texture.

How do I get perfectly round Soft Funfetti Cookies?

Scooping the dough evenly helps, but for bakery-worthy roundness, use a circular cookie cutter to gently nudge the cookies into shape right after baking—while they’re still warm and soft. Works like a charm every time!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a splash of fun and cheer to your baking routine, Soft Funfetti Cookies are truly a must-try. With their colorful appearance and irresistibly soft texture, one batch is never enough. Gather your sprinkles, bake up some joy, and share the sweetness with everyone you love!

Soft Funfetti Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 16 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Funfetti Cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for any celebration or just when you want a bit of fun in your day. They are soft, colorful, and bursting with sprinkles!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-style)
2 tablespoons colorful nonpareils (optional, for extra crunch)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough forms.
Add Sprinkles: Gently fold in the sprinkles and optional nonpareils.
Bake: Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons and place on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.