Oh my gosh, you guys, these pink sprinkle sugar cookies are my absolute favorite Valentine’s Day treat! I’ve been making them every year since I was a teenager, and they never fail to bring smiles. What I love most is how simple they are, just basic cookie dough jazzed up with cheerful pink sprinkles. But don’t let that simplicity fool you! There’s something magical about how the sprinkles melt slightly in the oven, creating these gorgeous little bursts of color. They’re perfect for classroom parties, Galentine’s gifts, or just treating yourself (no judgement here!). The best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry already!
Why You’ll Love These Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
These cookies aren’t just adorable, they’re downright addictive! Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to treat:
- So easy, Even if you’ve never baked before, you can nail these on the first try
- Instant holiday cheer, Those pink sprinkles scream Valentine’s Day (but swap colors for any occasion!)
- Perfect for sharing, Package them in cute boxes or bags for the sweetest homemade gifts
- Totally customizable, Add extra vanilla, almond extract, or different sprinkle combos to make them your own
- Kid-approved magic, My nieces go wild when they see these coming out of the oven!
Irresistible Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookies in 6 Steps
Delicious pink sprinkle sugar cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day. These sweet treats are easy to make and great for sharing with loved ones.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pink sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Fold in the pink sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Use different colored sprinkles for other occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredients for Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! The magic of these cookies comes from simple, classic staples, but I’m picky about a few key items. Trust me, using real butter (not margarine!) makes all the difference in flavor and texture. And don’t even think about skipping the vanilla, that’s what gives them that bakery-style depth. For more baking inspiration, check out what others are making over at familytastes.com.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, Leave it out for about 30 minutes until your finger leaves a slight dent (but not melty!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, Plain white sugar works best here for that classic sugar cookie taste
- 1 large egg, Room temperature eggs mix in smoother, I just pop mine in warm water for 5 minutes if I forget to take it out early
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, Splurge on the good stuff if you can, it makes a noticeable difference
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, Spoon and level this, packing flour leads to dry cookies
- 1/2 tsp baking powder, Just enough lift without making them puffy
- 1/4 tsp salt, Balances all that sweetness perfectly
- 1/2 cup pink sprinkles, The star of the show! I like the longer “jimmies” style that hold their shape (avoid nonpareils, they bleed color)
See? Nothing fancy, just good quality basics that come together to create something absolutely magical. I always double check I have everything laid out before starting, nothing worse than realizing mid-mix that you’re out of vanilla!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t stress, you likely have everything already! Here’s what I grab from my kitchen:
- Large mixing bowl, For all that buttery goodness
- Electric mixer, A hand mixer works great (but I’ve used a wooden spoon in a pinch!)
- Baking sheets, Two is perfect for rotating batches
- Parchment paper, Lifesaver for easy cleanup and no sticking
- Spatula, For scraping every last bit of dough
- Measuring cups/spoons, Precision matters with baking
See? Nothing fancy, just the basics to whip up some sprinkle magic!
How to Make Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Okay, let’s get baking! These cookies come together so easily, just follow these steps and you’ll have perfect pink sprinkle cookies in no time. The key is not to rush the process (I know, I know, the waiting is hard when you’re excited!).
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, turn that oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to heat evenly while we make the dough. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, trust me, this is the secret to cookies that slide right off without sticking. No parchment? A light coating of butter will work in a pinch!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Now the fun begins! In your large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together. Don’t skimp on this step, we’re going for light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. You’ll know it’s ready when the color lightens and the mixture looks almost like whipped cream. This step builds the cookie’s perfect texture!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything gets incorporated evenly. The batter should be smooth and glossy now. If it looks curdled, don’t panic, just keep mixing and it’ll come together!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly so your cookies bake uniformly. I always give mine a good 30 seconds of whisking, it makes such a difference!
Step 5: Combine and Add Sprinkles
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing makes tough cookies! Once the dough comes together, gently fold in those vibrant pink sprinkles until they’re evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, perfect!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, you want just lightly golden edges while the centers still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool! Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and lets them set perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
After years of testing (and eating!) these cookies, I’ve learned a few secrets that take them from good to “oh-my-gosh-I-need-another-one” amazing:
- Underbake slightly, Take them out when edges are just golden but centers still look soft, they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool
- Cool completely before storing, Warm cookies create condensation in containers (soggy cookies = sad bakers)
- Layer with parchment if stacking, Prevents sprinkles from sticking to other cookies
- Double the batch, Trust me, they disappear fast!
- Freeze dough balls for impromptu baking, Just add 1-2 minutes to bake time
These simple tricks guarantee bakery-worthy results every time! If you’re looking for other fun Valentine’s treats, you might enjoy these no-bake Valentine’s Day cheesecake cups.
Variations and Substitutions
Oh, the possibilities! While I adore the classic pink version, this dough is a total chameleon. Swap pink sprinkles for rainbow jimmies for birthdays, or red and green for Christmas cheer. For a gluten-free twist, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill). Dairy-free? Vegan butter works surprisingly well, just watch the baking time as it browns faster. My friend Sarah makes them with half almond extract for a subtle marzipan flavor that’s divine. The only limit is your imagination! If you enjoy baking variations, check out this recipe for heart-shaped sugar cookies with pink icing.
Serving and Storing Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
These cookies taste amazing fresh from the oven, but honestly? They get even better after a day when the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days (if they last that long!). For gifting, I love stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbons, instant Valentine’s Day presents! Pro tip: slip a piece of bread into the container, it keeps the cookies soft by absorbing excess moisture. Not that mine ever stick around long enough to go stale! For more festive ideas, take a look at these red velvet crinkle cookies.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real, we’re not eating these cookies for their health benefits! But since I know some of you like to track these things, here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious bite. Remember, these values are just estimates, they’ll vary depending on your exact ingredients and brands.
Per cookie (based on making 24 cookies from this recipe):
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g (3.5g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
Now, here’s my professional baker’s opinion, life’s too short to stress over cookie calories! These are meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. I always say one cookie won’t hurt, but the whole batch might… not that I’d know from experience or anything!
If you’re watching your sugar intake, you could try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup, they’ll still be plenty sweet with all those sprinkles. But honestly? For special occasions like Valentine’s Day, I say go all in and enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. You can even freeze the dough balls, just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake!
Q2. Can I use different colored sprinkles?
Of course! That’s the beauty of this recipe, it’s totally customizable. Swap pink sprinkles for rainbow jimmies for birthdays, red and green for Christmas, or even gold for New Year’s Eve. Just stick with the same amount (1/2 cup) and avoid nonpareils (those tiny round sprinkles) as they tend to bleed color.
Q3. Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if your butter was too soft or your dough wasn’t chilled enough. Next time, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter is soft but still slightly cool to the touch. Also, double check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, too low heat can cause spreading.
Q4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! I’ve had great success using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill). The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. Just be sure to check that your sprinkles are gluten-free too, some brands contain wheat starch.
Q5. How do I keep my cookies soft?
The secret is storing them properly! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread, the bread absorbs excess moisture and keeps the cookies soft. They’ll stay perfect for up to 5 days this way… if they last that long!
I’d absolutely love to see your sprinkle cookie creations! There’s nothing more fun than seeing how different bakers put their own spin on this recipe. Did you try a fun sprinkle mix? Add a dash of almond extract? Maybe you got creative with heart-shaped cookies? Snap a photo and tag me, I’ll probably end up making your version next! If you’re looking for more cookie inspiration, check out these chocolate dipped Valentine’s Day cookies.
If you loved this recipe (or have suggestions to make it even better), leave a comment below. Your notes help other bakers know what worked, and honestly, reading your success stories makes my day. Did your kids go wild for them? Did they become your new go-to gift cookies? I want to hear all about it!
And hey, if you know someone who needs a little extra sweetness in their life, share this recipe with them. Nothing spreads love like homemade cookies, especially when they’re covered in cheerful pink sprinkles. Happy baking, friends, may your cookies be sweet and your Valentine’s Day be sweeter!