Birthday Sugar Cookies Clara quick dinners

Birthday Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of festive fun thanks to colorful sprinkles and sweet vanilla flavor. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just because, these cookies taste like a birthday cake in cookie form—no frosting needed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun, bright, and full of birthday vibes
• Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
• Soft, chewy texture with crisp edges
• Packed with sprinkles for a festive look
• Great for parties, gifts, or cookie platters

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional, for extra cake flavor)
• Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies style work best)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Fold in the sprinkles gently, being careful not to overmix (to avoid color bleeding).
7. Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place on prepared baking sheets.
8. Slightly flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
9. Bake for 911 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Frosted Birthday Cookies: Top with vanilla buttercream and extra sprinkles.
• Funfetti Style: Add ½ teaspoon of butter extract for classic cake flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Color-Coordinated: Match the sprinkles to your party theme or holiday colors.
• Stuffed Version: Place a piece of white chocolate or frosting inside each dough ball for a sweet surprise.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 12 minutes to the baking time if needed.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for later use.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Use jimmies-style sprinkles—they hold their color and shape without bleeding into the dough.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is needed for this recipe, but you can chill it for thicker cookies.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

Can I make these without almond extract?

Yes, they’re still delicious with just vanilla extract.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too warm and measure your flour correctly.

Can I use this dough for cookie cutters?

This dough is best for drop cookies—it’s too soft for rolling and cutting.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Don’t overbake them—pull them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Sure! Try white chocolate chips, crushed birthday cake cookies, or colored sanding sugar.

Are these cookies good for mailing?

Yes, they hold up well and make a fun, colorful treat to send as a gift.

Conclusion

Birthday Sugar Cookies are a simple, sweet, and sprinkle-filled way to add a festive touch to any celebration. Whether you’re baking them for a birthday party, sharing with friends, or just enjoying a nostalgic treat, these cookies deliver that classic cake flavor in every chewy, colorful bite. They’re easy, delicious, and guaranteed to make someone smile.

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