The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Sprinkle Cookies (Easy One-Bowl Recipe!)
Imagine the most perfect, classic chocolate chip cookie—thick, soft, and chewy in the center, with delightfully crisp, caramelized edges. Now, imagine that cookie gets a major party upgrade with a joyful, colorful explosion of rainbow sprinkles. That, my friends, is the pure, unadulterated happiness of these Chocolate Chip Sprinkle Cookies. They are, without a doubt,…
Imagine the most perfect, classic chocolate chip cookie—thick, soft, and chewy in the center, with delightfully crisp, caramelized edges. Now, imagine that cookie gets a major party upgrade with a joyful, colorful explosion of rainbow sprinkles. That, my friends, is the pure, unadulterated happiness of these Chocolate Chip Sprinkle Cookies. They are, without a doubt, the most fun and festive cookies you will bake all year.
Here’s the thing about a great cookie recipe: it should be simple, reliable, and ridiculously delicious. This recipe is all of that and more. I am completely obsessed with it because it’s a one-bowl wonder that comes together in minutes and delivers consistently perfect results. It’s my go-to for birthdays, celebrations, or any day that just needs a little pop of color and joy.
I promise you, there is no greater feeling than pulling a tray of these beautiful, sprinkle-laden cookies from your oven. The classic, buttery, brown sugar flavor is the perfect backdrop for the rich pockets of melted chocolate and the fun crunch of the sprinkles. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly adaptable, with easy swaps to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegan!
Get ready to master your new favorite cookie recipe—one that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Why These Will Be Your New Favorite Cookies!
You are going to be completely smitten with how easy and delicious these festive cookies are. This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons. Here’s why:
- One-Bowl and Super Easy: This recipe is incredibly straightforward. All the ingredients come together in a single mixing bowl for minimal cleanup and maximum cookie-eating time.
- Perfectly Thick and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the cornstarch and brown sugar, these cookies bake up thick and soft in the center with those coveted crispy, chewy edges.
- Fun, Festive, and Colorful: The rainbow sprinkles make these cookies an instant party! They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just adding a splash of color to your day.
- Incredibly Adaptable for Any Diet: This recipe was designed to be versatile, with simple 1:1 substitutions to make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan to suit your needs.
- Ready in About 20 Minutes: With no dough chilling required, you can go from craving to warm, freshly baked cookies in just over 20 minutes.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 11 minutes |
| Total Time | 21 minutes |
| Yield | 18 large cookies |
| Calories | ~225 kcal per cookie |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Baking |
Your Shopping List for These Cheerful Cookies
This recipe uses classic cookie ingredients, with easy options for dietary swaps. Here’s what you’ll need:
→ For the Cookies
- ¾ cup (170g) butter → Use regular or a plant-based butter stick, softened to room temperature.
- ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar → The key to a chewy, moist cookie.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar → For those perfect, crispy edges.
- 1 large egg → Or a flax egg for a vegan version.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) vanilla extract → For that classic, warm flavor.
- 2 cups (240g) flour → Use all-purpose or a good 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch → The secret ingredient for thick, soft-baked cookies!
- 1 tsp (6g) coarse sea salt → To perfectly balance the sweetness.
- ¾ tsp baking soda → For the right amount of spread and lift.
- ½ cup (84g) sprinkles → Rainbow jimmies (the long ones) work best as their color doesn’t bleed.
- ½ cup (84g) chocolate chips → Use regular or a plant-based/dairy-free brand.
Let’s Get Baking! Your Step-by-Step Guide
This is a wonderfully simple, no-chill cookie recipe that comes together in a flash. Let’s do it!
Part 1: The One-Bowl Cookie Dough
- Prep and Cream: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a stand mixer or a large bowl with an electric mixer, combine the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream them together on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until just combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Measure in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda directly into the same bowl. Mix on low speed until a dough just begins to form. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is incorporated.
- Fold in the Fun!: Gently fold in the sprinkles and chocolate chips with a spatula until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix!
Part 2: Scoop and Bake
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the dough into 3-tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared cookie sheets, about 2-3 inches apart to give them room to spread. For an extra pop of color, you can press a few more sprinkles and chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough balls.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are a light golden brown, and the centers still look slightly soft and underbaked. This is the key to a chewy center!
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookie sheets from the oven. If you want perfectly round cookies, you can use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to gently nudge any “errant” edges back into a circle while the cookies are still hot. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet—this allows the centers to finish setting up. Enjoy!
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Sprinkle Cookies
These simple secrets will ensure your cookies are thick, chewy, and beautiful every single time.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch! This is the secret weapon for thick, soft-baked cookies. The cornstarch helps to create a more tender crumb and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Cream Your Butter and Sugars Properly. Beating the butter and sugars together for a full 2 minutes on high speed is a crucial step. It incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise and creates a lighter texture.
- Underbake Them Slightly. The key to a soft, chewy center is to pull the cookies from the oven when the centers still look a little soft and puffy. They will continue to bake from the residual heat on the hot cookie sheet as they cool.
- Use Jimmies for Best Results. For that classic “funfetti” look, use rainbow jimmies (the long, skinny sprinkles). The tiny, round nonpareils have a tendency to bleed their color into the cookie dough as it bakes.
- The “Cookie Scoot” for Perfect Circles. The trick of using a round cutter or glass to nudge the edges of the hot cookies right when they come out of the oven is a professional baker’s secret for perfectly uniform, round cookies.
Keep Them Fresh! Storing Your Cookies
These cookies store wonderfully, making them perfect for making ahead of time.
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, with layers separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
Chocolate Chip Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and prepare two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer or mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar and cream on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Measure in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda and mix on low speed until a dough forms, scraping down the sides of the bowl when needed.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles and chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Scoop the cookie dough into 3 tablespoon portions and place on the prepared cookie sheets approximately 2-3 inches apart. If desired, top with additional sprinkles and chocolate chips.
- Bake for approximately 9-11 minutes or until the edges are a light golden brown and the center appears slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven. Allow to cool fully on the cookie sheet before moving. Enjoy!
Notes
FAQs: Your Sprinkle Cookie Questions, Answered!
How do I make these cookies vegan?
It’s an easy swap! Use a high-quality, stick-form plant-based butter (not a tub-style margarine). For the egg, use one “flax egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, left to sit for 5 minutes until gel-like). And finally, ensure your chocolate chips and sprinkles are certified vegan.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality, 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. No other changes to the recipe are needed!
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This is a common cookie conundrum! It’s usually caused by butter that was too soft or melted. Your butter should be at room temperature, but still firm enough to hold its shape. If your kitchen is very warm, you can try chilling the scooped cookie dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can. The cookie dough can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking. You may need to add an extra minute to the bake time if the dough is very cold.
Final Thoughts: A Batch of Pure Happiness
There is nothing quite like a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie to brighten your day, and adding a burst of colorful sprinkles just takes that joy to a whole new level. These cookies are a celebration in every bite. I hope this simple, one-bowl recipe brings a little bit of color and a whole lot of deliciousness to your kitchen. Happy baking!
