Okay, get ready for some serious fun in the kitchen! I’m so excited to share my recipe for these absolutely cheerful Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks. Seriously, just looking at them makes me smile! They’re like little edible party starters, bursting with color and sweet, buttery goodness. These aren’t your average cookies; they’re a celebration waiting to happen. I remember making these for my niece’s birthday, and they were a HUGE hit – vanished in minutes! What I love most is how incredibly easy they are to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion, or even just a Tuesday afternoon pick-me-up. You’re going to adore them!
Why You’ll Love These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks
These cookies are just pure joy, I tell ya! They’re so happy and bright, and honestly, who can resist a cookie that looks like this? Here’s why they’re going to become your new favorite:
- Seriously Simple to Make: Even if baking scares you a little, these are foolproof! You just mix up the dough, bake, and stack. No fancy moves required, trust me.
- A Burst of Color: They’re packed with rainbow sprinkles, making them look like little edible fireworks. They’re guaranteed to add some sparkle to any party or just your afternoon snack.
- Perfect for Any Event: Whether it’s a birthday bash, a school bake sale, or just because you need a sweet treat, these cookies are always a winner. They’re so versatile!
- That Perfect Cookie Bite: They’ve got that chewy center with a slightly crisp edge that just melts in your mouth. And that classic, yummy butter and sugar flavor? Perfection!
- Kid-Approved Fun: If you’ve got little helpers, they’ll have a blast adding the sprinkles and stacking the cookies. It’s a super fun activity for the whole family.
- Totally Adaptable: Want to try different sprinkles? Go for it! Or maybe a tiny dash of almond extract? These cookies are a great canvas for your own creativity.
Gather Your Ingredients for Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks
Alright, let’s get our supplies ready for these super fun Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks! You’ll be surprised at how simple the ingredient list is, which just adds to why this recipe is so great. Make sure you have everything handy before you start mixing; it makes the whole process smoother!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, make sure it’s softened – this is key for creaming!
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed nice and tight
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – the good stuff makes a difference!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- And of course, 1 whole cup of rainbow sprinkles! Get the jimmies kind; they mix in beautifully.
Having everything measured out beforehand, what we bakers call ‘mise en place,’ is my secret superpower for stress-free baking. It means it’s go time!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks
Alright, let’s get down to business and make these gorgeous Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. My kitchen actually smells like a party when I make these, so get ready for that! We’ll just take it one simple step at a time. Remember, baking is all about having fun, so put on some music and let’s get started! If you’re looking for other easy cookie recipes, check out my chocolate chip cookies or my other chocolate chip cookie recipe!
Preparing the Cookie Dough
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a big bowl. We’re going to cream the softened butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars until it’s nice and fluffy – think fluffy clouds! Then, beat in your eggs one by one, followed by that splash of vanilla extract. In another bowl, give your flour, baking soda, and salt a quick whisk together. Now, it’s time to add the dry stuff to the wet stuff, but do it gradually! Mix until it’s *just* combined. Seriously, don’t overmix, or your cookies will be tough. Imagine making a big batch of these along with some classic chocolate chip – yum! Finally, gently fold in those precious rainbow sprinkles. You want them distributed everywhere, like confetti!
Baking Your Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks
Now for the fun part! Grab your baking sheets – I like to line mine with parchment paper, but you can totally use a silicone mat too. Drop rounded tablespoons of the sprinkle dough onto the prepared sheets. Leave a little space between them because they will spread out a bit. Pop them into that preheated oven and let them bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This is important! It helps them set up. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience, my friends, is key here!
Assembling and Enjoying Your Cookie Stacks
Once your beautiful sprinkle cookies are totally, completely cool, it’s time to stack ‘em high! Just take two cookies and place one on top of the other. They’re already so pretty and fun on their own, but stacking them just takes them to a whole new level of awesome. You can even do little stacks of three if you’re feeling adventurous! Now, step back, admire your handiwork, and get ready to enjoy these vibrant, cheerful treats. They’re perfect with a cold glass of milk!
Tips for Perfect Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but like any good home cook, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to make these Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies even more amazing! These little tips really help ensure you get that perfect texture and flavor every single time. You’ve got this!
First off, don’t skimp on softening that butter! It really needs to be at room temperature – soft enough to make an indent with your finger, but not melty. Trust me, creaming softened butter with the sugars makes all the difference for that light, chewy texture. Also, when you’re mixing in the dry ingredients, stop as soon as the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies, and we want these to be melt-in-your-mouth delicious, not tough!
And for the sprinkles? I love using the jimmies-style ones because they hold their color so well and give you that classic sprinkle look. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even gently press a few extra on top *after* dropping the dough onto the baking sheet. It just adds a little extra pop of color!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk ingredients for these fun Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks! You know, sometimes you might not have *exactly* what the recipe calls for, and that’s totally okay. The butter, for instance, really should be unsalted, but if all you have is salted, just skip adding any extra salt to the dry ingredients. And for the sprinkles? The jimmies kind are my go-to because they don’t bleed their color too much. You *could* use nonpareils (the tiny balls), but they can sometimes make the dough a little tough.
As for the sugars, the combo of granulated and brown gives that perfect balance of crisp and chew. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use all granulated, but the cookies might be a bit crispier and lack that subtle caramel note. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks
Got questions about these cheerful Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks? I’ve got answers for you! Baking should be fun and easy, so let’s clear up anything you might be wondering about.
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Oh, absolutely! While I adore the classic rainbow jimmies for their vibrant color and texture, feel free to get creative. You can use nonpareils (those tiny little balls) for a more delicate look, or even fun shaped sprinkles if you find them! Just keep in mind that sometimes nonpareils can affect the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit crunchier. And hey, if you’ve got themed sprinkles for a holiday, even better!
How do I store these cookies so they stay fresh?
Storage is a breeze! Once your cookies are completely cool – and I mean *totally* cool, not even a little warm – pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay wonderfully chewy and delicious at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you stack them, try putting a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Nobody wants a cookie jumble!
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! If you’re planning a baking marathon or just want to get ahead, the dough for these cookies can be made a day or two in advance. Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit out for about 15-20 minutes to soften up a bit so it’s easier to scoop. It might take a minute or two longer in the oven since the dough will be cold.
My sprinkles bled color. What did I do wrong?
Oops! That can happen sometimes, especially with certain types of sprinkles or if your dough is a little too warm when you add them. The jimmies-style sprinkles I recommend are usually pretty good about not bleeding. If you encounter this, don’t worry too much! The cookies will still taste amazing. For your next batch, make sure your butter and eggs are properly creamed but not *melted*, and try to mix the sprinkles in quickly and get the dough into the oven fairly soon after. Sometimes a quick chill of the dough after mixing the sprinkles can help too!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the numbers here for these yummy Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Stacks are estimates, okay? They can bounce around a bit depending on exactly what ingredients you use and how big you make your cookies. But generally, you’re looking at around 150 calories per cookie, with about 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbs. Enjoy them guilt-free!