If you’re a fan of sweet, colorful treats that bring joy with every bite, then these homemade Funfetti Cookies are for you! With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant sprinkles, these cookies are like a mini celebration in every bite. But unlike many Funfetti-inspired recipes, this one is made entirely from scratch—no box cake mix necessary! Let’s dive into the recipe and tips to make the best Funfetti Cookies.
Why This Funfetti Cookie Recipe Works
When it comes to cookies, we all want them soft, chewy, and full of flavor. This funfetti cookie recipe delivers on all fronts, making it a must-try. Here’s why it works so well:
- Melted Butter for Softness: Using melted butter rather than softened butter gives these cookies their irresistible softness and chewiness. No more cakey texture—just pure, buttery goodness.
- Cornstarch for Structure: Adding cornstarch ensures that the cookies hold their shape while staying tender.
- Homemade Vanilla: A generous pour of vanilla extract gives the cookies that nostalgic cake-mix flavor, but without any of the additives.
- Sprinkles for Fun: Of course, the sprinkles are the star of the show, providing pops of color and a light crunch to each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Funfetti Cookies
These cookies come together with pantry staples, and each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect chewy cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients
- Melted butter: Provides that soft, chewy texture and rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: A combination that gives the cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that signature sweet, warm flavor.
- Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies soft and helps them hold their shape.
Funfetti Additions
- Sprinkles: These are essential for the fun and festive touch. You can use any kind of sprinkles you like—mix and match for a colorful effect.
Important Tip for Perfect Funfetti Cookies
Always use unsalted butter. It gives you more control over the amount of salt in your cookies, ensuring that your treats aren’t too salty or too bland. This small adjustment makes a big difference in the final taste.
How to Make Funfetti Cookies from Scratch
The beauty of these Funfetti Cookies is that they are so simple to make! Here’s how to whip up a batch that will delight everyone:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. After melting, let it cool for 10-15 minutes until it’s no longer warm to the touch. This prevents the sugar from melting prematurely and keeps your cookies from spreading too much during baking. - Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled melted butter and both granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and stir until everything is fully combined. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring well after each addition. Be careful not to add all the flour at once—this ensures the dough doesn’t become too dry. - Add the Sprinkles
Gently fold in the sprinkles, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 60 minutes. Chilling the dough ensures that the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much while baking. - Shape the Dough
After chilling, scoop the dough and roll it into smooth balls. This helps create uniform cookies that bake evenly. Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Bake
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, but that’s perfect! They’ll continue baking on the hot cookie sheet as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy texture. - Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps them set and ensures that they stay soft and chewy.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Funfetti Cookies
To ensure your Funfetti Cookies come out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter isn’t too warm when mixing with the sugar. If it’s too warm, it can melt the sugar and result in a greasy dough.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough is key for preventing excessive spreading and ensuring chewy, thick cookies.
- Roll the Dough Balls: For the most uniform and round cookies, roll your dough balls before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they look slightly underdone to ensure a chewy texture. Over-baking leads to dry, crispy cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions
- Vegan Funfetti Cookies: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply swap in a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Choose dairy-free butter and ensure your sprinkles are free from dairy.
Fun Variations
- Chocolate Funfetti Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
- Mini Funfetti Cookies: Roll the dough into smaller balls and bake for 8-10 minutes to create bite-sized treats.
Why You’ll Love These Funfetti Cookies
These soft, chewy Funfetti Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to simple afternoon snacks. They’re:
- Easy to make: No mixer required!
- Super fun: The colorful sprinkles make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Completely from scratch: Say goodbye to box mixes and make these cookies from scratch with pantry staples.
Serving Suggestions
These Funfetti Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- A cold glass of milk.
- A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a fun ice cream sandwich.
- A cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Storage Tips
Store your Funfetti Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them extra soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container, which will help absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies fresh.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Funfetti Cookies
Can I freeze these Funfetti Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—no thawing necessary!
Can I use other types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sprinkles you prefer, whether rainbow sprinkles, jimmies, nonpareils, or even themed sprinkles for special occasions.
Why is my cookie dough crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, it may need more moisture. Add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the dough reaches a soft, workable consistency.
Final Thoughts
These Funfetti Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, combining the perfect balance of buttery softness, chewy texture, and fun pops of color. Whether you’re baking them for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try and see just how easy it is to make soft, chewy, homemade cookies that are bursting with flavor!
Did you make these Funfetti Cookies? Rate this recipe or share your creation with us! We’d love to see your colorful cookies!