Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies
There’s something undeniably joyous about a cookie that looks like a celebration. Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies are the perfect treat to bring a little whimsy into your day. With vibrant rainbow sprinkles and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies embody the spirit of birthdays and special moments, making them a delightful addition to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply indulging for no reason at all, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies stand out is their unique combination of flavors and textures. The use of both granulated and brown sugar gives them a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. The addition of cornstarch helps to achieve that soft, cake-like texture that you would expect from a birthday cake, while the rainbow sprinkles add a fun pop of color and a hint of nostalgia. These cookies are not just any cookies; they are a celebration in every bite!
Ingredient Notes
- Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: The base of the cookie dough, providing richness and flavor. Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar contributes sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, sweet flavor reminiscent of birthday cake.
- Flour: The main structure of the cookies. Use all-purpose flour for best results.
- Cornstarch: An essential ingredient that ensures a soft and tender cookie.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the cookies.
- Rainbow sprinkles: The star of the show! They add color, fun, and a little crunch to each bite.
Equipment at a Glance
- Mixing bowls: For mixing ingredients together.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer works best to cream the butter and sugars.
- Baking sheet: Use a standard cookie sheet to bake your cookies.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal and cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: For evenly sized cookies.
- Cooling rack: Essential for cooling the cookies after baking.
Method: Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles
Using a spatula, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for that chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Quick Replacement Ideas
- If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use coconut oil or margarine as a substitute.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk-free butter or vegan butter.
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use extra flour, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Swap out rainbow sprinkles for chocolate chips or nuts for a different flavor twist.
Little Things that Matter
When making Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies, the temperature of your ingredients matters. Ensure that your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results. Additionally, gently fold in the sprinkles at the end to prevent them from breaking and losing their vibrant colors. Lastly, keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; every oven is different, and slight adjustments may be needed for perfect results.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
These Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until they’re just warmed through.
Ask the Chef
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour, but you should omit the baking soda and salt from the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains these ingredients.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and scoop.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and ensure that you have enough baking sheets and oven space for the additional cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
Cookies can spread if the butter is too warm or if there isn’t enough flour in the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and accurately measure your flour.
Ready to Cook?
These Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that can turn an ordinary day into a celebration. Their vibrant colors and delicious taste make them perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a batch of cookies that will surely bring joy to everyone who gets to enjoy them.
In every bite of these Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies, you’ll find a chewy texture, delightful sweetness, and a burst of color from the sprinkles. They are the perfect way to honor birthdays, celebrations, or simply to enjoy with family and friends. Let the baking begin!
Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles to keep their colors vibrant.
- Watch the cookies while baking; ovens vary in heat.
