I just made this Sprinkle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe, and I have to say, they’re an absolute delight! From the moment I rolled the dough in colorful sprinkles to piping fluffy buttercream into each cookie, I felt like a kid in a candy store.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and just bursting with fun, making them perfect for any occasion. Honestly, I found myself sneaking a few while they were still warm. If you love a sweet, festive treat, this recipe is going to be your new favorite.

You can also enjoy a rich dessert like Black Velvet Cake Recipe for an extra indulgent experience.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these sprinkle-filled delights. I’ve added tips for getting the best results.

For the Cookies:

¾ cup butter, room temperature – salted works best for flavor, but unsalted is fine if you prefer.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar – helps create that light, fluffy texture.
1 tbsp vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
1 egg, room temperature – makes the cookies soft and chewy.
1 tbsp corn starch – keeps cookies tender and prevents them from spreading too much.
½ tsp baking soda – ensures a gentle rise.
½ tsp baking powder – balances texture.
½ tsp kosher salt – enhances overall flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour – the backbone of your cookies; measure carefully.
½ cup pastel sprinkles – flat sprinkles work best to keep their color and shape during baking.

For the Buttercream Filling:

½ cup butter, room temperature – makes a creamy, pipeable frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens the buttercream.
2–3 tbsp heavy cream, room temperature – adjusts the consistency for piping.
1 tsp vanilla extract – classic flavoring.
Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness.

Note: several serving as a note of full line under the ingredients quantity.

Variations

Want to mix things up or adapt to dietary needs? Here are some ideas:

Dairy-free: use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a creamy texture.
Sugar-free: substitute a low-glycemic sugar substitute in both cookies and frosting.
Flavor boosts: try adding lemon zest, almond extract, or even cocoa powder to the dough. You might also like experimenting with a Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe for a savory twist at your next gathering.
Sprinkles alternatives: use mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts for a different crunch.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and filling)

Equipment You Need

Stand mixer with paddle attachment – for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
Medium cookie scoop – ensures uniform cookie sizes.
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and easy cleanup.
Measuring spoons and cups – for precise measurements.
Piping bag or zip-top bag – for filling cookies with buttercream.
Wire rack – for cooling cookies evenly.

How to Make Sprinkle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies a soft texture. Add vanilla and egg, then mix until smooth.

Mix in Dry Ingredients

On low speed, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Keep mixing until you have a soft, cohesive dough. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.

Shape and Chill the Dough

Scoop dough into balls using your cookie scoop, then roll in sprinkles until fully coated. Place on a lined baking sheet, cover, and chill for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled cookies on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Create Wells for Buttercream

Right after baking, use the back of a tablespoon to gently press the center of each cookie. This creates a perfect cavity for the frosting once the cookies have cooled completely.

Prepare the Buttercream

Beat butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fluffy. Tint with food coloring if desired for a fun, colorful presentation.

Fill the Cookies

Once cooled, pipe buttercream into each well. Sprinkle a few extra sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, small tweaks make a big difference:

I always chill my dough; it keeps the cookies thick and soft.
Rolling cookies gently in sprinkles prevents them from losing shape.
Don’t overbake; cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
I like to use pastel sprinkles for a visually stunning effect.
Using a piping bag gives a cleaner, neater buttercream finish.

How to Serve Sprinkle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Serving these cookies can be just as fun as making them:

Arrange on a decorative plate or tiered cake stand.
Garnish with extra sprinkles or edible glitter.
Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a perfect afternoon treat.
Serve at parties or holidays for a colorful, festive presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per cookie:

Calories: 210 – sweet but satisfying for a small treat.
Protein: 2g – thanks to the egg and butter.
Carbohydrates: 28g – mostly from sugar and flour.
Fat: 10g – from butter and cream, giving that soft, rich texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing: You can freeze unfilled cookie dough balls or baked cookies; add buttercream after thawing.

Reheating: Slightly warm cookies in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their soft, chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I keep coming back to these cookies:

Soft and chewy texture with lightly crisp edges makes every bite perfect.
Loaded with colorful sprinkles, they’re visually fun and festive.
Easy to customize with different flavors and dietary options.
Buttercream filling adds a creamy, indulgent element that everyone loves.
Perfect for any occasion, from weekday baking to holiday celebrations.

These Sprinkle Thumbprint Cookies are one of those recipes that never fail to make me smile. The combination of soft dough, vibrant sprinkles, and creamy buttercream creates a treat that’s as joyful to eat as it is to make. Try this recipe, and I promise it will become a staple in your cookie rotation!

Ash Tyrrell