Rainbow Sugar Cookies
Get ready to brighten up your baking day with these Rainbow Sugar Cookies! Picture soft, buttery cookies bursting with vibrant colors that make every bite feel like a little celebration. They’re sweet, tender, and just the right amount of chewy, with a fun rainbow twist that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Whether you’re baking for a party, a fun afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for cookie lovers and color enthusiasts alike!
Why You’ll Love Rainbow Sugar Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking with kids, adding a pop of color to your cookie platter, or simply indulging in a sweet treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat, these cookies shine. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a splash of color.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples with a little food coloring magic.
Quick and Easy: Ready to bake in under 30 minutes, plus a short chill time.
Customizable: Mix and match colors or add sprinkles for extra fun.
Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, colorful, and sweet a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients in Rainbow Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to create these colorful delights:
All-Purpose Flour: The base for that perfect cookie structure.
Sugar: Sweetness that balances perfectly with the buttery dough.
Butter: Softened, for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eggs: Binding everything together beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just right.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Food Coloring: A rainbow of colors to make the cookies pop.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Divide and Color the Dough: Split the dough evenly into separate bowls—one for each color you want. Add food coloring to each bowl and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
Shape the Cookies: Roll each colored dough into small balls or logs. Arrange them side-by-side or twist together to create a rainbow effect. Flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 120
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Rainbow Sugar Cookies
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A glass of cold milk for that classic cookie combo
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
- Colorful sprinkles or icing to decorate and personalize each cookie
- A cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant, less runny colors
- Chill dough briefly if it’s too soft to handle
- Don’t overbake cookies should be soft in the center
- Experiment with different shapes and designs for special occasions
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer
FAQ’s
- Can I use natural food coloring instead of synthetic?
Yes, but colors might be less vibrant. - How do I prevent colors from bleeding into each other?
Keep dough colors separated and don’t over-handle when combining. - Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze balls of dough and bake straight from frozen. - Do these cookies spread a lot during baking?
They spread a little, so leave enough space on the baking sheet. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. - What’s the best way to store the cookies?
In an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. - Can I add sprinkles or decorations before baking?
Yes, press them gently onto the dough before baking. - Are these cookies chewy or crispy?
They’re soft with a slight chew—perfect balance! - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double all ingredients and mix accordingly. - How do I make these cookies vegan?
Substitute butter with vegan butter and eggs with flax eggs.
Conclusion
Rainbow Sugar Cookies are a fun and festive way to add color and joy to your baking. With their soft texture, sweet flavor, and vibrant hues, they’re sure to brighten any occasion and bring smiles to everyone who bites into them. Whip up a batch, share the love, and enjoy the sweet, colorful magic!
Print
Rainbow Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright and cheerful Rainbow Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery treats decorated with vibrant rainbow sprinkles — perfect for celebrations or a fun, colorful snack.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in rainbow sprinkles gently.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra color, roll cookie dough balls in additional sprinkles before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Use butter at room temperature for easier creaming.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing for special occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: rainbow sugar cookies, sprinkles cookies, colorful cookies, soft sugar cookies, festive treats