Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavor: The use of clear vanilla extract delivers the quintessential birthday cake taste that many adore.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are tender in the center with slightly crisp edges, offering a satisfying bite.
- Easy Preparation: Made with melted butter, there's no need for creaming softened butter or using a hand mixer, simplifying the baking process.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Clear vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles
- White chocolate
Directions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dry Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the egg and clear vanilla extract; mix until incorporated.
- Combine: Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles and chopped white chocolate.
- Scoop: Using a large cookie scoop (about 3-4 tablespoons), place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.
- Bake: Bake for 11-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. In the last 2 minutes, press extra white chocolate chunks and sprinkles on top of each cookie.
- Cool: After baking, use a round cookie cutter slightly larger than the cookies to gently swirl and shape them into perfect rounds. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Yields approximately 10 large cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 32 minutes
Variations
- Mini Cookies: For smaller treats, use a 1-2 tablespoon scoop and adjust baking time to 8-10 minutes.
- Chocolate Chips: Substitute white chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like macadamia or pecans along with the white chocolate for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before consuming.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop dough onto a baking tray and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of clear vanilla extract?
Yes, you can. However, clear vanilla extract imparts a specific flavor reminiscent of traditional birthday cakes. Using regular vanilla extract will result in a different, though still delicious, taste.
Why are your measurements in grams? Why mix gram measurements with tablespoons/teaspoons?
Baking by weight offers greater accuracy than volume measurements, ensuring consistent results. Mixing grams with tablespoons or teaspoons is common in recipes to balance precision with practicality, especially for small quantities.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Additionally, baking the cookies directly from the freezer can help them maintain their shape.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, scoop it into balls, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
How can I make my cookies more chewy?
Using melted butter, as this recipe does, contributes to a chewier texture. Additionally, ensuring not to overbake the cookies will keep them soft and chewy.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may affect the flavor and texture. Unsalted butter is recommended for optimal results.
How do I make sure my cookies are uniformly sized?
Using a cookie scoop ensures each cookie is the same size, promoting even baking.
Can I add different types of sprinkles?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different colored or shaped sprinkles to suit your preference or occasion.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft to handle?
If the dough is too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes to an hour will make it easier to scoop and handle.
How can I make my cookies crispier?
For crisper cookies, you can bake them a few minutes longer until they are golden brown around the edges.
Conclusion
These Birthday Cake Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With a chewy center, crisp edges, and vibrant rainbow sprinkles, they capture all the fun and flavor of a birthday celebration. Whether you're baking for a party or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy.
