Description
These colorful Unicorn Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies infused with vibrant gel food coloring and topped with playful sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations or just brightening up any day, they combine a classic buttery flavor with a whimsical twist through their multicolored dough and sugary crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Dough
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
Color and Decoration
- Gel food coloring: pink, yellow, blue, and purple
- Assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cookies at the correct temperature.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and 2/3 cup sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt; set this mixture aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, then gradually incorporate about one-third of the flour mixture, mixing on medium-low until fully combined and the cookie dough starts to form.
- Divide Dough: Split the dough evenly into 4 separate balls to prepare for coloring.
- Color the Dough: Knead a different gel food coloring into each dough ball (pink, yellow, blue, and purple) until the colors are evenly blended.
- Form Multicolored Balls: Using a cookie scoop, gather small portions from each colored dough and combine them in the scoop, then gently roll with your hands to create 1-inch balls that have a swirled, multicolored appearance.
- Coat with Sugar and Arrange: Roll each cookie ball in granulated sugar, then place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Flatten each ball into a disc shape by pressing gently with a glass.
- Add Sprinkles: Decorate the top of each cookie disc by sprinkling assorted sprinkles, adding vibrant texture and sparkle.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the cookies onto a wire rack and let them cool completely before enjoying their soft, colorful charm.
Notes
- Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid to maintain dough consistency and vibrant colors.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
- Pressing the cookie balls gently into discs helps them bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract in addition to vanilla.
