Unicorn Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Unicorn Cookies are colorful, fun, and delicious treats that brighten up any occasion. With a soft, buttery base and vibrant swirls of color, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or adding a magical touch to your baking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (285g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon (2g) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (2g) cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon (1.2g) salt
• ½ cup sprinkles
• Gel colors (Pink, Royal Blue, and Violet)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until the eggs are fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating on medium-low speed until the dough begins to form. Stir in the sprinkles until evenly distributed.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Leave one portion uncolored. Tint the other three portions with gel colors of your choice, mixing the color into the dough by hand or with a spatula.
5. Step 5: Place all four colored doughs into a large bowl and gently fold together with a spoon or by hand to create a tie-dye effect. Avoid overmixing to keep colors distinct.
6. Step 6: Use a medium or large cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball and optionally coat with granulated sugar or extra sprinkles. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For more vibrant colors, use gel food coloring as it won’t affect the dough’s consistency.
• You can swap sprinkles for colored sugar crystals or nonpareils for a different texture.
• Try using different color combinations to customize the look of your unicorn cookies.
• If you prefer softer cookies, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.

Storage

Store cooled unicorn cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in a microwave or enjoy them thawed at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel colors?

Regular food coloring can be used, but it may thin the dough and make colors less vibrant. Gel colors are preferred for their intensity and minimal impact on dough consistency.

How do I prevent the colors from blending too much?

Mix the colored doughs gently just until they start to combine. Overmixing will cause the colors to blend and lose their distinct appearance.

Unicorn Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 82 reviews

These whimsical Unicorn Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a soft, buttery sugar cookie dough swirled with vibrant gel colors and festive sprinkles. Perfectly baked to a light golden hue, these cookies offer a fun tie-dye effect that’s visually stunning and deliciously sweet, making them an enchanting choice for celebrations or everyday indulgence.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24–30 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (285g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon (2g) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (2g) cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon (1.2g) salt

Add-ins and Decorations

• ½ cup sprinkles
• Gel colors (Pink, Royal Blue, and Violet) as needed for coloring dough
• Additional granulated sugar or sprinkles for rolling cookies before baking

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This step is crucial for a smooth cookie texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and pure vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until the eggs are fully beaten and the batter is smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on medium-low speed until a dough forms. Then fold in the ½ cup of sprinkles evenly into the dough.
5. Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough into four equal parts. Leave one portion uncolored. Add gel colors (Pink, Royal Blue, and Violet) to the other three portions and mix each thoroughly with a spatula or by hand until evenly colored.
6. Create Tie-Dye Effect: Place all four colored dough portions into a large bowl. Gently mix them just enough by spoon or hand to create a tie-dye swirl effect without fully blending the colors, preserving the vibrant hues.
7. Portion and Decorate: Using a medium or large cookie scoop, portion out dough balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar or sprinkle additional sprinkles on top for extra sparkle. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow spreading.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and tender.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and ensuring they set correctly.

Notes

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and cookie texture.
• Do not overmix the colored dough portions when combining to keep the vibrant tie-dye effect.
• Use gel colors rather than liquid food coloring to maintain dough consistency without making it sticky.
• Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven and cookie size; cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the centers.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Unicorn Cookies, tie-dye cookies, sugar cookies, colorful cookies, sprinkles cookies, butter cookies, fun dessert, party cookies