Name: Birthday Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 180 g all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 115 g unsalted butter, melted; 125 g granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract; 100 g white chocolate, roughly chopped (plus extra for topping); 50 g rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)

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If you love the nostalgic joy of a birthday cake but want it in a fun, handheld form, these Birthday Cake Cookies are just the treat you need. Bursting with crunchy, colorful rainbow sprinkles and pockets of creamy white chocolate, they capture that unmistakable birthday cake flavor in every soft, chewy bite. Made with simple pantry staples and a touch of clear vanilla extract to keep the flavor pure and vibrant, these cookies are perfect for celebrations or simply brightening any regular day with a sprinkle of happy.

Birthday Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one bringing its own magic to your Birthday Cake Cookies. From the fluffy all-purpose flour to the melty white chocolate bits, every component plays a role in texture, taste, and that classic festive look.

180 g all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a soft, tender cookie.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for ideal leavening and spread.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
115 g unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
125 g granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that slightly crisp edge.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together while contributing moisture and richness.
1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract: Provides that unmistakable birthday cake aroma and flavor without coloring the dough.
100 g white chocolate, roughly chopped (plus extra for topping): Melts into gooey pockets that complement the sprinkles beautifully.
50 g rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping): Adds cheerful pops of color and a touch of crunch.

How to Make Birthday Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Having these ready ensures a smooth baking process without any rushed steps.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry blend ensures even rising and seasoning throughout the cookies, setting a solid foundation for your batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Then, add the egg and clear vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This mixture provides moisture and flavor that will make your cookies incredibly soft.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until nearly combined. Next, fold in the roughly chopped white chocolate and rainbow sprinkles using a spatula to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Scoop the Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scooper, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to give room for spreading. This little spacing tip ensures each cookie bakes evenly and looks picture-perfect.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake for 11-12 minutes, watching for edges to set while centers stay soft. At the final 2 minutes, press extra white chocolate chunks on top and sprinkle more colorful bits to intensify that festive vibe. This finishing touch makes your Birthday Cake Cookies truly irresistible.

Step 7: Cool to Perfect

After removing the cookies from the oven, you can gently swirl them with a round cookie cutter to reshape any uneven edges — a neat trick for perfectly round treats. Cool them on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, letting them firm up enough to transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

How to Serve Birthday Cake Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkling of finely crushed birthday cake crumbs on top. These garnishes amplify the festive look and make each cookie feel like a mini celebration.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of vanilla bean tea. The creamy beverage contrast highlights the sweet, rich flavors while keeping the birthday spirit alive with every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Present Birthday Cake Cookies in a colorful tiered dessert tray or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a bright ribbon for party favors. You could even sandwich two cookies with a dollop of vanilla buttercream to create joyful cookie “cakes.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Birthday Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps their soft texture intact while maintaining that fresh-baked flavor you fell in love with.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a sweet snack.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, reheat the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until soft and slightly melty. The warmth brings back that fresh-baked feeling, making Birthday Cake Cookies just as delightful the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of clear vanilla?

Yes, you can use regular vanilla extract, but it may slightly tint the dough and alter the pure white color that mimics birthday cake. The clear vanilla extract keeps the cookies looking bright and festive.

What can I substitute for white chocolate?

If you prefer, you can swap white chocolate for milk or semi-sweet chocolate chunks. This change will give a different but still delicious flavor profile to your Birthday Cake Cookies.

Do I have to use sprinkles?

Sprinkles add the signature fun and colorful crunch that truly makes these cookies resemble birthday cake. However, you can leave them out or replace them with colored sugar crystals if you want a different texture or appearance.

How soft are these cookies supposed to be?

These cookies should be soft and slightly chewy in the centers with just a set edge for that perfect bite. Overbaking can make them crisp, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This often enhances the flavor and makes for even better texture in your Birthday Cake Cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Birthday Cake Cookies are a joyful celebration wrapped in a cookie, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness and nostalgia. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite to bake again and again, filling your kitchen with warmth and colorful smiles.

Birthday Cake Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These soft and chewy Birthday Cake Cookies are bursting with white chocolate chunks and vibrant rainbow sprinkles. Made with clear vanilla extract, they capture the classic birthday cake flavor perfectly in cookie form. Enjoy these festive treats that are easy to bake and a surefire hit at any celebration.

Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or whisk until well mixed. Add the egg and clear vanilla extract, then whisk until the mixture is completely incorporated and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the chopped white chocolate and rainbow sprinkles, then use a spatula to gently fold everything together to avoid overmixing the dough.
Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scooper to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft. For the last 2 minutes, press additional chunks of white chocolate on top of each cookie and sprinkle with extra rainbow sprinkles.
Cool: Once removed from the oven, optionally swirl each cookie with a round cookie cutter slightly larger than the cookie to shape perfect rounds. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes until firm enough to transfer, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Using clear vanilla extract preserves the bright white color of the cookies, perfect for that classic birthday cake look.
Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies soft and tender.
Pressing extra chocolate and sprinkles on top towards the end of the bake enhances both appearance and texture.
For perfectly round cookies, use a cookie cutter immediately after baking while they are still warm and pliable.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American