1-Step 1: Prepare Your Mise en Place Start by softening 1 cup of butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Measure out 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 egg, 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tsp vanilla. Having everything ready speeds up the process for this easy homemade sprinkle cookies recipe. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2-Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender crumb in your costco cookies copycat. Scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing. Add the egg and 2 tsp vanilla, beating until fully combined, about 1 minute.

3-Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies chewy, not tough. For gluten-free adaptations, use a certified blend here; vegan folks can stir in their flax egg earlier.

4-Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Dough Using a 1/4-cup ice cream scoop or measuring cup, portion the dough into 12 large balls. Place them 3 inches apart on the prepared sheets, as they spread during baking. Gently flatten each slightly with your palm for even 5-inch cookies like the originals. This size matches the generous Costco sprinkle cookie portions.

5-Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, until edges turn golden but centers remain pale and soft. Rotate sheets halfway for even browning. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Total bake time per batch is quick, ideal for working professionals.

6-Step 6: Make the Pink Frosting While cookies cool, beat 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, alternating with 1/4 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix until smooth, then tint with pink food coloring to match costco pink sprinkle cookies. For low-calorie, use less sugar or a sugar substitute.

7-Step 7: Frost and Sprinkle Spread or pipe generous frosting on each cooled cookie. Immediately top with rainbow sprinkles before the frosting sets. Let sit 10 minutes for sprinkles to adhere. Serve fresh or store as below.