The kitchen was filled with a warm, buttery aroma as I prepared to bake my favorite festive treat: pan-banging confetti cookies. Picture this: a delightful crunch on the outside giving way to a soft, chewy center, all studded with colorful sprinkles that scream holiday cheer. These pan-banging confetti cookies are not just visually appealing; they’re also a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for busy home chefs like us. The fun pan-banging technique delivers that perfect, crinkled look that’ll impress family and friends, while each bite transports you to a winter wonderland. Trust me, these cookies are destined to become your go-to festive snack! Wouldn’t you love to have a batch ready for your next gathering? Why are These Cookies a Must-Bake? Festive vibes come alive with every bite of these pan-banging confetti cookies! Ease of preparation means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Flavor-packed with buttery sweetness and colorful sprinkles, they capture the spirit of the holidays beautifully. Serve them alongside a comforting cup of cocoa or add them to your cookie trays for a vibrant centerpiece. Plus, these cookies freeze wonderfully, making it easy to have festive treats on hand whenever the mood strikes! Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Base Unsalted Butter – Provides fat for moisture and richness; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option. Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor; dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper taste. Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and texture; no direct substitute, but reducing total sugar will yield less sweet cookies. Kosher Salt – Balances the flavors; can use table salt but reduce the amount slightly. Large Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; consider flax egg for a vegan option. Large Egg Yolk – Increases richness; a second full egg may substitute if no extra yolk is at hand. Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds a rich flavor; imitation vanilla works in a pinch. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a balanced rise; use baking powder as a substitute but adjust proportions accordingly. All-Purpose Flour – Main structure-building ingredient; for a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 flour alternative. For the Fun Factor Holiday Sprinkles – Provides visual appeal and festivity; swap with chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. These pan-banging confetti cookies will surely become a colorful and cheerful addition to your holiday baking repertoire! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial as it ensures that your festive pan-banging confetti cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper, giving you an organized workspace for the upcoming steps. Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of light brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, enhancing the texture of your cookies. Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Once creamed, add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat these ingredients on low speed until they are well combined, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and creamy. Take a moment to admire the inviting aroma of vanilla filling your kitchen, as this signals the next step of your pan-banging confetti cookies. Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookie dough to retain its wonderful texture. Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles Now, gently fold in 3/4 cup of holiday sprinkles into your cookie dough. This adds a colorful twist that embodies the spirit of the holidays! Ensure the sprinkles are evenly distributed without overworking the dough, maintaining that light and fluffy consistency you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Step 6: Scoop and Bake Using a cookie scoop, place rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave space between each dough ball. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are slightly underbaked. This creates the chewy texture that makes these pan-banging confetti cookies so delightful. Step 7: Bang the Pan Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven and bang them against the oven rack to create a beautifully crinkled surface on the cookies. Return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the centers finish baking while remaining soft. This unique pan-banging technique is what makes your festive cookies stand out! Step 8: Cool and Enjoy Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. With their perfect balance of crunchy and chewy textures, these festive pan-banging confetti cookies are now ready to brighten your holiday gatherings and celebrations! Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies: Variations Galore Feel free to let your creativity shine and make these cookies your own with these delightful variations! Festive Sprinkles: Swap in seasonal sprinkles like pastel colors for Easter or red and green for Christmas. Each holiday brings its own cheer to the table! Chocolate Chips: Substitute a portion of the sprinkles with chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent twist. Combine flavors for a double treat everyone will love. Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and a hint of nuttiness. This addition also complements the sweetness perfectly! Flavored Extracts: Mix in almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a seasonal burst of flavor. Your kitchen will be filled with beautiful aromas! Dairy-Free Option: Use margarine instead of butter and a flax egg to make these cookies dairy-free while still enjoying that divine taste and chewiness. Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version that doesn’t skimp on taste. Everyone can join the party! Oatmeal Twist: Incorporate quick oats into the dough for a chewy texture and added fiber. It gives the cookies a rustic, wholesome feel. Caramel Swirls: Drizzle in some warm caramel for an extra touch of sweetness or mix with the dough for a hidden surprise! Each bite will be a delightful adventure. With such a breadth of options, you can elevate your pan-banging confetti cookies to even greater festive heights! And if you’re ever in the mood for a cookie that takes a little less time, try my Honey Cookies Chewy for a delightful treat. Enjoy your baking journey! Make Ahead Options These pan-banging confetti cookies are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough onto your baking sheets and cover them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This helps the flavors meld and will give you that just-baked taste when ready to bake. If you prefer, you can also freeze the scooped dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time as needed, and treat your loved ones to fresh, festive cookies with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy center and crunchy edges. Fridge: For a slightly firmer texture, store cookies in the refrigerator; however, this might alter their freshness. Consume within 3 days for best results. Freezer: These pan-banging confetti cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that just-baked feel. Expert Tips for Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly, affecting the cookie texture. Right Amount of Sprinkles: Avoid overloading with sprinkles; around 3/4 cup is perfect for flavor and looks. Too many can affect the dough consistency. Cool Down Time: Don’t skip the cooling step. If you move the cookies too soon, they may crumble, losing that perfect pan-banging effect. Bold Bang Technique: Bang the tray firmly but gently; you want to create ripples without breaking your cookies. Practice makes perfect here! Color Variation: Experiment with different holiday sprinkles or even chocolate chips for varied flavors and looks in your pan-banging confetti cookies. What to Serve with Festive Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies Treat your loved ones to a delightful spread that complements the joyful spirit of these colorful cookies. Creamy Hot Cocoa: This rich, chocolatey drink adds warmth and comfort, allowing the cookies’ sweetness to shine even brighter. Milk and Cookies Platter: Classic whole milk pairs perfectly, enhancing the delightful sweetness and chewy texture of your cookies for nostalgic charm. Cozy Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai offers a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making for a perfect evening treat. Fruity Tart: A fresh mixed berry tart balances the cookies’ richness and is visually stunning for gatherings, adding a burst of color to your spread. Imagine serving these desserts together at your holiday table, where each bite ignites memories and spreads cheer with those you hold dear. Christmas Fruitcake: This seasonal classic brings a rich fruitiness that pairs nicely, creating a delightful contrast to the light, sweet cookie. Ice Cream Sundaes: Create an innovative dessert by serving cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate drizzle for the ultimate indulgence. Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right butter for these cookies? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use unsalted butter that’s softened at room temperature. This allows for better incorporation of air and creates a fluffy batter. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with margarine, just be sure to choose one suitable for baking. What’s the best way to store pan-banging confetti cookies? You can store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled first! For longer storage, consider the fridge, but I recommend eating them fresh for enjoyability. Can I freeze pan-banging confetti cookies? Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they’re separated by parchment paper, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. What happens if my cookies spread too much while baking? If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to butter that’s too warm or too much moisture in the dough. To prevent this, ensure your butter is soft but not melted, and double-check your measurements, particularly for flour. It’s also a good idea to chill your cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking if you’re facing this issue. Are there any allergy considerations for these cookies? These pan-banging confetti cookies contain common allergens such as eggs, butter, and wheat. If you’re baking for others, you can easily switch to a flax egg for a vegan option and consider gluten-free 1:1 flour to accommodate dietary needs. Always check your sprinkles as they may contain allergens as well. Decadent Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies for Festive Cheer These pan-banging confetti cookies are a delightful mix of crunch and chew with colorful sprinkles, making them a perfect festive treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 32 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup unsalted butter softened1 cup light brown sugar1/2 cup granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon kosher salt1 large egg1 large egg yolk2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract1 teaspoon baking soda2 cups all-purpose flourFor the Fun Factor3/4 cup holiday sprinkles or chocolate chips Equipment Electric MixerMixing BowlsBaking Sheetsparchment papercookie scoop Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Festive Pan-Banging Confetti CookiesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and beat on low speed until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.Fold in the holiday sprinkles until evenly distributed in the dough.Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.Bang the baking sheet against the oven rack to create crinkles, then bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 40mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesMake sure to use softened butter for the best texture; avoid overloading with sprinkles to maintain proper dough consistency. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
