Name: Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar, divided; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar, divided

1 large egg, room temperature

1 large egg yolk, room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the center. In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, kosher salt, and 1 1/4 cups (250 g) of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat while scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula until just combined. Stir in the baking soda and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour, beating only until a few streaks of flour remain. Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Place the remaining 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar in a small shallow bowl. Using a 1/4-cup scoop or measuring cup, portion the dough and roll each portion between your palms into balls. Roll 4 dough balls in the sugar and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them as far apart as possible. Keep the remaining dough balls at room temperature until ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake for 7 minutes. Then carefully open the oven door, lift the baking sheet about 2 inches from the rack, and bang the pan 3 times on the oven rack. Rotate the pan 180°, return it to the oven, and close the door. Continue baking for 2 more minutes.

Step 6: Repeat the banging and rotating process 1 to 2 more times until the cookies are golden brown around the edges and bottom, totaling 11 to 13 minutes of baking time.

Step 7: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, using fresh parchment paper and allowing the baking sheet to cool before baking the next batch.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough in place of some vanilla.

Swap holiday sprinkles for chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different texture and taste.

Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy dough.

Use a light hand when folding in the flour and sprinkles to keep the cookies tender.

FAQs

Why do I need to bang the pan while baking?

Banging the pan helps to spread the cookie dough evenly and encourages thin, crisp edges while keeping the center chewy. It also releases air bubbles that might otherwise make the cookies uneven.

Can I use regular sprinkles instead of holiday sprinkles?

Yes, any type of sprinkles will work well in this recipe. Choose your favorites or theme them according to the occasion for colorful, festive cookies.