Description
These Pan-Banging Confetti Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, packed with festive holiday sprinkles and baked to golden perfection using a unique pan-banging technique that ensures even browning and a tender, chewy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
- Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center. In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the softened butter, light 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. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, beating until just combined. Then, add the baking soda and beat until incorporated.
- Add flour and sprinkles: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour, beating until only a few streaks of flour remain. Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently with a spatula to distribute evenly without overmixing.
- Shape and sugar-coat the cookies: 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 scoop between your palms into balls. Roll four of the balls in the granulated sugar, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each ball well apart. Keep the remaining dough balls at room temperature until ready to bake.
- Bake with pan-banging technique: Bake the cookies for 7 minutes. Then open the oven door, lift the baking sheet about 2 inches from the rack, and firmly bang the pan three times on the oven rack. Rotate the pan 180 degrees, place it back on the rack, and close the door. Continue baking for 2 more minutes, then repeat the pan banging and rotation process one to two more times. This method encourages even browning. The cookies will bake a total of about 11 to 13 minutes, until edges and bottom are golden brown.
- Cool and repeat: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the baking process with the remaining dough, using fresh parchment on a cooled baking sheet for best results.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and butter ensure smoother mixing and better dough texture.
- The pan-banging technique helps the cookies spread evenly and brown uniformly.
- Do not overmix the flour to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Use holiday-themed sprinkles or any colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Allow enough spacing between dough balls to prevent cookies from merging during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: confetti cookies, holiday cookies, sugar cookies, festive cookies, pan-banging technique, Christmas cookies, sprinkle cookies
