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These Unicorn Poop Cookies bring pure fun and whimsy into any kitchen. They are bright playful and just the kind of treat that makes people smile. With swirls of color and a burst of mint they have become my go to when I want to add a little magic to a party table or treat for friends. Nothing delights my nieces and nephews more than showing up with a tray of these cookies with every bite packing confetti like crunch and sweetness.
The first time I baked these was for my niece’s sleepover party. The entire kitchen buzzed with excitement as the colors swirled and the sprinkles flew. Now these are an expected treat at every family holiday.
Ingredients
- Sugar: Brings the foundation of sweetness giving the cookies their classic bite
- Salted butter (softened): Gives tenderness and just enough richness while balancing the sweetness
- Egg yolks: Keep the cookies rich and chewy for that soft in the center texture
- Mint extract: Lifts everything with a cool bright finish
- Baking soda and baking powder: Make the cookies puff just right so they are tender not dense
- All purpose flour: Creates structure and keeps things wholesome and homey
- Salt: Brings out the flavors so the sweetness and mint do not overwhelm
- Candy sprinkles: In shades of pink blue purple and yellow are what bring the cookie to life visually. Choose fresh sprinkles from the baking aisle for best pop and crunch
- Mini candy coated chocolate chips: Add melty bites and extra rainbow magic. Check for an even mix of colors so each scoop sparkles
- Wilton purple food coloring: Gives a dreamy pastel hue. Gel color works best so the cookie dough stays soft
- Pink and white sanding sugar: Makes the sparkling finish. Look for fine textured sanding sugar so it sticks and gleams with every bite
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugar:
- Cream the softened butter with the sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Beat until the mixture is really pale and fluffy because this step sets up a light cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
- Add Eggs and Flavor:
- Drop in one egg yolk at a time beating fully in between. Stir in the mint extract food coloring and salt so the cookie base is both colorful and evenly flavored.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk flour baking soda and baking powder together. Pour this mixture slowly into the wet ingredients mixing on low so everything comes together without overworking the dough.
- Fold in Sprinkles and Chocolate Chips:
- Once the dough forms gently fold in rainbow sprinkles and mini chocolate chips. Turn the mixer to its lowest setting just until the add ins are evenly scattered so the cookies bake up bright and fun.
- Prepare Sugar Coating:
- Mix pink and white sanding sugar in a shallow bowl. Having this ready makes rolling go faster and gives every cookie its magical sparkle that kids love.
- Portion and Roll:
- Use a small scoop to measure even mounds of dough. Gently roll the tops of each scoop in the sugar mix making sure you only coat the rounded top. This adds a sweet sheen without overshadowing the inside flavors.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Line up dough balls on a prepared baking sheet with a silpat liner for easy cleanup. Bake at 350 degrees for exactly twelve minutes. Cookies will look just set when done with soft middles.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies rest a couple of minutes on the sheet so they set up. Then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling this keeps them chewy and avoids breakage.
My favorite part is always the vibrant sprinkles especially using pastel mixes for a unicorn fantasy effect. When the little bakers in my family each get to pick their own sprinkle blend it becomes a memory making day we always laugh about.
Storage and Leftover Tips
After baking let cookies cool fully before storing in a tin or airtight container. They stay soft and chewy for up to four days no problem. If you want to make extra freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment to keep them from sticking for up to two months. I like to pop a few out the night before school lunches for a little lunchbox magic.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
You can swap the mint extract with vanilla or almond for a sweeter warmer note that still keeps kids happy. Change up the color palette by using the season’s favorite colors or let kids mix their own. No sanding sugar handy Press in extra sprinkles just before baking for a similar effect. I once used regular chocolate chips and the cookies baked up chunkier and just as fun.
Perfect Ways to Serve This
Pile these cookies on a pastel plate for a birthday centerpiece or wrap in clear bags for party favors. Serve alongside ice cream for an over the top dessert plate. They even make a cute edible gift tied up with ribbon.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Every family get together means a new batch of unicorn poop cookies for us. The first time I made them my sister’s girls lined up on kitchen stools to help color the dough and the pictures we took that day are still on the fridge. For every holiday or sleepover these have become an expected tradition in our house and they always disappear fast.
Adapting for Every Season
Use red and green sugar for winter holidays or pastel yellow and blue at Easter. You can sneak in some pumpkin spice for autumn or make them red white and blue for summer barbecues. Kids love seeing a new creative mix of sprinkly magic each time.
Once you bake these unicorn poop cookies it is impossible not to feel a bit of celebration in each colorful bite. These have brought so much laughter and sparkle to our family moments I am sure they will become a hit for yours too.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do you achieve the vibrant unicorn colors?
Use colored candy sprinkles, mini chocolate candies, and a touch of purple food coloring to create playful hues.
- → Can I substitute the mint extract?
Yes, you can use vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile while maintaining the cookie texture.
- → Why roll cookie dough in sanding sugar?
Sanding sugar adds sparkle and a sweet crunch to each bite, enhancing the colorful appearance and texture.
- → Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for salted butter, but if using unsalted, add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
- → How should these cookies be stored?
Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve freshness for several days.
- → Can I freeze the dough for later?
Yes, portioned cookie dough can be frozen and baked directly from the freezer, just add an extra minute of baking time.