Do Sprinkles Go On Before or After Baking?
Sprinkles are a simple way to make desserts look fun, colorful, and festive. Whether you’re decorating cookies, cupcakes, or cakes, many bakers wonder: Do sprinkles go on before or after baking?
The answer is both, depending on the type of dessert and the kind of sprinkles you are using. Some sprinkles hold their shape well in the oven, while others melt or lose their color when exposed to heat.
In this guide, we’ll explain when to add sprinkles before baking, when to add them after baking, and how to get the best results.
When to Add Sprinkles Before Baking
Adding sprinkles before baking works well for desserts that bake quickly and have a firm dough that can hold the sprinkles in place.
Common examples include:
• Sugar cookies
• Shortbread cookies
• Biscotti
• Cookie bars
For cookies, sprinkles them directly onto the dough right before placing the tray in the oven. As the cookies bake, the dough expands slightly and helps lock the sprinkles into place.
Best Sprinkles for Baking
Some sprinkles are designed to handle heat better than others.
Good options include:
• Jimmies
• Nonpareils
• Sugar crystals or sanding sugar
These types usually keep their color and shape during baking.
When to Add Sprinkles After Baking
Sprinkles are often added after baking when decorating desserts with frosting, glaze, or melted chocolate.
Example include:
• Cupcakes with buttercream frosting
• Cakes with icing
• Donuts with glaze
• Cookies decorated with royal icing
Adding sprinkles after baking helps keep their bright color, shine, and texture. Simply sprinkle them on top while the frosting or glaze is still soft so they stick easily.
Do Sprinkles Melt in the Oven?
Some sprinkles can melt, bleed color, or lose their shape in the oven. This is especially common with:
• Metallic sprinkles
• Sugar pearls
• Confetti-style sprinkles
Because of this, many decorative sprinkles are better used after baking for finishing touches.
Tips for Using Sprinkles Successfully
Here are a few simple tips to get the best results:
1. Choose the right type of sprinkles
Not all sprinkles are designed for baking.
2. Press sprinkles lightly into dough
This helps prevent them from falling off during baking.
3. Add sprinkles while frosting is fresh
If decorating after baking, sprinkles them on before the frosting sets.
4. Don’t overload the dough
Too many sprinkles can sometimes affect cookie texture.
FAQ
1. Do sprinkles burn in the oven?
Most sprinkles do not burn at normal baking temperatures, but some may fade, melt, or bleed color is exposed to high heat.
2. Can you bake cupcakes with sprinkles on top?
Yes, you can add sprinkles before baking cupcakes, but many bakers prefer to add them after frosting the cupcakes for a brighter appearance.
3. Why do sprinkles disappear when baking cookies?
Some sprinkles melt into the dough during baking, especially confetti-style sprinkles or softer sugar shapes.
4. Do you put sprinkles on sugar cookies before baking?
Yes. Sprinkles are often added before baking sugar cookies so they stick to the dough and bake into the surface.
5. Do sprinkles stick without frosting?
Yes, if you add them before baking, they can stick directly to cookie dough. After baking, they usually need icing, glaze, or melted chocolate to stay in place.