Cake Batter Funfetti Sugar Cookies {Swig-Style}

These sip style cake batter funfetti sugar cookies are cute AND delicious! The dough is pressed instead of cut out, making it very easy to make.

Covered with colorful sprinkles Inside With the cookie dough, these sugar cookies are a hit for any occasion.

What is a Swig cookie?

Swig Sugar Cookies originated in a small Utah soda/cookie shop years ago. The distinctive pressed cookie shape with rough, crumpled edges grew in popularity and spawned many fake cookie shops AND cookie recipes.

The term “Swig Cookie” is often used to describe those sugar cookies that are pressed rather than rolled and cut out with cookie cutters (much like we say “Kleenex” when talking about any kind of tissue).

Some would argue that the original Swig cookies aren’t as good as they used to be, or that Swig wasn’t the first place to come up with these cookies, or that there are much better sugar cookies by such and such. The subject arouses fierce loyalties and heated opinions. So be careful when, how and with whom you bring up the topic. 😉

For me, the only thing that matters is that it’s really, really easy to make a Swig-style sugar cookie at home. And they’re even tastier than anything you can get at a cookie store.

cake batter, sugar cookies

I took this popular classic Swig sugar cookie recipe and made it into a cake batter funfetti version because it’s a) so sweet and b) so delicious.

In order to preserve the atmosphere and taste of the cake batter, we are:

1. Add rainbow sprinkles to cookie dough
2. Increase the percentage of vanilla in the cookie dough, preferably use Mexican vanilla for a stronger flavor

‘Cause Mexican vanilla is stronger It helps enhance the flavor of the cake batter. If you don’t have Mexican vanilla, pure vanilla extract will work — be sure to use the full tablespoon. I was talking about this Vanilla Butter Baking Emulsion and it works great in this recipe for a delicious cake batter flavor. If you have any, add a teaspoon or two in addition to the vanilla extract.

Best sprinkles for funfetti sugar cookies

The best sprinkles for these sugar cookies are the Jimmie-style rainbow sprinkles. They retain their shape and color better than using tiny, matchless sprinkles.

Add the sprinkles when the cookie dough still has a few dry streaks, then gently mix by hand until the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

No rolling or cutting

These Cake Dough Funfetti Sugar Cookies are quick and easy to make because there’s no need to roll the dough and cut out with cookie cutters.

Instead, roll the dough into balls and, using a flat-bottomed glass dipped in sugar, press the cookie dough balls into thick circles, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

The cookies will spread a little more and flatten out a little as they bake. So don’t press the cookie dough too thin.

Just lightly baked

Baking these sugar cookies too long, even by a minute or two, is a travesty I can hardly put into words. They need to be undercooked a little or they will be dry and crumbly.

Remove from the oven when the edges are just set and the center still looks a little incomplete. They will firm up as they cool, yielding a soft, creamy, slightly dense cookie that’s exceptionally delicious.

Let them cool completely before adding the frosting. Spread the frosting down the center of the cookies, leaving a thin border around the edge.

Since there are a lot of sprinkles in the cookie dough, I don’t add any more sprinkles. Yes you can. Only you and your heart will know if more sprinkles are needed. 💗

How to Freeze Milk Sugar Cookies

The best kept secret of these (and other) frosted cookies is that they freeze amazingly well and taste fresh and delicious once thawed.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Frosted Sugar Cookies (and add sprinkles if you like)
2. Freeze in a single layer on a sheet pan or refrigerate until frosting is set.
3. Place sugar cookies in freezer bags or other containers and separate the layers with parchment or wax paper. Ideally, no more than two to three layers should be used per container.
4. Remove frozen sugar cookies from bags/containers and place on serving trays or sheet pans in a single layer to thaw (takes about an hour at room temperature).

I’ve baked and frozen hundreds of frosted cookies over the years and I can attest that it works great. No one can tell in advance that the cookies have been made.

My family wholeheartedly agrees that these Cake Batter Funfetti Sugar Cookies are every bit as delicious as our beloved classic.

The sprinkles and extra vanilla add something special to an everyday sugar cookie and they’re a total hit every time I serve them or take them anywhere.

Sweet, delicious and so, so easy.

I prefer to serve (and eat) them cold. But they also work well at room temperature.

I hope you find a reason to bake cookies with sprinkled sugar sooner rather than later. 😊

A year ago: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken {Homemade Teriyaki Sauce}
Two years ago: The Best Juicy Baked Beans {Oven or Slow Cooker}
Three years ago: Dulce de leche cheesecake bars
Four years ago: Teriyaki turkey burger with grilled pineapple
Five years ago: S’More’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
six years ago: Chewy granola biscuits
Seven years ago: Chocolate Fudge Brownie Cupcakes
Eight years ago: Chocolate Applesauce Snack Cake
nine years ago: Easy Skillet Green Beans {The Best Fresh Green Beans Of Your Life}
Ten years ago: Zucchini Lasagna

Recipe Source: from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (adapted from this favorite Swig cookie recipe)