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Sprinkles are more than colorful toppings - they're a tool for adding texture, visual appeal, and fun to desserts. Use them to decorate frosted cakes and cupcakes, rim cocktail glasses, or sprinkle on milkshakes for added flair. Donut shops, bakeries, and ice cream parlors can utilize sprinkles to elevate presentation and contribute to brand identity. From classic jimmies to decorative sanding sugar, understanding the various types of sprinkles can help bakers and decorators make more intentional choices. Our guide breaks down the seven most popular sprinkle varieties and how to use them.
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1. Jimmies
Jimmies are the classic, rod-shaped sprinkles most commonly used as a colorful topping for ice cream, cakes, and cookies, as well as funfetti cakes. They have a soft texture and come in various vibrant colors or a brown, chocolate-flavored version. Often what people picture when they hear the word "sprinkles," the term “jimmies” is thought to have originated in the U.S. by the Just Born Candy Company. In some regions, especially in the Northeast, jimmies specifically refer to chocolate sprinkles.
- Best applications for jimmies: Ice cream toppings, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, cake pops
- Jimmies texture: Soft and slightly chewy
- Jimmies colors: Rainbow mix, chocolate, single-color blends
- Jimmies shine/finish: Matte
2. Nonpareils
Compared to classic sprinkles, nonpareils are tiny, round, crunchy balls made from sugar and starch. They have a hard texture and create a colorful, delicate look when used as a topping. While they fall under the broader sprinkle category, their shape and crunch set them apart. Nonpareil is derived from a French word that translates to “without equal”, implying that they are an unparalleled topping for cookies, cupcakes, and cakes.
- Best applications for nonpariels: Cookies, truffles, cake borders, dipped treats
- Nonpariels texture: Hard and crunchy
- Nonpariels colors: Rainbow, white, pastel mixes, seasonal blends
- Nonpariels shine/finish: Matte to slightly glossy
3. Quins
Quins, also known as confetti or sequin sprinkles, are typically flat and disc-shaped but also come in novelty shapes for kid-friendly bakes and holidays. They offer a playful, eye-catching look and are often used for themed or seasonal treats.
- Best applications for quins: Birthday cakes, holiday-themed bakes, sugar cookies, kids’ desserts
- Quins texture: Soft to moderately crunchy
- Quins colors: Rainbow, bright solids, pastel mixes
- Quins shine/finish: Matte
4. Pearls
Sugar or chocolate pearls are larger, rounded decorations with a polished or glossy finish. They are perfect for elevating wedding cakes and elegant desserts, adding a sophisticated, eye-catching touch that creates a truly showstopping effect. Sugar pearls often resemble edible beads, while chocolate pearls can add a rich flavor component along with a decorative touch.
- Best applications for pearls: Wedding cakes, upscale cupcakes, plated desserts
- Pearls texture: Hard and crunchy
- Pearls colors: White, gold, silver, metallic tones, chocolate brown
- Pearls shine/finish: Pearlescent or glossy
5. Sanding Sugar
Sanding sugar is a fine-to-medium-coarse sugar that gives a subtle texture and glittery finish to baked goods. It is also ideal for garnishing cocktail rims, from margaritas to martinis, adding a touch of sweetness while elevating the drink’s presentation and perceived value.
- Best applications for sanding sugar: Sugar rims, cookies, muffins
- Sanding sugar texture: Gentle crunch
- Sanding sugar colors: Rainbow, pastel, holiday-themed blends, white shimmer
- Sanding sugar shine/finish: Sparkly or shimmering
6. Coarse Sugar
Essentially the same as sanding sugar but with larger crystals, coarse sugar offers greater crunch and texture. Its structure holds up well during baking, making it ideal for finishing touches where texture matters. Use clear coarse sugar to top scones, muffins, and other baked goods, enhancing their visual appeal, sweetness, and bite, or colored coarse sugar for a standout, sparkling finish on cupcakes and chocolate-dipped treats. Like sanding sugar, coarse sugar can also be used for cocktail rimming.
- Best applications for coarse sugar: Scones, muffins, shortbread, cupcakes
- Coarse sugar texture: Crunchier than sanding sugar
- Coarse sugar colors: Clear, white, bold primary and secondary hues
- Coarse sugar shine/finish: Dull to sparkly
7. Dragees
Dragees are small, round decorations with a hard, metallic-like coating, often used to add a sophisticated or vintage touch to cakes and pastries. Pronounced drah-zhays, they come in various sizes and are typically used sparingly due to their very firm texture. Some dragees are meant for decorative purposes only and should not be consumed. It is crucial to confirm this before buying and to communicate that clearly to customers. Because of their hardness, dragees are generally not recommended for desserts served at children's events.
- Best applications for dragees: Wedding cakes, holiday cookies, gingerbread houses
- Dragees texture: Very hard (not always edible)
- Dragees colors: Silver, gold, pearl white, rose gold
- Dragees shine/finish: Metallic, very shiny
Different Ways to Use Sprinkles
Sprinkles are a versatile and fun way to add a pop of color and flavor to a variety of desserts and baked goods. Here are some different ways you can use sprinkles to enhance your creations:
- Baking: Add to baked goods such as cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and donuts. They add a pop of color and texture to your creations, making them visually appealing and fun for customers.
- Ice cream toppings: Coat soft serve ice cream, dipped cones, sundaes, or blend into milkshakes for an extra burst of flavor and visual interest.
- Decorating cake pops and chocolate-dipped treats: Decorate cake pops, chocolate-covered strawberries, truffles, and other dipped treats. Roll the dipped treats in sprinkles while the coating is still wet to create a festive and decorative finish.
- Hot and cold beverages: Garnish whipped cream on coffee, hot chocolate, lattes, and frappes, or use as a cocktail rimmer to enhance the presentation and create a festive look.
- Yogurt and parfaits: Layer into yogurt parfaits or add as a topping to plain yogurt for a fun and colorful twist. They provide a crunchy texture and add sweetness to the creamy yogurt, making it a delightful treat.
- Popcorn and snacks: Mix into popcorn, pretzels, or trail mix to create a sweet and salty snack combination. They can also be used to garnish chocolate-covered pretzels or nuts for a decorative touch.
- Seasonal treats: Decorate seasonal treats such as holiday cookies, themed cupcakes, or festive desserts for special occasions like Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine's Day. They can help to create a festive atmosphere and enhance the overall presentation of your treats.
Sprinkles FAQs
Keep reading for the answers to frequently asked questions about sprinkles:
How to Store Sprinkles
Store sprinkles in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture. While sprinkles don't technically spoil, they can lose color, flavor, or texture over time. Check for discoloration or clumping as signs that they may be past their prime.
Are Sprinkles Gluten-Free?
Many sprinkles are gluten-free, but not all. Always check the packaging for allergen statements, especially for celiac-safe products. Cross-contamination is possible in manufacturing. When in doubt, look for certified gluten-free labels.
How to Prevent Sprinkles from Bleeding
To prevent color bleeding, apply sprinkles to dry surfaces or use them just before serving. Avoid overly moist frostings or batters. Chilling the decorated item quickly can also help reduce bleeding. Use colorfast or baking-safe sprinkles when baking.
What Are Sprinkles Made Of?
Sprinkles are typically made from sugar, corn syrup, cornstarch, food coloring, and waxes for shine, while chocolate versions contain cocoa powder. Some may include shellac or confectioner's glaze. Always read labels for allergens like soy or dairy.
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