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DIY Colored Sugar Sprinkles Recipe! (So EASY)

October 2, 2023 By Heidi 24 Comments

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Out of sprinkles? Now you can use this DIY Colored Sugar Sprinkles Recipe to add a gorgeous finishing touch to your homemade baked goods!

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DIY Colored Sugar Sprinkles Recipe

The next time you run out of sprinkles… don’t worry!

This DIY Colored Sugar Sprinkles Recipe will come to the rescue and save the day!

That’s right… it’s actually ridiculously easy to color your own sugar!

Kimberly writes: "This is awesome and simple!!"

Whether you’re looking to create gorgeous sugar glitter, pretty pastel sanding sugar, or bright and vivid homemade colored sugar sprinkles, this simple little trick works like a charm!

These pretty DIY Colored Sugar Sprinkles are perfect for cookies, cupcakes, and cake decorating!

Plus, once you know how to make colored sugar sprinkles you can take total creative control and create your own colors… while saving SO much money, too!

So what are you waiting for?

Let’s do this!

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own DIY Colored Sugar Sprinkles for your next baking project…

Related: Walmart Grocery Deals (20 Secret Tips)

How Do You Use Sugar Sprinkles?

There are so many FUN uses for these colored sugar sprinkles!

Here are a few of my favorites…

You can sprinkle them on cut-out cookies or cakes just before baking in the oven.

Sprinkle them on sugar cookies, cakes, or cupcakes after frosting.

Add some sprinkles to the glass rim of your next mocktail.

Or sprinkle them on truffles before the chocolate hardens.

The options really are endless!

Can You Color Sugar with Gel Food Coloring?

Yep… you sure can!

I actually prefer using gel food colors when making sugar sprinkles, because you’ll end up with more intense, vivid colors.

If you’re going for light colors though, food coloring drops will do the trick.

Colored Sugar Sprinkle Ingredients

You’ll just need the following two ingredients to make your homemade sugar crystals…

  • Turbinado Sugar (also known as Sugar In The Raw)
  • Food Coloring Gels for brighter colors, or Food Coloring Drops for pastel colors

How to Make Colored Sugar for Sprinkles

So how do you make colored sugar sprinkles? It’s actually SO easy!

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. Pour your sugar into a plastic bowl or disposable paper bowl.

2. Then add your food coloring gel.

3. Sprinkle with water drops, and stir until colored. For a deeper color, just add more drops of coloring.

4. Then transfer your sprinkles to a parchment lined baking sheet.

5. Make sure you spread them out to dry, and allow them to dry overnight.

That’s it… you’re done!

See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

How to Store Colored Sugar Sprinkles

Dry sprinkles can be stored in mini mason jars for several months.

Colored Sugar Sprinkle Reviews

Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about these homemade colored sugar sprinkles…

Kimberly writes: “This is awesome and simple!!”


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Colored Sugar Sprinkles Recipe

Out of sprinkles? Now you can use this DIY Colored Sugar Sprinkles Recipe to add a gorgeous finishing touch to your homemade baked goods!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Servings: 20 tablespoons

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups Turbinao Sugar (sugar in the raw)
  • 5 drops Food Coloring Gels (food coloring drops can be substituted for lighter, more pastel colors)

Instructions

  • Pour 1/4 cup Turbinado Sugar into plastic bowl.
  • Add about 5 large drops of food coloring gel to the sugar. The more drops you use, the more intense the color will get. If you have little containers of gel, you can use toothpicks to add the drops.
  • Then sprinkle in 1 – 2 tiny drops of water to the bowl, and stir well with a plastic spoon until the color has evenly distributed. (around 2 minutes)
  • Transfer sugar to parchment paper lined cookie sheet, and spread out in a thin layer.
  • Allow colored sugar sprinkles to dry completely overnight (or up to 24 hours) before using. Time needed to dry will just depend on how dry or humid your home is.
  • Now if you repeat the steps above 4 more times with different colors of food coloring gels, and you’ll end up with five different colored sprinkles!
  • Dry sprinkles can be stored in mini mason jars for several months.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

More Easy Dessert Recipes

Wasn’t that so easy?  

Making your own sprinkles really is such a cinch!

Are you looking for even more fun easy treats?

Don’t worry.  I’ve got you covered!

Now I’ve got even more easy baking recipes to share that will help you create magic in the kitchen… almost effortlessly!

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Is your sugar clumping?  Make your brown sugar last longer when you learn how to keep brown sugar soft and fresh with these simple little tricks!

How to Freeze Eggs for Later Use

You’ll never toss out another egg once you know How to Freeze Eggs for Later Use! Frozen eggs are great for baking, cooking, and camping, too!

How to Soften Honey That Has Hardened

There’s no need to toss hardened honey once you know How to Soften Honey. Trust me… it’s so much easier than you think!

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This homemade oat flour is such a simple way to sneak more protein and fiber into your day, and is the perfect swap to use in your favorite baked goods!

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How to Freeze Cake Mix Cookies

Make homemade cookies anytime with this simple tip for How to Freeze Cake Mix Cookies!

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Frugal Party and Grocery Tips

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Are you planning a party?  You’ll find everything you need right here for Creative Party Games, Decorations, Fun Party Food and Punch, and more!  This really is the ultimate party planning list!

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Whether you’re just in need of some easy recipes for the big party, or cheap family meals for those out of town guests, these easy recipes will help save the day!

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Walmart Grocery Deals This Week

Make your next trip to Walmart extra thrifty when you use my favorite money saving tips for scoring the best Walmart Grocery Deals!

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Sam’s Club Deals and Steals

Start scoring yourself some fabulous Sam’s Club Deals and Steals when you are prepped with these little-known shopping hacks!

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So have you tried making this DIY Colored Sugar Sprinkles Recipe yet?

Leave a comment and share!

Filed Under: Dessert Recipes, Easter, Recipes, Valentine's Day

Comments

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    • Cathy says

      October 13, 2023 at 8:13 am

      Can this be done with sugar substitute?

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 13, 2023 at 1:21 pm

        I’ve honestly never tried, Cathy. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    • Carol says

      October 11, 2023 at 5:47 am

      Oh My!!! My kid is gonna be so happy. Thanks for this easy recipe.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 11, 2023 at 9:36 am

        You’re very welcome, Carol… have fun making your sugar sprinkles in different colors!

        Reply
    • rainbow evening says

      October 4, 2023 at 10:26 am

      fun to play with attractive colors…. great idea

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 9, 2023 at 4:18 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    • Her Digital Coffee says

      October 3, 2023 at 2:24 pm

      What a great idea, Heidi! This is absolutely perfect and it would be so fun to mix and create your own colors. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 9, 2023 at 4:18 pm

        You’re very welcome! I just love how you can control the vibrancy of the colors, and make up the exact color you need. 🙂

        Reply
    • delphine says

      October 3, 2023 at 8:51 am

      Comme c’est joli
      Bravo

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 9, 2023 at 4:17 pm

        Merci beaucoup, Delphine. 🙂

        Reply
    • CoCo says

      October 3, 2023 at 8:48 am

      Gah this makes perfect sense as to why my sugar crystals have never turned out each time I’ve tried to do this Heidi – I’ve been using the wrong sugar! Thanks so much for sharing this and for making decorating and entertaining easy. I’m so excited to make seasonal goodies now! Hugs, CoCo

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 9, 2023 at 4:17 pm

        I’m so glad this was helpful, CoCo… have fun making your sprinkles!

        Reply
    • Lisa's Notebook says

      October 3, 2023 at 5:58 am

      Wow, I had no idea you could make your own coloured sugar crystals, that’s super helpful and useful, thank you so much, Heidi!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 4, 2023 at 10:19 am

        You’re very welcome, Lisa! I’m so glad you liked the tip!

        Reply
    • Healthy World Cuisine says

      October 3, 2023 at 4:42 am

      Just in time for all of the holiday baking! It is a family tradition to make decorated gingerbread and decorate them. Best get on making some DIY colored sugar sprinkles asap.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 4, 2023 at 10:19 am

        What a lovely family tradition… these sprinkles will be perfect to add into the mix!

        Reply
    • Kathrine Eldridge says

      October 3, 2023 at 4:40 am

      What an easy process for making these colored sprinkles! The colors are so vibrant too!

      https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 4, 2023 at 10:18 am

        They really are so simple to make… and I LOVE how deep you can make the colors!

        Reply
    • Veronica Lee says

      October 2, 2023 at 5:48 pm

      That’s brilliant!
      And what a fun idea!

      Hugs and blessings, Heidi

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 4, 2023 at 10:18 am

        Thanks so much, Veronica! Have a lovely week!

        Reply
    • Michelle says

      October 2, 2023 at 12:32 pm

      Wow, that’s genius! Such a fun and quick way to make colorful sprinkles at home!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 2, 2023 at 2:22 pm

        Aww… thank you so much, Michelle! I just love this easy trick! 🙂

        Reply
    • Black Knight says

      October 2, 2023 at 7:15 am

      Always good tips for delicious food. My wife loves these recipes.
      My favorite the cookies.
      Thanks for sharing.
      Have a good week.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 2, 2023 at 2:21 pm

        Thank you so much… and I’m so glad to hear you and your wife are enjoying the recipes!

        Reply

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    About Heidi Picture
    Hi, I'm Heidi... I'm so glad you're here! I'm the Frugal Girl living here in sunny AZ with my hubby, and love sharing Easy Recipes & Frugal Living Tips!
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