The term sprinkles refers to a wide variety of small edible decorations used to decorate baked goods. Jimmies are a specific type of sprinkle with a soft, rod-shaped appearance. Other types of sprinkles include nonpareils, sanding sugar, sugar pearls, and confetti sprinkles, each offering a different texture and decorative effect.
Sprinkles
19 productsAbout Sprinkles
Sprinkles are small, shaped sugar pieces used to add texture and visual detail to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods. They sit on the surface of frostings, glazes, and icings, where they create contrast in texture and help define a finished look. Because sprinkles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and color combinations, you can match them to different themes or recipes without altering the base bake itself. These sugar pieces work well on soft or tacky surfaces where they will adhere without sliding off.
A lightly frosted cupcake, a spread of buttercream, or a thin layer of glaze are common places to apply sprinkles, which remain in place as the topping sets. By applying sprinkles just after icing or glazing, you give them a surface that holds them in place as the bake cools and finishes. Sprinkles are useful when you want to introduce small accents without structural decoration. For example, tiny round nonpareils add fine surface texture, longer jimmies give linear variation, and shaped pieces like stars or hearts add thematic detail. They add texture and visual detail without changing how the baked good holds together.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 Questions
Apply sprinkles to frosting or icing that has partially set but is still tacky, rather than to very wet surfaces. Avoid excessive moisture and condensation, as these can cause the colors to dissolve and bleed. For the best results, store decorated baked goods in a cool, dry place whenever possible.
Choose sprinkle sizes based on the scale of your decoration. Small sprinkles work well for covering large areas or adding subtle texture, while larger sprinkles, sugar pearls, or confetti shapes create bold decorative accents. Mixing different sizes can also add depth and visual interest to cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Store sprinkles in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keeping them sealed helps preserve their color, texture, and freshness while preventing them from clumping.
Yes. Many sprinkles, especially jimmies, can be mixed into cake or cupcake batter to create colorful baked goods, such as funfetti cakes. Some decorative sprinkles may lose their color or dissolve during baking, so choosing sprinkles intended for baking will give the best results.
