When I look into the pantry to see a shelf lined with sprinkles… stacked on top of sprinkles… stacked on top of more sprinkles, I completely understand the surprise in my hubby’s voice when he asks, “You don’t have the color you want?” But, what can I say, I’m a self-confessed “sprinkles addict” which naturally also makes me a “sprinkles perfectionist”. That means for every decorated cookie or cake pop project, the sprinkles added must be just the right shape and color. So, what do I do when I don’t have the perfect color sprinkles on hand? Make my own, of course!
Supplies for Making Custom-Colored Sprinkles
To tint your own custom-colored sprinkles, you will need:
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White sprinkles
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Gel food coloring
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Plastic sandwich bags
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A cookie sheet or baking pan
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Jars for storage (optional)
Directions for Making Custom-Colored Sprinkles
Pour your white sprinkles into a plastic sandwich bag. For this tutorial I used sugar pearls, but your sprinkle options are endless… jimmies, confetti, sparkling sugar. Why limit yourself to just one kind?!
There are many kinds of white sprinkles that you can buy in bulk and use to make your own custom-colored sprinkles. I plan to stock up on white jimmies and white nonpareils for the next time the sprinkle coloring mood strikes me. For the low-down on the different kinds of sprinkles, check out Sprinkles and Sugars and Dragees, oh my! by Bridget of Bake at 350.
Add a small amount of gel food coloring to the bag, followed by some disco dust if you want added sparkle. For this tutorial I used Americolor Super Red food coloring and red disco dust.
Seal the bag and shake, shake, shake. Continue shaking and massaging the bag until all of your plain white sprinkles are covered and magically transformed into your custom-colored sprinkles.
Next comes the most important part. Spread your custom-colored sprinkles in a single layer onto a cookie sheet or baking pan. Let them sit, preferably overnight, until they are completely dry. I skipped this step during my first attempt so trust me when I tell you that if you don’t let them dry you will end up with custom-colored clumples instead of custom-colored sprinkles.
To protect your custom-colored sprinkles from random fuzzies or stray pet hairs while they are drying, check out my handy tip in Lessons Learned: Cover Icing While It’s Drying.
Once your beautiful new sprinkles have completely dried… start sprinkling! And if you have any left over, don’t be shy about putting them on display as your latest kitchen accessory. Create a unique display by converting a spice rack to a sprinkles rack or check out your local craft store for some cute jars to arrange on a visible shelf.
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AWESOME idea, Janine! I’ve used this same process to color sugar, but never thought to do it with white sprinkles! It totally makes sense though
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma’s Cookie recently posted..Downton Abbey Free Bates Cookies
Opens up a whole new world of possibities for sprinkles, doesn’t it!
Great idea, thanks for sharing!! Do you own a dehydrator? Was wondering if that would help speed up the drying process (and provide covered protection)…
I don’t use a dehydrator, Debbie, but have thought about it during those really humid months.
Great post! I am too a self-confessed sprinkles addict. Of course whenever I have a certain kind in mind (that I swear I had) they are not to be found! Therefore you can never have too many.
I seriously need to get more of mine on display, thanks for the spice rack idea!
Carrie’s Creations recently posted..Mustache Cookie Pops
PS. Can I put that “sprinkles addict” badge on my blog too? I’m in love with it!!
Carrie’s Creations recently posted..Mustache Cookie Pops
Sure, you can use the sprinkles addict badge, Carrie. I would really appreciate it if you link back to my blog with it. Just let me know if you would like me to send you the html code. Thanks!
Always glad to meet a fellow sprinkles addict, Carrie. I don’t know what it is about sprinkles but they are just so irrisistable!
What a great idea. I’m pinning
Debi
Debi @ Adorned From Above recently posted..Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Blog Hop 34
Thanks for pinning, Debi!
Saw this on Hungry Little Girl’s Wednesday Extravaganza. I love love love this idea!! It really does open the door for some awesome unique colors.
Thanks, Dani! Hope you give it a try!
Excellent idea and I love your sprinkle collection, too!
Printabelle recently posted..Wonderful Wednesday Link Party #36
Thank you!
Genius! I’m going to have to try this and save myself from buying every color of sprinkles I can get my hands on “just in case.” Thanks for sharing on Whatcha Whipped Up.
Dawn @ DJ’s Sugar Shack recently posted..Whatcha’ Whipped Up #29
Thanks for hosting a great link party, Dawn!
Pinned – from Pin MeME ! Thanks for sharing – I also like to use certain color sprinkles for every occasion
Linda@With A Blast recently posted..Valentine’s Card-Envelope with Note
Thanks for pinning, Linda!
Whhhhat! This is awesome! Thank you for linking up over at Parlo and LOGI for F-It Friday!
Chrissy recently posted..F-it Friday Anything Goes Link-up Party #6
Thanks for stopping by, Chrissy!
Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley recently posted..E is for Engineer
Thanks for stopping by, Ashley!
Love them, so bright and colorful. I made some sprinkles a while back, thought for sure my arm was going to break but they are easy, fun and taste so much better. Good job andi
andi winslow recently posted..BLUEBERRY CREAM CHEESE BREAD
This process should be a lot easier on your arm, Andi! Can’t wait to try your spritz cookies, I’ve been looking for a new recipe.
Adorable. I’ve done this with powdered food color, but never gel. Nice to know there’s more than one way. Thanks for the great pics!!
Patricia @ ButterYum recently posted..Classic Creme Brulee
Hhmmm… I’ll have to try the powdered coloring next, Patricia!
Another cool post about sprinkles!
Diana Rambles recently posted..Cinnamon Apple Grilled Cheese
I am slightly addicted, Diana!
thank you so much for this awesome tip!!!
Lisa @hoopla palooza recently posted..valentine chocolate candy box candle
My pleasure, Lisa!
Oh I love this idea!
Thank you for sharing this at Wednesday Extravaganza – Hope to see you there again this week with more deliciousness
HungryLittleGirl recently posted.."I Love You" Whole Wheat Biscoff Brownies
I’ll be there. Thanks for stopping by!
What a genius you are!
Sue {munchkin munchies} recently posted..Valentine Robot Cookies
That’s sweet. Thanks, Sue!