If you’ve ever wondered how to dye sprinkles at home, you’re in the right place. This is my favorite easy method for making colored sprinkles in any shade you can dream up, right in a Ziplock bag! I’ve used this approach for years to customize colored sugar sprinkles and colored jimmies for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It’s quick, affordable, and a fun project to do with kids.
Colored Sugar Sprinkles
I don’t know about you, but my kids change their favorite color every few days–I just can’t keep up! I used to buy new jars of sprinkles for every birthday party, but I have what I lovingly call the “sprinkle graveyard” in my pantry because I use them once, then move on to another color.
With my easy method, you can learn how to dye sprinkles any color of the rainbow, and you only need two simple ingredients: white sprinkles and food dye. I’ve tested this recipe with jimmies, nonpareils, sanding sugar, and even specialty shapes, and it works great every time. I love that I can easily color just a small amount for a project, and I can buy white sprinkles in bulk so I always have some on hand. It’s a versatile, low-cost alternative to buying a dozen pricey pre-colored sprinkle jars you might only use once!
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Custom Color Mixing
If you’d like to make a unique color, follow the instructions for mixing the gel food coloring on the package, mix the colors together, then add them to the bag with the sprinkles.
Green = blue + yellow
Purple = red + blue
Orange = red + yellow
Brown = red + blue + yellow
Pink = just a tiny dab of red
Colored Sprinkles Recipe
Equipment
- Ziplock Bag
Ingredients
- 1 drop gel food coloring *
- ½ cup white sprinkles
Instructions
- Add the gel food coloring and sprinkles to the plastic bag and very gently massage the bag. You’ll see the color begin to coat the sprinkles– keep massaging until the sprinkles are evenly coated, about 30 seconds.1 drop gel food coloring, ½ cup white sprinkles
- Dump the sprinkles out onto a parchment-lined plate and allow them to dry for 1 hour before using.
Notes
- This recipe works on pretty much any white sprinkle– nonpareils, jimmies, specialty mixes!
- This recipe should work with any color you want! If you want to make a color you don’t have, just combine colors like you would for frosting.
- Try adding edible glitter to make metallic colored sprinkles.
- You can scale this recipe up as much as you need! Use 1 drop of food coloring per ½ cup of sprinkles
- Adding too much food coloring can result in the sprinkles clumping together. If they look like they’re sticking together in the bag, add a little more white sprinkles and continue to massage until they no longer stick together.
How to Dye Sprinkles Step-by-Step
Gather your Ingredients: Gather up everything you need to begin. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper, and grab a large Ziplock bag. In these photos, I made pink sprinkles using Americolor Electric Pink gel food coloring and white jimmies.
Color the Sprinkles: Add 1 drop of gel food coloring and ½ cup of white sprinkles to the plastic bag and very gently massage the bag. You’ll see the color begin to coat the sprinkles– keep massaging until the sprinkles are evenly coated, about 30 seconds.
Dry the Sprinkles: Dump the sprinkles out onto the prepared baking sheet and allow them to dry for at least 1 hour before using.
How to Store
These homemade colored sprinkles are a great make-ahead project. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. I don’t recommend refrigerating or freezing them, as any moisture or condensation can make them sticky or melt.
How to Use Your Homemade Colored Sprinkles
Once you’ve made your custom sprinkles, you’ll want ideas for how to show them off! Here are some of my favorite ways to use these easy homemade colored sprinkles:
- Decorate Cookies: Add them to frosted sugar cookies, shortbread, or birthday cake cookies for a colorful finish.
- Top Cupcakes: Instantly brighten 4th of July cupcakes, red velvet cupcakes, or Cinco de Mayo cupcakes.
- Finish Cakes: Use them around the edges of layer cakes, on drip cakes, or to decorate shapes and letters.
- Donuts and Pastries: Dip donuts in glaze and sprinkle away.
- Ice Cream Topping: Make your sundaes extra festive.
- Snack Time: Press them into melted chocolate for a fun, custom candy bark, make fairy bread, or sprinkle them (pun intended!) over puppy chow!
- Festive Drinks: Add them to your favorite hot cocoa bombs for a colorful surprise!
Colored sprinkles make a great addition to or decoration on any dessert!
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