Sprinkle Some Joy: Delicious Sugar Cookies from Tracy Wilk’s #BakeItForward Cookbook
In a world often searching for moments of brightness, Tracy Wilk’s “Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies” offer exactly that—a burst of color, sweetness, and happiness. These delightful sugar cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a symbol of connection and kindness, hailing from the highly anticipated new cookbook, #BakeItForward. This book, a testament to the power of community, shares inspiring stories and cherished recipes from bakers who extended their warmth and generosity during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Imagine biting into a soft, cakey cookie, rich with the subtle elegance of almond, adorned with a vibrant coat of sprinkles—each one a tiny messenger of joy.
The Inspiring Story Behind #BakeItForward
The #BakeItForward movement is a beautiful narrative of how a simple act of baking can spark a wave of positivity. At its heart is Tracy Wilk, a talented culinary instructor and chef based in the vibrant food scene of New York City. When the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, bringing unprecedented disruption and uncertainty, Tracy found herself furloughed from her job. Like many, she felt a profound urge to help, to contribute to the collective effort, despite not having medical training or a background in frontline services. Her solution was both simple and profound: cookies.
Leveraging the power of social media, Tracy reached out to healthcare workers, offering to bake them cookies as a small gesture of appreciation and comfort. The response, as you might imagine, was overwhelmingly positive. Her apartment quickly transformed into a bustling mini bakeshop, where she meticulously packed hundreds of cookies, destined for local hospitals and weary medical staff. It wasn’t long before Tracy’s compassionate initiative resonated with others. Bakers across the city, and soon beyond, heard about her efforts and were inspired to follow suit. This organic, heartfelt outpouring of baking and giving blossomed into the widespread #BakeItForward movement, demonstrating how even in isolation, communities can connect through shared acts of kindness. The cookbook, a tangible celebration of this movement, arrived later, preserving these stories and recipes for future generations to cherish.
Exploring the #BakeItForward Cookbook: Recipes for Every Occasion
The #BakeItForward cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a guide to baking with purpose and joy. Designed with home bakers in mind, the recipes are exceptionally user-friendly, each featuring a helpful difficulty rating scale from 1 to 3, ensuring that everyone, from novice to experienced, can find something delightful to create. The book is thoughtfully organized into four inviting sections: “Cookies,” “Morning Treats,” “Bars and Bites,” and “Little Celebrations,” catering to a variety of cravings and occasions.
Within its pages, you’ll discover a treasure trove of comfort-inducing delights, including the aforementioned “Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies,” alongside other tempting creations like “Homestyle Cinnamon Rolls” that promise a nostalgic breakfast, “My Dad’s Favorite Brownies” for a classic indulgence, and “Amped-Up Rice Krispie Treats” for a playful twist on a childhood favorite. For those seeking more advanced projects, “Classic Yeast Doughnuts” and “NYC-Style Challah” showcase Tracy’s culinary expertise while remaining accessible. Beyond the recipes, the cookbook provides invaluable resources such as a comprehensive tutorial on essential baking ingredients and tools, fundamental baking skills, and insightful “Chef’s Notes” brimming with expert tips and tricks to elevate your baking game. It’s a complete baking companion, making homemade treats achievable and enjoyable.
For those eager to get their hands on this inspiring collection, the #BakeItForward cookbook is readily available for purchase on Amazon or directly through Tracy’s official shop. What makes your purchase even more meaningful is knowing that orders placed through Tracy’s shop include shipping and a personalized note from the author herself, adding a special touch to your culinary journey. Furthermore, a portion of all sales is generously donated to City Harvest, an organization dedicated to feeding New Yorkers in need. By buying this book, you’re not just acquiring delicious recipes; you’re also contributing to a greater cause, truly baking it forward.
My Personal Experience with Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies
While I’m still eagerly awaiting my own copy of the complete #BakeItForward cookbook, I was fortunate enough to receive a sample recipe for the “Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies.” Immediately, these vibrant sprinkle-coated sugar cookies reminded me of a cherished childhood memory: the free cookies that grocery stores like Publix used to give kids. Although Publix wasn’t part of my upbringing, I fondly remember other grocery chains such as Randalls, Albertson’s, H.E.B., and Kroger offering similar sweet gestures. It’s a small detail, but perhaps it’s why, to this day, I still find immense joy in grocery shopping – a delightful echo of simpler times and unexpected treats.
Admittedly, my initial expectation for these “Sprinkle Some Joy” cookies was tempered. To be completely honest, I figured they would be visually appealing with their festive sprinkles, but perhaps a little “boring” in taste, as some plain sugar cookies can be if not executed perfectly. However, these cookies defied all expectations! Despite their seemingly simple appearance, they are absolutely excellent. They strike a perfect balance of sweetness, boasting a wonderfully soft, almost cakey texture without being overly light or crumbly. The true revelation, though, lies in their flavor profile, which is elevated by the distinct and aromatic presence of almond extract.
The almond extract is the secret ingredient that transforms these from merely good to truly special. It adds a sophisticated depth and a unique warmth that complements the vanilla beautifully, creating a more complex and memorable taste than a standard sugar cookie. If you’re not typically a fan of almond extract, you can certainly opt to leave it out, and the cookies will still be delicious. However, in my humble opinion, it’s this subtle addition that truly makes the “Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies” shine and stand out from the crowd. It’s a nuanced flavor that lingers pleasantly, inviting you back for another bite.
And for those who believe frosting makes everything better, I couldn’t resist. Here’s one adorned with a luscious swirl of cream cheese frosting. While these cookies truly don’t need it to be utterly delicious—they are fantastic on their own—I happened to have some leftover frosting from making my “Best Carrot Cupcakes.” As any baker knows, you can rarely go wrong with a little extra frosting, especially when it adds another layer of decadent sweetness and creamy texture to an already perfect treat. It just goes to show how versatile and adaptable these cookies can be!
Related Sweet Treats You Might Love
- JIF Hazelnut Joy Ice Cream
- Boston Cream Pie from Joy of Cooking
- Almond Macaroon Brownies
- Cake Batter Cookies
- Tracys Special Scotcheroos
Recipe: How to Make Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies
Ready to bake your own batch of happiness? These Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies are simple to prepare and yield a delightful batch of vibrant, flavorful sugar cookies perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself. Follow these straightforward steps to recreate Tracy Wilk’s beloved recipe.
Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (230 grams)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (250 grams)
- 2 large eggs (100 grams)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cookie’s texture. Set this mixture aside.
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Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a reliable handheld electric mixer), beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Continue beating for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes wonderfully light and creamy. This creaming process incorporates air, giving the cookies their signature tender texture.
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Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and, most importantly, the almond extract, mixing until just combined. The almond extract is key to their unique flavor!
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Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
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Using either a medium cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out rounds of dough. Gently roll each dough ball in the nonpareil sprinkles, ensuring they are generously coated for that joyful, festive look. Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough room between each for the cookies to spread slightly during baking.
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Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set and cooked through. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for at least 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these wonderful cookies, full of joy and flavor!
The “Sprinkle Some Joy Cookies” are a testament to the simple yet profound impact of a homemade treat. They embody the spirit of the #BakeItForward movement, proving that a little kindness, baked with love, can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, as a pick-me-up for a friend, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies are a guaranteed source of happiness. We encourage you to not only try this delightful recipe but also to explore the full #BakeItForward cookbook by Tracy Wilk. Each purchase supports a noble cause and brings you closer to a community dedicated to spreading sweetness and kindness, one cookie at a time. Go ahead, sprinkle some joy into your life and the lives of others!