Parfait is a dessert we don't eat nearly enough. It's just fun to say -
parfait! I have very vivid memories of ordering frozen yogurt parfaits at TCBY
in the 1980s. I know the idea was to layer the froyo with fruit and nuts. My
parfaits were strictly combinations of chocolate yogurt and hot fudge.
This is what they call being "on brand."
What is a parfait?
Parfait in French means "perfect." The dessert parfait originally was layers
of fruit and syrup with ice cream, but today, you might see pudding, cream, or
the aforementioned, frozen yogurt.
Today, we're making Funfetti COOKIE Parfaits! You'll make fluffy, buttery
little sprinkle cookies (side note: these are so good on their own!) and layer
them with vanilla cream pudding.
Love cookies? Crumble in more cookies! Love pudding? Dollop in thick layers of
the vanilla cream pudding! Totally customizable. Just don't forget the sprinkles!
Psst...these are actually jimmies. If you want the low-down on all things
sprinkles, check out this post I wrote for
The Pioneer Woman about sprinkles and decorative sugars.
These parfaits are pretty for an Easter table, Mother's Day, or a fun
interactive dessert for the kiddos! Who doesn't love to crumble cookies?
Funfetti Cookie Parfaits
{From Bridget Edwards, bakeat350.net}
What’s more fun than a dessert with sprinkles? These Funfetti Cookie
Parfaits combine fluffy cookies, sprinkles, and a vanilla cream pudding
all in one festive and happy dessert!
{NOTE: These desserts are customizable! Love cookies? Use more cookie
crumbles. Pudding fan? Layer in thicker layers of the vanilla cream
pudding. Just don’t forget the sprinkles!]
YIELD: 4-6 servings
PREP TIME: 35 minutes
BAKE TIME: 10 minutes
For the vanilla cream pudding:
1 5.1-ounce package vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
3 tablespoons sprinkles or jimmies
For the cookies:
1 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup salted butter, cut into chunks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon imitation butter flavoring (optional)
2 tablespoons sprinkles or jimmies, plus more for the tops
For assembly:
Sprinkles or jimmies
Whisk pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes. Press a piece of plastic wrap on
top and refrigerate.
Make cookies. Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment
paper.
Whisk flour and baking powder. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar for
several minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk, and
extracts. Scrape bottom and sides of bowl as needed. On low speed, mix in
flour in two additions. Stir in 2 tablespoons sprinkles.
Portion dough with a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop onto prepared sheets. Press
extra sprinkles on top. Bake for 10 minutes or until baked through. Remove
to a wire cooling rack; cool completely.
Assemble parfaits. Stir 1 cup thawed whipped topping into the pudding.
Spoon a small amount into each glass. Top with crumbled cookies. Add
another layer of pudding. Add more crumbled cookies. Top with a small
dollop of pudding or more whipped topping. Scatter on sprinkles.
Serve. Maybe be assembled ahead and refrigerated. The cookies will soften
as the parfaits sit.
