What Are Round Sprinkles Called? Nonpareils, Hundreds-and-Thousands, and More

Round sprinkles, also known as nonpareils or hundreds-and-thousands, are tiny, brightly colored balls of sugar or chocolate used to decorate desserts and baked goods. They add a festive touch to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, and other treats, making them popular for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Types of Round Sprinkles

Round sprinkles come in various materials, sizes, colors, and shapes.

Materials

Sugar: The most common type of round sprinkle is made from sugar. Sugar sprinkles are available in a wide range of colors and sizes.
Chocolate: Chocolate sprinkles are made from chocolate and have a rich, decadent flavor. They are often used to decorate chocolate-based desserts.
Nonpareils: Nonpareils are tiny, round sprinkles made from a mixture of sugar and starch. They are known for their smooth, glossy finish and are available in various colors.

Sizes

Round sprinkles come in various sizes, from tiny nonpareils to larger sugar pearls. The size of the sprinkle can affect its appearance and texture on desserts.

Colors

Round sprinkles are available in a rainbow of colors, including primary colors, pastel shades, and metallic finishes. Some sprinkles are even color-changing or glow-in-the-dark.

Shapes

While most round sprinkles are perfectly spherical, some specialty sprinkles may have slightly different shapes, such as hearts, stars, or flowers.

Common Uses of Round Sprinkles

Round sprinkles are commonly used to decorate a variety of desserts and baked goods, including:

Cakes: Round sprinkles are a classic cake decoration, often used to top birthday cakes, cupcakes, and layer cakes.
Cupcakes: Round sprinkles are a popular choice for decorating cupcakes, adding a pop of color and texture to the frosting.
Cookies: Round sprinkles can be added to cookie dough before baking or sprinkled on top of freshly baked cookies for a colorful finish.
Ice Cream: Round sprinkles are a fun and festive addition to ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, and other frozen treats.
Other Desserts: Round sprinkles can also be used to decorate pies, tarts, puddings, and other desserts.

How to Use Round Sprinkles

Round sprinkles can be applied to desserts in various ways:

Sprinkle Directly: The simplest way to use round sprinkles is to sprinkle them directly onto the surface of the dessert. This can be done by hand or using a spoon.
Use a Shaker: For more even distribution, use a sprinkle shaker or a fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle the sprinkles over the dessert.
Create Patterns: Round sprinkles can be used to create patterns or designs on desserts. This can be done by using stencils or by carefully placing the sprinkles in a specific arrangement.

Round Sprinkle Buying Guide

Round sprinkles can be purchased online and in physical stores. Some popular brands of round sprinkles include:

Sugar Lips
Wilton
Sprinkle Pop
Fancy Sprinkles
Sweetapolita

Round sprinkles are available in various packaging options, including bulk purchases, small containers, and pre-mixed sprinkle blends.

Round Sprinkle Storage and Shelf Life

To maintain their freshness and prevent clumping, store round sprinkles in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The shelf life of round sprinkles varies depending on the type of sprinkle and the storage conditions. Sugar sprinkles typically have a shelf life of 1-2 years, while chocolate sprinkles have a shorter shelf life of 6-12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are round sprinkles made of?

A: Round sprinkles are typically made from sugar, chocolate, or a mixture of sugar and starch.

Q: Are round sprinkles gluten-free?

A: Many round sprinkles are gluten-free, but it is important to check the ingredient label to ensure they do not contain gluten-containing ingredients.

Q: Are round sprinkles vegan?

A: Some round sprinkles are vegan, while others may contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin or confectioner’s glaze. Check the ingredient label for vegan-friendly options.

Round Sprinkle Recipe Ideas

Here are a few simple recipes that incorporate round sprinkles:

Sprinkle-Covered Cookies: Add round sprinkles to your favorite cookie dough before baking for a colorful and festive treat.
Sprinkle-Themed Cupcakes: Bake cupcakes and top them with a swirl of frosting and a generous sprinkling of round sprinkles.
Sprinkle-Dipped Pretzels: Dip pretzels in melted chocolate and then roll them in round sprinkles for a sweet and salty snack.

Conclusion

Round sprinkles are a versatile and festive decoration that can be used to add color and texture to a variety of desserts and baked goods. With their wide range of materials, sizes, colors, and shapes, round sprinkles are a fun and easy way to dress up any treat. So, let your creativity shine and explore the endless possibilities of round sprinkles!

Sources

FAQs

What are round sprinkles called?

Round sprinkles are commonly known as nonpareils or hundreds-and-thousands.

What are round sprinkles made of?

Round sprinkles are typically made from sugar, chocolate, or a mixture of sugar and starch.

Are round sprinkles gluten-free?

Many round sprinkles are gluten-free, but it is important to check the ingredient label to ensure they do not contain gluten-containing ingredients.

Are round sprinkles vegan?

Some round sprinkles are vegan, while others may contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin or confectioner’s glaze. Check the ingredient label for vegan-friendly options.

How do you use round sprinkles?

Round sprinkles can be sprinkled directly onto desserts, used in a shaker for even distribution, or used to create patterns or designs.

How do you store round sprinkles?

Store round sprinkles in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness and prevent clumping.

What is the shelf life of round sprinkles?

The shelf life of round sprinkles varies depending on the type of sprinkle and the storage conditions. Sugar sprinkles typically have a shelf life of 1-2 years, while chocolate sprinkles have a shorter shelf life of 6-12 months.

Can I make round sprinkles at home?

Yes, it is possible to make round sprinkles at home using simple ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, and food coloring. However, the process can be time-consuming and requires specialized equipment.

Where can I buy round sprinkles?

Round sprinkles can be purchased online and in physical stores, including grocery stores, craft stores, and specialty baking supply stores.

Are round sprinkles safe to eat?

Yes, round sprinkles are generally safe to eat. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients, such as food coloring or artificial flavors. It is important to check the ingredient label for any potential allergens.