sprinkle with

Sprinkles, also known as jimmies or hundreds and thousands, are small, elongated pellets of colored sugar confectionery used primarily as a topping or garnish for baked goods and desserts. The term "sprinkle with" refers to the culinary technique of distributing these particles over the surface of a dish or item. Sprinkles are produced by extrusion of colored sugar paste into thin rods, which are then cut into short segments and dried. Traditional sprinkles are composed of sugar, corn syrup, wax (or gum arabic), food coloring, and lecithin. Nonpareils (spherical varieties) and other specialty forms exist, though the rod-shaped version remains most common. The ingredient serves primarily aesthetic and textural purposes rather than flavor contribution, though they do add sweetness and crunch.

Sprinkles are applied to cake frostings, cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, donuts, and other sweetened baked goods, typically immediately after the base is frosted or while glaze is still wet to ensure adhesion. They are frequently used in children's desserts and casual baking, particularly in American, British, and Australian traditions. The technique of sprinkling distributes color and visual appeal across the surface of a dessert. Beyond sweet applications, sprinkles may occasionally garnish cocktails or be incorporated into cookie doughs and cake batters for flecked color throughout.