Jimmies and sprinkles are small, colorful confectionery pieces that are used to enhance the appearance and texture of desserts such as ice cream, cupcakes, doughnuts, and cookies. The origins of jimmies can be traced back to the 1930s, with some suggesting they were named after an employee at the Just Born Candy Company in Philadelphia, while others believe they were named after Boston Mayor James Curley. Sprinkles, on the other hand, have been around since the 18th century when French confectioners called them “nonpareils” and used them as delicate decorations for desserts.
Key Takeaways
- Jimmies and sprinkles are essentially the same thing, but are called different names depending on the location. Residents of Philadelphia, Boston, Michigan, and Wisconsin typically refer to them as jimmies, while residents in New York and most of the rest of the world call them sprinkles.
- Some people differentiate between jimmies and sprinkles by associating jimmies with the chocolate-colored variety and sprinkles with the multicolored ones, though there is no actual chocolate content in the candies.
- Others claim that sprinkles are harder in texture compared to jimmies, but ultimately, both serve the same purpose of enhancing the appearance and taste of desserts.
