Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you love treats that channel the joyful spirit of a birthday celebration into every single bite, these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread studded with colorful sprinkles, filled with a dreamy swirl of vanilla buttercream—every bite feels like a party! Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to brighten up your day, these cookies deliver nostalgic flavor and a pop of fun that makes everyone smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies lies in their simple yet delightful ingredients list. Each component plays a key role, from butter that creates that signature tender crumb to the cheerful sprinkles that turn every cookie into a celebration.

• Unsalted butter (for both cookie and buttercream): Essential for the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and creamy filling.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses both the shortbread and buttercream with warm, aromatic flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens your buttercream to luscious perfection.
• Heavy cream: Adds silkiness to your frosting for a spoonable, spreadable finish.
• Food coloring (optional): Lets you bring extra flair to your buttercream, perfect for festive occasions!
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for delicate, tender shortbread cookies.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Give just enough lift so your cookies don’t turn out too dense.
• Cream of tartar: Offers a touch of tang, balancing the sweetness and stabilizing the dough.
• Salt: Amplifies all the flavors throughout the cookies and filling.
• Sugar: Sweeter cookies without overpowering the buttery flavors.
• Egg (room temperature): Binds the dough, giving a tender, cohesive bite.
• Almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty backdrop that takes the flavor profile up a notch.
• Funfetti sprinkles: The star ingredient—these bright, cheerful bits dot every cookie and bring the magic!

How to Make Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream

Kicking things off with the vanilla buttercream ensures your filling has time to settle and develop flavor. Cream the softened butter in your stand mixer until it’s visibly fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Next, blend in vanilla extract and heavy cream, creating a supple base. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. You want a frosting that’s smooth, airy, and easily spreadable. If you’re feeling playful, mix in a few drops of food coloring! Set the buttercream aside while you move on to the cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Shortbread Cookie Dough

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. In your stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until light, which makes the cookies pillowy. Blend in both extracts and the egg—making sure to scrape down the bowl so everything stays even. Slowly add your dry mixture, mixing just until combined. No overmixing now; shortbread loves a tender touch!

Step 3: Add Funfetti Sprinkles and Shape the Cookies

Once your dough is formed, gently fold in those glorious funfetti sprinkles. Be gentle, so they don’t bleed their color! Roll the dough onto a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to stamp out as many cookies as you can, re-rolling scraps as needed. Lay the cookie shapes on lined baking sheets, leaving enough room for slight spreading.

Step 4: Chill, Bake, and Cool

The secret to keeping your cookies from spreading is a good chill—pop your trays in the fridge for 30 minutes. When you’re ready, bake at 350°F for just 4-6 minutes. They should be pale with edges barely golden. Let them cool a few minutes on the tray before transferring to a rack. Patience is hard here, but it pays off with the perfect texture!

Step 5: Assemble Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Now comes the best part—assembly! Once your cookies are cool, pair them off by size. Pipe or generously spread vanilla buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top. Repeat until all cookies are adorable sandwiches, just begging to be eaten.

How to Serve Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Garnishes

Give your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies the finishing touch with an extra shower of sprinkles pressed gently into the frosting edges. For even more pizzazz, you can drizzle them with a little white chocolate or dust with a pinch of edible glitter. Whether you dress them up or keep them classic, they’re always celebration-ready.

Side Dishes

While these cookies absolutely shine on their own, they’re dreamy alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa. For a sophisticated twist, pair them with coffee or a raspberry sorbet to complement the buttery richness and sweet filling. They’re also fantastic on a dessert board with berries and other colorful sweets.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a pretty cake stand or line them up in decorative boxes for a giftable treat. You can even thread them onto lollipop sticks for an adorable cookie pop display at parties! Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies also make a beautiful edible centerpiece for birthdays, baby showers, or anytime you want to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen runs warm, you may want to refrigerate them—just be sure to let them come to room temp before eating for the best buttery texture.

Freezing

If you want party treats ready in advance, you’re in luck! These cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap assembled cookies tightly in plastic, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste as fresh as if you just baked them.

Reheating

Since Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, simply let them sit out for a bit after refrigerating or freezing. If you want to soften the shortbread gently, a very quick zap in the microwave (5-10 seconds) brings back that tender bite, but be cautious not to melt the buttercream!

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies can be prepared and refrigerated for up to two days before baking. Just wrap it well to keep it from drying out, and continue with rolling and cutting when you’re ready.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is a key step—don’t skip it! This helps the cookies hold their shape and preserves that perfect shortbread texture. It’s worth the wait for perfectly tender, picture-perfect cookies.

Can I use a different type of sprinkles?

Yes! While rainbow “jimmies” are classic for funfetti-style cookies, you can experiment with pastel confetti or even themed sprinkles for holidays. Just avoid nonpareils, as they can bleed color and affect the dough.

Do these taste good with chocolate filling instead?

Oh, absolutely—if you adore chocolate, swap the vanilla buttercream for a simple chocolate frosting. It’s a delicious twist and pairs beautifully with the almond-vanilla shortbread and sprinkles!

How do I make the buttercream a different color?

Just add a few drops of your favorite gel or liquid food coloring to the buttercream once it’s made. Stir until evenly blended and add more if needed for bolder shades. This is a great way to customize your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

Few things are as endearing or cheerful as biting into these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies. They’re easy enough for a weekday bake but special enough to dazzle at any gathering. Try them for yourself, share with someone you love, and enjoy a burst of confetti-filled joy in every bite!

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