Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you’re ready to turn a regular baking day into a celebration, these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are the answer! With tender, buttery shortbread packed with cheery funfetti sprinkles and a pillow of creamy vanilla buttercream nestled between two cookies, every bite bursts with nostalgia and party vibes. They’re as inviting to look at as they are fun to share, making them a personal favorite for birthdays, holidays, or cheering up an ordinary afternoon. There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a treat that brings out smiles in everyone—let’s dive into the world of Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Every component brings a pop of flavor, color, or that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each item makes a difference.

• Unsalted Butter (for both cookies and buttercream): The heart and soul of this recipe, butter makes your cookies rich and your buttercream silky smooth.
• Vanilla Extract (for both cookies and buttercream): A hefty dose ensures deep, sweet, aromatic notes throughout every bite.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for that classic, fluffy buttercream texture—and it incorporates smoothly every time.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and helps adjust the buttercream to that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Food Coloring (optional): If you want your buttercream fun and festive, a few drops customize it beautifully.
• All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the shortbread, ensuring structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help give the cookies just a touch of lift while maintaining a pleasantly dense crumb.
• Cream of Tartar: It offers a subtle tang and enhances the soft but sturdy cookie texture.
• Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for that classic shortbread sweetness and crisp edge.
• Egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and adds richness (don’t skip bringing it to room temp for a smoother blend!).
• Almond Extract: Adds a nutty, aromatic background that makes the vanilla and sprinkles pop.
• Funfetti Sprinkles: The star of the show—colorful, playful, and guaranteed to make everyone grin.

How to Make Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

Start by prepping your buttercream, so it’s ready when your cookies are baked and cooled. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream your softened butter until it looks airy and light—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes and gives you that luscious texture. Next, pour in the vanilla and heavy cream, blending again until incorporated. Gradually mix in your powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, scraping down the bowl frequently to keep everything even. Adjust the thickness with a touch more cream or powdered sugar as needed, and if a splash of color makes you smile, add your food coloring now!

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt—this ensures the rising agents are evenly spread. In your stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes, then add in the vanilla, almond extract, and the egg. Once it’s all smooth and dreamy, add your dry mix and blend on low just until combined. Gently fold in those joyful funfetti sprinkles for bursts of happy color!

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and, with a rolling pin, roll it out to 1/2-inch thick. Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutter—circles are classic, but go with hearts or stars if you’re feeling whimsical! Gather and re-roll the scraps to get as many cookies as possible, aiming for pairs so every cookie can be sandwiched. Arrange them on prepared sheets about two inches apart to prevent sticking and overcrowding.

Step 4: Chill, Bake, and Cool

Chilling is the magic step for perfect Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies—it keeps the cookies thick and the edges sharp. Slide your trays into the fridge for 30 minutes. Once they’re cool and firm, bake at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes. They’ll be soft but will set up as they cool, so don’t overbake! Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 4 to 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 5: Fill and Sandwich

Once your cookies are totally cooled (patience pays off here!), spread or pipe a generous swirl of your prepared buttercream on the bottom of half the cookies. Top each with another cookie, gently pressing to create a gorgeous sandwich. Arrange on a plate and get ready to wow your taste buds!

How to Serve Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Garnishes

Dress up your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies by rolling the buttercream edges in extra sprinkles for double the color and fun. You can even use sanding sugar or tiny chocolate chips for a bit of creative flair—these little details make them feel bakery-worthy and party-perfect.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside tall glasses of cold milk, strawberry lemonade, or a frothy mug of hot chocolate. For adult gatherings, a simple vanilla latte or a fruity iced tea makes a lovely pairing—the buttery shortbread and creamy filling mingle deliciously with nearly any sippable treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies on a tiered cake stand for a birthday brunch, tuck them into cellophane bags for cheery party favors, or pile them high on a bright platter as a centerpiece. You can even create an assemble-your-own cookie sandwich bar, letting guests pick their frosting color and sprinkles for a hands-on dessert activity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—layers of parchment or wax paper will help keep the buttercream neat and the cookies crisp. If the kitchen is especially warm, pop the container in the fridge so the frosting stays set.

Freezing

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies freeze beautifully! Place the sandwiched cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month—thaw at room temp before serving.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so if refrigerated or frozen, simply let them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. There’s no need to reheat in the oven or microwave—this helps the buttercream regain its dreamy texture and preserves the tender crumb.

FAQs

Can I make the shortbread dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance—simply cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, roll, cut, and bake as directed for fresh Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Can I use different sprinkles or add-ins?

Yes, you can swap classic funfetti jimmies for chocolate sprinkles, nonpareils, or even mini chocolate chips. Avoid sugar pearls or dragées, as they can get too hard during baking. Feel free to get creative and add your own twist!

How can I make my buttercream less sweet?

Try using a bit less powdered sugar and an extra splash of heavy cream. You can also add a small pinch of salt or even a teaspoon of cream cheese to mellow out the sweetness for a more balanced cookie sandwich.

Do the cookies stay soft after filling?

Yes, these cookies retain a soft, tender bite even after being filled—and actually get even more delicious as the buttercream settles into the shortbread over time. Just store in a sealed container and enjoy within a few days for the best texture.

Can I make mini Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies for parties?

Definitely! Use a smaller cookie cutter and pipe a little less buttercream—you’ll make more cookies that are the perfect kid-sized or party snack treat! Just watch your baking time, as smaller cookies bake faster.

Final Thoughts

These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are pure joy sandwiched between two buttery layers—bright, cheerful, and impossible to resist. They’re just the thing to bring a little party to any day, so don’t wait for a special occasion. Bake a batch soon and share the happiness, one colorful bite at a time!

Print