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Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting – A Buttery, Colorful Celebration in Every Bite
Few desserts feel as instantly joyful as Funfetti. Those tiny rainbow sprinkles baked into a buttery base have a magical way of turning an ordinary day into something worth celebrating. Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting take that nostalgic happiness and elevate it into a bakery-style treat that feels special, indulgent, and completely irresistible.
These cookies combine the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic shortbread with a smooth, creamy frosting filling, all studded with colorful sprinkles for a playful finish. The result is a cookie that’s tender yet sturdy, sweet but not overwhelming, and perfect for everything from birthday parties to afternoon coffee breaks.
Unlike soft sugar cookies, shortbread cookies rely on butter for flavor and structure. That makes them an ideal base for sandwich cookies—they hold their shape beautifully while still delivering that luxurious crumb. Add sprinkles and frosting, and you have a dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
This recipe is designed to be approachable while still delivering professional-level results. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, gifting cookies to friends, or simply craving something cheerful and homemade, these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies will quickly earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
These cookies aren’t just cute—they’re incredibly satisfying to bake and eat.
First, the flavor is pure comfort. The buttery shortbread base has a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the creamy frosting filling. The sprinkles add not only color but a tiny bit of texture that keeps every bite interesting.
Second, they’re versatile. You can dress them up for birthdays, baby showers, holidays, or keep them simple for everyday treats. Change the sprinkle colors to match any theme, or flavor the frosting to suit your mood.
Finally, these cookies store well. Unlike soft frosted cookies that can become soggy, shortbread sandwich cookies maintain their structure, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts and edible gifts.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best)
Frosting Filling
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream or milk
Each ingredient plays an important role. Powdered sugar keeps the shortbread tender, butter delivers richness, and sprinkles provide that unmistakable Funfetti charm.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Mix in vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add flour, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Roll dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes to make cutting easier.
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just set but not browned.
- Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Add cream gradually until frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto the flat side of half the cookies.
- Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Press gently to set.
Tips for Perfect Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for both cookies and frosting to ensure smooth mixing.
- Don’t overbake. Shortbread should stay pale for the best texture.
- Chill the dough before cutting to keep cookies from spreading.
- Choose the right sprinkles. Jimmies hold their color better than nonpareils.
Fun Variations to Try
- Birthday Cake Version: Add almond extract to the cookie dough for classic cake flavor.
- Chocolate Funfetti: Dip half the sandwich cookies in melted white or dark chocolate.
- Lemon Funfetti: Add lemon zest to the dough and lemon juice to the frosting.
- Holiday-Themed Cookies: Swap sprinkles to match Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies with cold milk, hot coffee, or a vanilla latte. They’re also perfect for dessert tables, party favors, or packaged in boxes as homemade gifts.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
A Little Funfetti History
Funfetti became popular in the late 20th century as a way to bring celebration into everyday baking. Today, it symbolizes joy, nostalgia, and playful indulgence—everything these sandwich cookies represent.
Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting
Buttery shortbread cookies filled with creamy frosting and packed with colorful sprinkles for a fun, celebratory dessert.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add vanilla and salt, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add flour and mix just until dough forms.
- Fold in sprinkles gently.
- Roll dough, chill briefly, cut into rounds, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set. Cool completely.
- Prepare frosting by beating butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream.
- Sandwich cookies with frosting and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake to maintain tender shortbread texture.
