These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are the embodiment of cheerful baking! Soft, buttery cookies dotted with bright rainbow sprinkles come together with a smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream filling for a treat that’s both visually charming and delightfully indulgent. The buttercream can be dyed any shade you like, making these a perfect choice for parties, holidays, or custom cookie boxes.
Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies are ideal for baking with kids or as a festive addition to any dessert spread. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and eye-catching colors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether for a baby shower, birthday party, or just because it’s always the right time for a little funfetti joy!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2/3 cup powdered sugar
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1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Buttercream Filling:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
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Food coloring (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
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Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Fold in the sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
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Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tsp each), flatten slightly, and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are just starting to brown. Let cookies cool completely.
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For the filling, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then 1 tbsp of cream/milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
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If using, add food coloring and mix.
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Pipe or spoon a small amount of buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
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Optional: Roll the edges in extra sprinkles for decoration.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 135 kcal (per sandwich cookie) | Servings: About 18 sandwich cookies
A Sweet Celebration in Every Bite: Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
There’s something universally nostalgic and cheerful about sprinkles. Maybe it’s their rainbow colors or the way they can instantly turn even the simplest dessert into a party on a plate. Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies tap into that joyful vibe, offering both visual whimsy and a satisfyingly rich, buttery bite. These cookies are a modern twist on classic shortbread delicate yet indulgent, with just the right amount of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sandwiched together with soft vanilla buttercream, they’re the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or simply to brighten someone’s day.
While shortbread has roots in Scottish tradition and is often seen as a more refined cookie, funfetti sprinkles bring it to a playful, kid-friendly level. It’s the ultimate fusion of elegance and celebration a buttery shortbread base that’s humble yet versatile, and a buttercream filling that can be tinted, piped, and flavored in countless ways. Let’s explore what makes these cookies such a standout addition to your dessert rotation, along with expert tips, creative variations, and serving inspiration.
The Charm of Shortbread
Shortbread cookies are beloved for their simple, rich flavor and soft crumbly texture. Traditionally made with butter, flour, and sugar, this minimalist dough lets quality ingredients shine through. For these sandwich cookies, that same buttery shortbread forms the perfect “shell” for a sweet buttercream surprise. When baked correctly, shortbread holds its shape without spreading, making it ideal for sandwich-style cookies where uniformity matters.
What’s special about this recipe is how it walks the line between tradition and fun. The sprinkle studded dough brings an unexpected pop of color and crunch, but the structure and taste remain classic. The result is a cookie that’s both playful and polished ideal for all ages and occasions.
The Magic of Sprinkles (and How to Use Them Right)
Let’s talk sprinkles, because not all are created equal. For this recipe, rainbow jimmies are preferred they hold their shape and color during baking, unlike nonpareils which tend to bleed. The sprinkles are folded into the dough just before baking, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed without becoming muddy or over-mixed.
Here’s a tip: refrigerate the dough for 10–15 minutes before shaping if it feels too soft. This helps the cookies retain their shape and also prevents the colors from smearing during rolling. Want an extra festive look? After sandwiching, roll the sides of the buttercream in more sprinkles for a beautiful edge that sparkles with color and crunch.
Getting the Perfect Texture
Texture is key in shortbread, and these cookies are no exception. To get that signature “snap and melt” bite, make sure to use room temperature butter and avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing activates the gluten, which can make cookies tough. Just mix until the dough comes together no more, no less.
For even baking, aim to roll each ball of dough the same size. If you’re using a small cookie scoop or weighing each ball, you’ll get that professional, uniform look. After baking, allow cookies to cool fully before filling. Shortbread firms up as it cools, and premature filling could cause the cookies to break or slide apart.
The Buttercream Factor
Vanilla buttercream is the unsung hero of this recipe. It adds a creamy sweetness that balances the rich shortbread, and its soft, fluffy texture contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s crisp edges. A traditional American buttercream works best here made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of cream or milk.
The fun doesn’t stop there. You can tint the buttercream to match any occasion pastel pinks for baby showers, bold reds and greens for Christmas, or bright yellow for spring gatherings. A piping bag with a star tip adds a decorative touch, but a small spoon and gentle press work just fine if you’re in a hurry.
Creative Variations
These cookies are endlessly customizable. Here are some ideas to take them in different flavor or visual directions:
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Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the shortbread dough and use lemon extract in the buttercream for a bright, citrusy twist.
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Chocolate Drizzle: After assembly, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the tops for an elegant finish.
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Holiday Themes: Use themed sprinkles for seasonal events hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars and blue sprinkles for the Fourth of July, or gold and silver for New Year’s Eve.
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Flavor Switch: Swap the vanilla in the buttercream for almond, peppermint, or strawberry extract to match different flavor profiles.
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Mini Version: Make bite-sized versions for party platters or cookie boxes. They’re adorable and ideal for gifting.
Serving and Presentation
These cookies are as photogenic as they are delicious. Their bright color and layered design make them perfect for celebrations, dessert tables, or edible gifts. Arrange them on a white platter to make the colors pop, or wrap pairs in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for party favors.
If you’re creating a dessert board, these cookies pair beautifully with chocolate-dipped pretzels, fruit, and macarons. Their playful color and tidy size make them a standout among more traditional treats.
For an elegant afternoon tea, try serving them with a mix of classic and herbal teas. The buttery richness pairs well with Earl Grey, chamomile, or peppermint.
Storage Tips
Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies store surprisingly well, making them a great option for advance prep. Once assembled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies in a sealed container. You can also freeze the buttercream separately and thaw it when ready to assemble. Simply bring both to room temperature before filling.
Note: When refrigerated, the buttercream will firm up slightly, so let the cookies sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving to restore their soft bite.
Why These Cookies Work
At first glance, this recipe might seem like a simple blend of shortbread and frosting, but it’s the thoughtful execution that elevates it. The shortbread isn’t overly sweet, allowing the buttercream and sprinkles to shine without overwhelming your palate. The texture contrast firm outer cookie and soft center keeps each bite interesting. And visually? They’re pure happiness on a plate.
This recipe is also approachable, making it perfect for beginner bakers or family baking days. There are no complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients just a little butter, sugar, flour, and a lot of love (plus a generous handful of rainbow sprinkles).
Conclusion:
Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are proof that simple ingredients, when combined with creativity and care, can produce something truly special. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these cookies deliver on all fronts flavor, texture, and joyful presentation.
They’re versatile enough to adapt to any holiday or theme, yet timeless in their charm. With their buttery crumb, colorful flair, and luscious filling, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Plus, who can resist the magic of sprinkles?