Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies: 5 Secrets for Perfect Results

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies might just be the answer to every baker’s dream of creating something that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible. You know that feeling when you bite into a cookie and it instantly transports you back to childhood birthday parties, complete with rainbow sprinkles and pure joy? That’s exactly what these delightful sandwich cookies deliver.

Hey there! I’m Emeli, and I have to tell you—these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies hold a special place in my heart and kitchen. During my travels through small bakeries across Europe, I fell in love with the buttery, crumbly texture of traditional shortbread. But it wasn’t until I returned home and started experimenting that I discovered the magic of combining that classic technique with the playful spirit of funfetti sprinkles and rich vanilla buttercream.

As someone who’s spent years perfecting both professional and home baking techniques, I can promise you that this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple methods. We’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect sprinkles to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture, plus I’ll share my pro tips for assembly and storage.

Why This Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe Works

These aren’t your average cookies—they’re a carefully crafted balance of flavor, texture, and pure visual delight. Here’s what makes this recipe a standout:

• Perfect texture contrast: The tender, crumbly shortbread provides the ideal base for smooth, creamy buttercream filling • Foolproof technique: Uses cream of tartar for that signature shortbread snap and baking powder for just the right lift • Customizable sweetness: The vanilla buttercream can be adjusted to your preferred sweetness level • Make-ahead friendly: Cookies can be baked days in advance, and the buttercream stays fresh for easy assembly • Crowd-pleaser appeal: The colorful sprinkles make these perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need a mood boost

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Best Sprinkles for This Recipe

Not all sprinkles are created equal! For these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, you want nonpareil sprinkles or jimmies that won’t bleed color during baking. Avoid sugar pearls or large decorative sprinkles that might make rolling difficult. The classic rainbow mix gives that authentic funfetti look we all love.

Butter Selection Tips

Unsalted butter is non-negotiable here—it gives you complete control over the salt content and ensures the pure, clean flavor that makes shortbread shine. Make sure it’s properly softened (should give slightly when pressed but not be melty) for optimal creaming.

Flour and Texture Considerations

All-purpose flour works perfectly, but if you want an even more tender result, you can substitute up to 1/4 cup with cake flour. The cream of tartar is your secret weapon—it creates that distinctive shortbread “snap” and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Ingredients & Prep for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Cookie Prep Essentials

The key to perfect Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies starts with proper preparation. Room temperature ingredients are crucial—your egg should sit out for about 30 minutes, and your butter should be soft enough to easily cream but not melted.

Vanilla Buttercream Components

This isn’t just any buttercream—it’s a silky, pipe-able frosting that complements the shortbread perfectly:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• Food coloring (optional)

Shortbread Cookie Base

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup funfetti sprinkles

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Pre-Cooking Prep for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning. In a small bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents pockets of leavening agents.

Mixing Method for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

In your stand mixer bowl with paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial—proper creaming creates the tender texture we want. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, scraping down the sides as needed.

Dough Assembly for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Add your dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes tough cookies. Gently fold in the funfetti sprinkles by hand or on the lowest mixer speed—you want them evenly distributed without crushing them.

Shaping and Chilling for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed. Arrange on baking sheets 2 inches apart, then chill for 45-60 minutes. This chilling step is essential—it prevents spreading and helps maintain crisp edges.

Pro Tips for Perfect Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Avoiding Tough or Crumbly Results for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Temperature control is everything. If your dough becomes too warm while rolling, refrigerate it for 15 minutes. Don’t overwork the dough, and measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling—packed flour creates dense cookies.

Tool Recommendations for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

A bench scraper makes transferring cut cookies easier without distorting shapes. An offset spatula is perfect for spreading buttercream evenly. For the buttercream, a stand mixer gives the best results, but a hand mixer works too with a bit more patience.

Storage & Assembly Tips for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Unfrosted cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week. The buttercream can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated—just re-whip it before using. Assembled sandwich cookies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal texture.

Flavor Variations for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Seasonal Twists for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Spring Version: Use pastel sprinkles and add lemon zest to both the cookies and buttercream for a bright, fresh flavor. Holiday Edition: Swap funfetti sprinkles for red and green nonpareils, and add peppermint extract to the buttercream for a festive twist.

Chocolate Lovers’ Version for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder for chocolate shortbread, and add chocolate chips alongside the sprinkles. Fill with chocolate buttercream made by adding 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the frosting recipe.

Sophisticated Flavor Profile for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Adult Version: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the cookie dough and use a cream cheese buttercream filling flavored with vanilla and a hint of orange extract.

Serving Suggestions for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are celebration stars on their own, but they pair beautifully with:

• Cold milk or coffee for a classic combination
• Vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert
• Fresh berries to cut through the sweetness
• Champagne or sparkling cider for special occasions

For presentation, arrange them on tiered stands for parties, or package individually in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons for gifts. They’re also perfect alongside other birthday treats or as part of a cookie exchange.

FAQs About Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Can I make these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake the cookies up to a week ahead and store them in airtight containers. Make the buttercream up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble 1-2 days before serving for best texture.

Why are my Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies spreading too much? This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled enough or the butter was too warm. Always chill the cut cookies for at least 45 minutes before baking, and ensure your butter is softened but not melted.

Can I freeze these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies? Yes! Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months in freezer bags. Assembled sandwich cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the texture may change slightly when thawed.

What if my buttercream is too thick or thin? Too thick? Add heavy cream 1 teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect spreading consistency.

Conclusion

These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies represent everything I love about baking—they’re approachable enough for beginners but sophisticated enough to impress any crowd. The combination of buttery shortbread and creamy vanilla buttercream creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that never fails to bring smiles.

Ready to spread some rainbow-speckled joy in your kitchen? Gather your ingredients and let’s create some edible happiness together! Don’t forget to share your colorful creations—I love seeing how these cookies brighten up kitchens and celebrations around the world.

For more celebration-worthy treats, check out our [Classic Sugar Cookie Guide] and [Homemade Birthday Cake Recipes] to complete your party spread. Happy baking!

Join the thousands of home bakers who’ve made these their go-to celebration cookies—your family and friends will thank you!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies: 5 Secrets for Perfect Results

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• Author: Emeli
• Total Time: 1hr 38mins

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Description

These funfetti shortbread sandwich cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with sprinkles. Each one is filled with a dollop of buttercream frosting for the perfect bite-sized treat. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and ideal for birthdays or any occasion!

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Ingredients

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tbsp Vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 – 3 cups Powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp Heavy cream

• Food coloring, optional

For the Shortbread Cookies:

• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp Baking Powder

• 1/4 tsp Baking Soda

• 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar

• 1/4 tsp Salt

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened

• 1/2 cups Sugar

• 1 Egg, room temperature

• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract

• 1 tsp Almond Extract

• 1/2 cup Funfetti sprinkles

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Instructions

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mix to combine.

2. 1/2 cup Unsalted butter,1 tbsp Vanilla extract,1 tbsp Heavy cream

3. With the mixer on low add in 1/2 a cup of powdered sugar at a time, mixing until combined each time. Scrape down the sides occasionally. Continue to add powdered sugar until you have reached a desired consistency, you may not need it all.

4. 2 1/2 – 3 cups Powdered sugar

5. If your frosting is too thick, add more cream, if it is too thin, add more powdered sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time. If desired, use food coloring to achieve a color of choice.

6. Food coloring

For the Shortbread Cookies:

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a small mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Stir to combine, set aside

3. 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour,1/4 tsp Baking Powder,1/4 tsp Baking Soda,1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar,1/4 tsp Salt

4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add in the vanilla and almond extract, and the egg. Scrape down the sides.

5. 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter,1/2 cups Sugar,1 Egg,2 tsp Vanilla Extract,1 tsp Almond Extract

6. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low until combined. Gently mix in the funfetti sprinkles.

7. 1/2 cup Funfetti sprinkles

8. Transfer the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Roll out to 1/4″ thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all dough is used.*

9. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Chill for 45-60 minutes. Once chilled, remove from the fridge and bake at 350 for 7-9 minutes.* Allow to cool on the baking sheets before transferring to a cooling rack.

10. Once the cookies have cooled completely, pipe or spread on the buttercream, sandwiching together. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Notes

*Baking time is dependent on the size of the cookies, I would start with 7 minutes and increase baking time as needed. Smaller bite-sized cookies will need less time and larger cookies, additional time. 

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Desssert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 278kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 88mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 56mg

Keywords: Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting