Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Picture this: the buttery scent of freshly baked shortbread filling your kitchen, dotted with playful bursts of rainbow sprinkles that peek out like tiny jewels. You take a bite, and the delicate crumb melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced by a luscious, creamy frosting sandwiched between each cookie. These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration in every bite, bringing vibrant joy and sweet nostalgia to your day. Whether you’re whipping these up for a last-minute party or a cozy afternoon snack, they’re quick, easy, and downright irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe

• Ready in 32 minutes: From mixing to baking, these cookies come together quickly so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without wait.
• Uses simple ingredients: Pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and sprinkles create magic with no complicated extras.
• Perfect for beginners: With straightforward steps and forgiving dough, even first-time bakers will shine.
• Impressive presentation: Colorful sprinkles peek through the golden cookies, and the frosting adds that wow factor for sharing or gifting.
• Customizable: Swap sprinkles, add flavor extracts, or try different frostings—make it your own signature treat!

Why This Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe Works

This recipe masterfully balances a rich, buttery shortbread cookie with the whimsical flair of rainbow sprinkles, creating a tender yet sturdy base for the creamy frosting. The key lies in properly softening the butter for an easy blend with powdered sugar, ensuring the dough is smooth and not tough, so each cookie bakes to a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Baking the cookies until just golden allows them to hold shape perfectly for sandwiching. The frosting is simple but luscious, providing the perfect sweet, creamy contrast that binds the cookies in blissful harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is all you need for a batch of these joyful cookies. Each plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The rich backbone giving shortbread its tender crumb and buttery flavor.
• Powdered sugar (0.75 cup): Adds sweetness and a silky, smooth texture to the dough.
• All-purpose flour (2.25 cups): The structure provider that keeps everything light and crisp.
• Rainbow sprinkles (0.5 cup): The festive confetti that makes every bite playful and colorful.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Butter: You can swap with margarine or vegan butter for dietary needs, but expect slight texture changes.
• Powdered sugar: Regular granulated sugar can be used but will create a more textured cookie.
• All-purpose flour: For a gluten-free twist, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour, watching consistency carefully.
• Rainbow sprinkles: Chocolate chips or chopped nuts are fun alternatives if sprinkles aren’t your thing.

How to Make Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Dough

Start by creaming your softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This step is key to getting a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture. Slowly add in the all-purpose flour, mixing gently to form a crumbly but cohesive dough. The moment the dough just comes together, fold in the vibrant rainbow sprinkles, stirring carefully so they’re evenly distributed but not crushed.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a spatula to fold in sprinkles gently, preserving their shape and color.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for around 12-15 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn a soft golden brown. Remove and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack for best texture.

💡 Pro Tip: Rotate the baking tray halfway through baking for even color and doneness.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting Filling

While the cookies cool, whip up a luscious frosting to sandwich between your shortbread rounds. A simple buttercream made of softened butter with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract works beautifully. Beat until light and fluffy, perfect for spreading without being too runny or stiff.

💡 Pro Tip: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it gently.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Once cookies are cooled, generously pipe or spread frosting onto the bottoms of half the cookies. Top each with a matching cookie to create delightful sandwich cookies. Press lightly so the frosting peeks out the edges, promising the sweet bite ahead. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let everything set, making them easier to handle and enjoy.

💡 Pro Tip: For a fun twist, roll the edges of the frosting in additional sprinkles before chilling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the dough: This can develop gluten and result in tough cookies instead of tender shortbread.
• Using melted butter: Leads to greasy dough and flat, crumbly cookies that don’t hold shape well.
• Not allowing cookies to cool fully: Warm cookies will cause frosting to melt and slide off, ruining the sandwich.
• Too thick or thin frosting: Incorrect frosting consistency makes spreading difficult and can overpower the cookie balance.
• Uneven cookie sizing: Makes sandwiching tricky and presents less professionally.
• Skipping parchment paper: Can cause cookies to stick and lose their perfect edges.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe, the possibilities are endless. Let your creativity shine and make these cookies your own by exploring some fun variations:

Chocolate-Dipped Delight

Dip half of each cookie sandwich into melted dark or white chocolate and let it set for an elegant, indulgent twist.

Lemon Zest Surprise

Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and a splash of lemon juice to the frosting for a bright, zesty flavor that sings with every bite.

Nutty Sprinkle Mix

Swap classic rainbow sprinkles for chopped pistachios or almonds mixed with colorful sugar crystals to add crunch and sophistication.

Birthday Cake Explosion

Incorporate funfetti cake mix into the dough, and use a rich vanilla buttercream with extra sprinkles inside for a party-ready cookie.

Salted Caramel Dream

Fill the sandwiches with a salted caramel frosting instead of vanilla for a luscious, complex flavor contrast.

How to Serve Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter on top, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a whimsical touch that catches the eye and adds sparkle.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a frothy cup of cappuccino, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra delectable treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a colorful ribbon for gifting, serve on a vintage platter during tea time, or place individually in mini cupcake liners for an elegant party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re kept in a cool, dry place to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw completely before adding frosting and assembling to prevent moisture issues.

Reheating

Shortbread cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, gently heat unfrosted cookies in a low oven for 3-4 minutes. Avoid heating after frosting to keep the filling intact.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate any extra salt in the recipe to keep the cookies balanced and not overly salty.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Ensure cookies are completely cooled before spreading frosting. Keeping the sandwich cookies refrigerated helps maintain frosting firmness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking.

What if I don’t have sprinkles?

No worries! You can leave them out or substitute with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or colored sugar.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as is, but swapping all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend usually works well.

How long do sandwich cookies stay fresh?

Best enjoyed within 3 days, but refrigerated cookies can last up to a week.

Can I make vegan versions of these cookies?

Yes, using vegan butter and ensuring sprinkles and frosting ingredients are plant-based will create a vegan-friendly treat.

What’s the best way to get crispy edges?

Don’t overbake: watch for a light golden color around the edges before removing from the oven for that perfect crisp-tender balance.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about baking cookies that bring smiles with every colorful bite. This Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into little moments of joy. Each cookie is a perfect blend of buttery softness and sugary frosting, speckled with playful sprinkles that make any day feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies promise to delight and impress.

Have you tried this Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🎉

Print