I recently made this Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe, and I have to say—they were a game-changer! The cookies are soft, buttery, and studded with colorful sprinkles that instantly make you smile.

Filling them with creamy buttercream frosting took them to a whole new level. Every bite feels like a mini celebration, and I loved how easy they were to make.

If you’re looking for a fun, festive dessert, these cookies are perfect! You can also enjoy similar comfort in a savory way, like the White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, softened (Makes the cookies rich and buttery; don’t use margarine)
Granulated White Sugar – 1 cup (Ensures a sweet, tender texture; swapping other sugars changes baking results)
Whole Eggs – 2, room temperature (Helps the dough bind and gives a soft texture)
Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (Adds warm, classic flavor; use pure for best taste)
Almond Extract – ½ teaspoon (Enhances the cookie flavor with a subtle nutty note)
Cream of Tartar – ½ teaspoon (Gives a slightly chewy, lightly cakey texture)
Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon (Helps cookies rise perfectly)
Baking Soda – ½ teaspoon (Balances the leavening and adds tenderness)
Salt – ¼ teaspoon (Enhances all the flavors without being noticeable)
All-Purpose Flour – 2 ¾ cups (Gives structure; no substitutes for best results)
Funfetti Sprinkles – ½ cup (Any soft sprinkles work; they add color and fun)
Powdered Sugar – 2 cups (for buttercream) (Creates a smooth, creamy frosting that’s easy to pipe)

Note: several servings

Variations

Make these cookies your own with these tweaks:

Use dairy-free butter and milk for a vegan-friendly version.
Swap powdered sugar for a sugar-free alternative in the frosting.
Mix in chocolate chips or mini M&Ms for added texture.
Add citrus zest for a bright, flavorful twist. You might also enjoy pairing your cookies with a savory dish like Chicken Marsala Fettuccine Recipe for a full meal experience.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 7–9 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)

Equipment You Need

Stand Mixer – for creaming butter and sugar evenly.
Mixing Bowls – to combine dry and wet ingredients separately.
Rolling Pin – to roll dough to uniform thickness.
Cookie Cutters – to shape cookies neatly.
Parchment Paper – prevents sticking and easy cleanup.
Baking Sheets – for even baking of multiple cookies.
Piping Bag – for frosting the cookies precisely.

How to Make Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Whisk together and set aside. This ensures even distribution for perfect cookies.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing thoroughly. Scrape the sides to incorporate everything evenly.

Mix in Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed. Fold in the funfetti sprinkles gently to keep their color intact.

Roll and Cut the Dough

Transfer dough to a floured surface and roll to ¼ inch thick. Cut shapes with a cookie cutter, re-rolling scraps until used.

Chill the Cookies

Arrange cut cookies on baking sheets and chill for 45–60 minutes. Chilling prevents spreading and ensures the perfect shape.

Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 7–9 minutes. Let cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.

Assemble with Frosting

Make a simple buttercream with powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla. Pipe a dollop onto one cookie and sandwich with another. Press gently for even filling.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I always chill my dough longer for thicker, sturdier cookies.
I lightly flour my rolling pin to prevent sticking without toughening dough.
I use a small offset spatula for frosting so it spreads smoothly.
I store leftover sprinkles in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

How to Serve Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting

Serve these cookies on a colorful platter for parties. I love adding extra sprinkles on top of the frosting for a playful look. They also pair well with milk or a cup of coffee for a sweet treat anytime.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an idea of what’s in each cookie:

Calories: 220 per sandwich cookie
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 11g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting.
Reheating: No need to reheat; serve cold for the best texture and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these cookies are a must-try:

Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, even for beginners.
Versatile: Change sprinkles or frosting to match any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, birthdays, and holidays.
Fun Flavor: Almond and vanilla extracts make every bite delightful.
Customizable: Add chocolate chips, zests, or flavor extracts to suit your taste.

These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting are a fun, festive, and delicious treat that I will be making again and again. Perfect for any celebration, they bring smiles with every bite!

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Ash Tyrrell