Name: Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened); 1 tbsp Vanilla extract; 2 1/2 – 3 cups Powdered sugar; 1 tbsp Heavy cream; Food coloring (optional); 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that’s as bright and joyful as a birthday party in every bite, Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting are about to be your new favorite. These enchanting cookies combine delicate, buttery shortbread infused with colorful sprinkles and a dreamy cloud of vanilla buttercream. Every layer promises melt-in-your-mouth richness and a confetti pop of fun — perfect for celebrations, gifting, or whenever you want to make an ordinary day feel extra special.

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of magic! Every ingredient in these Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting brings something special to the table: rich buttery notes, classic vanilla warmth, a hint of almond, and of course, those joyful sprinkles that make the cookies irresistible.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The soul of a great cookie, butter gives shortbread its signature tender texture and rich flavor. Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness.
Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness to the shortbread and helps create a delicate crumb.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together for a cookie that holds its shape but stays soft.
Vanilla Extract (3 tbsp overall): Both the cookies and frosting are boosted with classic vanilla flavor for double the decadence.
Almond Extract (1 tsp): A little goes a long way to give the cookies an irresistible, bakery-style aroma.
All-purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): Ensures the cookies hold together yet remain tender.
Baking Powder (1/4 tsp) & Baking Soda (1/4 tsp): Work together for just a touch of lift, keeping the cookies from being overly dense.
Cream of Tartar (1/2 tsp): Adds a slight tang and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness, making flavors pop.
Funfetti sprinkles (1/2 cup): The star of the show! Rainbow confetti that turns every cookie into a mini celebration.
Powdered Sugar (2 1/2-3 cups): Essential for that fluffy, smooth frosting.
Heavy Cream (1 tbsp): Makes the buttercream extra creamy and dreamy.
Food Coloring (optional): Swirl in a drop or two for playful pastel hues in your frosting, if you love a little extra color.

How to Make Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Start your cookie journey with the luscious filling! In a stand mixer with a paddle, whip the softened butter until pillowy and light (about 2–3 minutes). Next, blend in the vanilla extract and a splash of heavy cream for that ultra-creamy texture. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, starting with half a cup at a time, until you reach your ideal frosting consistency. Adjust as needed with more cream or sugar, and don’t be shy about adding a drop or two of food coloring if you want your filling to be especially festive!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Give them a quick stir — this ensures each shortbread sandwich cookie will bake up evenly tender, with just enough structure to hold that generous swirl of frosting.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer, blend the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color. This extra time is worth it — aerated butter guarantees that classic melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture for your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting.

Step 4: Add Flavors and Egg

Beat in the vanilla, almond extract, and the egg. Remember to scrape down the bowl so every bit gets evenly mixed. These simple, fragrant flavors are what transform a good cookie into an unforgettable one.

Step 5: Combine and Add Sprinkles

With your mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Finally, gently fold in the funfetti sprinkles, watching the dough come alive with pops of color.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Out Cookies

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Grab your favorite cookie cutter shapes — circles, stars, hearts, you name it. Cut as many cookies as you can, re-rolling the scraps until all your dough is transformed into cheerful cookie rounds.

Step 7: Chill and Bake

Arrange your cookie cut-outs on the prepared baking sheets, placing them 2 inches apart. Chill the tray in the fridge for 45–60 minutes; this helps the cookies keep their sharp shape and perfect texture while baking. Once chilled, bake at 350°F for 7–9 minutes, until just set but not browned. Let the cookies cool fully on the baking sheet before moving them to a rack.

Step 8: Sandwich and Serve

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous layer of vanilla buttercream onto the underside of one cookie, then top with another to make a sandwich. Gently press so the frosting peeks out just a bit. You’ve just created irresistible Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting, ready to delight kids and grown-ups alike!

How to Serve Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting

Garnishes

Add an extra sprinkle of magic by rolling the sides of each finished sandwich in more funfetti sprinkles, or dust lightly with powdered sugar. For a sparkle, try edible glitter—they’ll look like gems at a celebration!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk, a frothy latte, or a berry-packed fruit salad. They’re a standout on a dessert board alongside mini cupcakes or chocolate-dipped strawberries for a playful, multi-texture experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer cookies in a colorful box or on a pretty plate with parchment liners, or stack them in glass jars tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts. For parties, arrange them on a tiered stand with a few extra sprinkles scattered around for a whimsical touch. These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting are scene-stealers no matter how you serve them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before stacking to preserve that delicious buttery crumb.

Freezing

The best part about these cookies? They freeze beautifully! Separate each cookie sandwich with parchment, seal tightly in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fabulous in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For that just-baked softness, let frozen cookies stand at room temperature for an hour, or microwave for just five seconds each (no longer, so the frosting doesn’t melt). Fresh, soft funfetti flavor, anytime you crave a celebration!

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Yes! While classic rainbow funfetti sprinkles look gorgeous, you can use holiday-themed or pastel sprinkles for any occasion. Just avoid nonpareils, which can bleed color into the dough.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No stand mixer? No problem. You can use a hand mixer for both the cookies and frosting; just make sure to beat well so everything is light and fluffy.

How do I get perfectly even cookie sandwiches?

For uniformity, roll out the dough evenly and use the same cookie cutter for all your shapes. Pair similar-sized cookies when assembling to get the prettiest sandwiches.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely—swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The results are still buttery, festive, and delicious!

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and chilled in the fridge. Just let it soften for 10–15 minutes on the counter before rolling and cutting.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting is a joyful celebration wrapped up in buttery, colorful bliss. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, these playful cookies bring instant smiles. Get creative, have fun, and make a double batch—you’ll be glad you did!