Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to party treat: Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies! These buttery, crisp shortbread cookies are speckled with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, then filled with a dreamy vanilla buttercream. Every bite promises a perfect crunch, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a delightful pop of color, making these cookies just as fun to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just want to brighten up your afternoon, you’ll find this recipe irresistible.

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies is how a handful of basic pantry staples can transform into pure magic. Trust me—each ingredient does some heavy lifting when it comes to flavor, texture, and that signature festive look.

Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base.
Powdered sugar: This gives the cookies their classic tender crumb while keeping things delicately sweet.
Vanilla extract: Don’t skip it—it enhances both your cookies and your filling, adding a cozy aroma and depth.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie, all-purpose flour helps create that perfect snappy-yet-tender bite.
Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies): For that “funfetti” pop and a burst of color in every cookie!
Salt: Just a hint brings all the flavors into beautiful harmony.
Butter (for filling): Whipped with sugar for a luscious, silky buttercream layer between each cookie.
Powdered sugar (for filling): This is the secret to a smooth, fluffy buttercream that stays put.
Milk or cream: Only a tablespoon or two, just enough to bring your buttercream to spreadable perfection.

How to Make Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start things off by creaming your room temperature butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is impossibly light and fluffy. This not only helps with the cookie’s texture, but it’s your ticket to that classic melt-away quality that makes Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies so addictive. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, blending until smooth and fragrant.

Step 2: Mix in the Flour and Sprinkles

Next, add the flour in batches, mixing just until a dough forms. Don’t overwork it—gentle is the name of the game for crumbly shortbread! Fold in your rainbow sprinkles with a spatula or your hands. The more evenly you distribute them, the more stunning every cookie will be.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form it into a disc about an inch thick. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to cut and bake the cookies while ensuring they keep their adorable shape.

Step 4: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Unwrap the chilled dough and roll it between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to punch out your desired shapes—circles are classic, but stars and hearts bring extra fun. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet, and bake until the edges are just barely golden, about 10-12 minutes. Let them cool completely before the next part!

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

While your cookies cool, whip up the butter with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla in a large bowl—add a bit of milk or cream to get a smooth, pipeable consistency. This is the luscious glue that turns regular shortbread into true Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Spread or pipe a swirl of buttercream onto the flat side of half your cookies. Gently press another cookie on top to make a sandwich. Press together just until the filling peeks out—extra adorable if you dip the filling’s edge in more sprinkles for good measure!

How to Serve Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Garnishes

The finishing touch is a simple one: roll the edges of the buttercream in extra rainbow sprinkles for that irresistible party vibe. You can even dust your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with a hint of edible glitter if you want a little sparkle, or use colored sanding sugar for flair.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfectly sweet on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or alongside a bowl of fresh berries for a touch of tartness. For parties, consider serving them with ice cream for a make-your-own cookie sandwich bar!

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or showers, stack the Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies on a tiered dessert tray, or package them in clear cellophane bags as party favors. You can also arrange them in a circle to form a “cookie cake,” or spell out initials or fun shapes on a platter for a personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies at their very best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The shortbread will stay crispy and the buttercream just soft enough for total satisfaction.

Freezing

Both the unassembled cookies and the assembled sandwiches freeze beautifully! For longer storage, freeze the cookies (with or without filling) in single layers with parchment between. Let them come to room temperature before serving, and they’ll be perfectly fresh.

Reheating

If your cookies are a little too firm straight from the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. There’s no need to reheat Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies in the oven; the buttercream filling can melt if warmed, so room temp is the way to go.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles in Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies?

Absolutely! Jimmies are ideal because they don’t bleed color, but feel free to experiment with nonpareils or confetti shapes for a slightly different look and texture. Just avoid sugar crystals, which can dissolve into the dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The results are still buttery, crumbly, and full of fun.

How thick should I roll out the shortbread dough?

For classic Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This creates just the right balance of crispness and tenderness so the sandwiches aren’t difficult to bite into.

What’s the best way to get uniform cookies?

Chill the dough well, use a sharp-edged cookie cutter, and gather scraps to reroll only once or twice (overworking can toughen the cookies). For that professional bakery look, weigh or measure each piece before baking!

How far in advance can I make the Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies?

You can make the cookies themselves a week ahead and store them airtight, then fill and assemble the day you plan to serve. Assembled cookies are best within 2-3 days, but keep wonderfully in the fridge for even longer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bake a batch of Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies! They’re easy to make, an instant mood-booster, and guaranteed to be a hit at any get-together. Give them a try and bring a little extra sprinkle-filled joy to your kitchen this week!

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe