Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting: A Celebration in Every Bite

If there’s one dessert that instantly sparks joy, it’s Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting. These cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic shortbread with colorful rainbow sprinkles and a thick layer of vanilla frosting tucked between two tender cookies. They’re cheerful, nostalgic, and downright irresistible.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, or anytime you want something festive, these sandwich cookies deliver bakery-style results with surprisingly simple ingredients. The shortbread itself isn’t overly sweet, which allows the creamy frosting and sprinkles to shine without becoming cloying.

This is the kind of recipe that feels playful yet polished — whimsical enough for kids, elegant enough for dessert tables.

Why These Cookies Are So Loved

These funfetti shortbread sandwich cookies stand out for several reasons:

• Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread
• Bright pops of color from rainbow sprinkles
• Creamy vanilla frosting center
• Perfect balance of sweet and rich
• Make-ahead friendly

They’re sturdier than sugar cookies, softer than biscuits, and absolutely perfect for sandwiching.

What Makes Shortbread Ideal for Sandwich Cookies?

Shortbread cookies are made with a high butter-to-flour ratio, giving them:

• A tender crumb
• A rich, buttery flavor
• Clean edges when baked
• Stability for sandwiching

Unlike softer cookie doughs, shortbread holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for frosting-filled cookies.

Ingredients for Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Simple pantry staples come together to create something magical.

Shortbread Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles

Vanilla Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt

Instructions: How to Make Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Take your time — shortbread rewards gentle handling.

1. Make the dough:
   Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla. Add flour and salt and mix until just combined. Gently fold in sprinkles.
2. Chill:
   Shape dough into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Roll and cut:
   Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
4. Bake:
   Bake 12–15 minutes until set but not browned. Cool completely.
5. Make frosting:
   Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream until smooth and spreadable.
6. Assemble:
   Spread frosting onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
7. Finish:
   Gently press so frosting reaches the edges. Add extra sprinkles if desired.

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting

Buttery shortbread cookies filled with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 18 sandwich cookies

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients

  

Shortbread Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup rainbow sprinkles jimmies

Vanilla Frosting

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 pinch salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rolling Pin
• Baking sheets

Method

 

1. Cream butter and powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla.
2. Add flour and salt, mix until just combined, fold in sprinkles.
3. Chill dough for 30 minutes, then roll and cut.
4. Bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Prepare frosting and sandwich cookies together.

Notes

Use jimmies sprinkles to avoid color bleeding.

Texture & Flavor Experience

Each bite delivers:

• Buttery, crumbly shortbread
• Smooth, creamy frosting
• Crunch from sprinkles
• Balanced sweetness

They taste like birthday cake — but richer and more refined.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

• Don’t overmix: Keeps cookies tender
• Chill the dough: Prevents spreading
• Bake low and slow: Shortbread should stay pale
• Cool fully before frosting: Prevents melting
• Use jimmies sprinkles: Nonpareils bleed color

Variations & Fun Twists

Chocolate funfetti:
Dip half the sandwich in melted white or dark chocolate.

Lemon frosting:
Add lemon zest and juice to frosting.

Holiday colors:
Use seasonal sprinkles for themed cookies.

Filled shortcut:
Use vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve funfetti shortbread sandwich cookies with frosting:

• On dessert trays
• At birthday parties
• With milk or coffee
• Wrapped as edible gifts

They travel well and look stunning on cookie platters.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Up to 3 days, airtight
• Refrigerate: Up to 5 days
• Freeze cookies (unfilled): Up to 2 months

Assemble with frosting the day of serving for best texture.

Why These Cookies Feel Special

There’s something timeless about sprinkles — they instantly make desserts feel celebratory. Paired with classic shortbread, they create a cookie that’s joyful without being childish, festive without being over-the-top.

Final Thoughts

Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting are buttery, cheerful, and guaranteed to make people smile. They’re perfect when you want something playful yet polished — a cookie that feels like a party all by itself.