Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
These Funfetti Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Frosting are a delightful treat combining buttery shortbread cookies speckled with colorful sprinkles and a rich vanilla buttercream filling. Perfect for celebrations or a fun dessert, these cookies feature a tender crumb and sweet, creamy frosting that can be customized with your favorite food coloring.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp Heavy cream
- Food coloring, optional
Shortbread Cookies:
- 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 cup Sugar
- 1 Egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Almond extract
- 1/2 cup Funfetti sprinkles
- Prepare Vanilla Buttercream: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter on medium speed until light and fluffy for about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing to combine. With the mixer on low, gradually add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides occasionally. Continue until the buttercream reaches your desired consistency, which might require 2 1/2 to 3 cups of powdered sugar. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream by the tablespoon; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. Optionally, add food coloring to tint the frosting.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar for Cookies: In the stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes. Add the vanilla and almond extracts along with the room temperature egg. Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even incorporation.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the funfetti sprinkles to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Roll Out and Cut Cookies: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut dough into desired shapes. Gather and re-roll scraps to use all the dough.
- Chill and Bake Cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Chill in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, bake the cookies at 350°F for 7 to 9 minutes. Baking time may vary based on cookie size; smaller cookies need less time, larger ones more. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of the vanilla buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies. Store sandwiches in an airtight container for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Baking times depend heavily on cookie size; start with 7 minutes and increase as needed.
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- You can customize the buttercream with different colors for festive occasions.
- Store sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for best texture.
Keywords: Cookie Sandwiches, Cookies, Funfetti, Shortbread