Homemade Funfetti Sandwich Cookies: The Ultimate Sprinkle-Filled Treat

There’s an undeniable magic to sprinkles. They instantly elevate any treat, transforming the ordinary into something truly joyful and festive. And when it comes to cookies, sprinkles are an absolute must-have! For my family, if it has sprinkles, it’s a guaranteed hit. While I’m usually a die-hard chocolate enthusiast, my husband’s love for sugar cookies and anything slathered in frosting inspired these incredible Funfetti Sandwich Cookies. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find it hard to resist eating more than just one (or two, or three!).

Why These Funfetti Sandwich Cookies Are a Must-Bake

Forget the store-bought versions or shortcuts that rely on cake mixes. These funfetti sandwich cookies are a celebration of homemade goodness, offering a depth of flavor and texture that’s simply unmatched. Here’s why this recipe will become your new favorite:

• Truly From Scratch Goodness: Many funfetti cookie recipes take a shortcut with cake mix, and while those can be delicious, nothing beats the rich flavor and perfect texture of cookies made entirely from scratch. This recipe ensures a wonderfully soft, chewy cookie that tastes authentically homemade, offering a satisfying baking experience from start to finish. You’ll taste the difference, and so will everyone you share them with!
• Luscious Homemade Buttercream Frosting: While using store-bought frosting is an option for busy bakers, I strongly encourage you to try the homemade buttercream. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up and delivers a creamy, velvety texture and fresh flavor that’s a million times better than anything from a can. This rich, sweet frosting is the perfect complement to our subtly sweet funfetti cookies, creating a harmonious balance in every bite.
• Endless Festive Customization: The beauty of funfetti lies in its versatility! While I used classic rainbow sprinkles for these photos, you can easily adapt these cookies for any holiday, special occasion, or theme. Imagine using red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastels for a baby shower, or your favorite team’s colors for a game day treat. The possibilities are endless, making these cookies perfect for year-round celebrations.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these delightful funfetti sandwich cookies requires a few pantry staples and, of course, a generous supply of sprinkles! High-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your cookies. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need for both the cookies and the luscious buttercream frosting:

• Butter (softened)
• Granulated Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• Almond Extract
• Large Egg
• All-Purpose Flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Milk (for frosting)
• Powdered Sugar (for frosting)
• Plenty of Rainbow Sprinkles!

How To Make Irresistible Funfetti Sandwich Cookies

For the complete, printable recipe card with precise measurements, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Making these cookies is a joyous process, and following these steps will ensure perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Introduce the vanilla extract, almond extract, and the large egg to the creamed mixture. Continue to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the egg is fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Sifting the flour and cornstarch together ensures there are no lumps and helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
5. Incorporate Dry into Wet: With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
6. Gently Fold in Sprinkles: Remove the bowl from the mixer and, using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the rainbow sprinkles. Mix just enough to distribute them evenly. Overmixing at this stage can cause the sprinkles to break apart and their colors to bleed into the dough, which can dull the vibrant effect.
7. Scoop and Bake: Scoop small, uniform balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart. These cookies don’t spread significantly, so you don’t need excessive space between them. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
8. Cool the Cookies: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the baking sheet initially helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
9. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: While your cookies are cooling, prepare the buttercream. In a clean mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and about half of the powdered sugar. Gradually add the milk, alternating with the remaining powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of milk or powdered sugar slightly to achieve your desired spreadable consistency.
10. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: Once the cookies are entirely cool, match them up into pairs of similar size. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the homemade buttercream frosting onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently place another cookie on top and press down slightly to create a sandwich.
11. Add More Sprinkles: For an extra festive touch, roll the outside edge of each assembled sandwich cookie in additional rainbow sprinkles.
12. Allow to Set: Let the funfetti sandwich cookies sit at room temperature for about an hour. This allows the buttercream frosting to set up slightly, making them less messy and easier to handle.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is key to keeping your Funfetti Sandwich Cookies delicious for days. Here’s how to best store them:

Once assembled, Funfetti Sandwich Cookies will remain fresh and delightful for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. There’s no need to refrigerate them, as the cold can sometimes alter the texture of the cookies and frosting, making them a bit harder.

If you’re planning to bake these cookies ahead of time, I recommend waiting to add the frosting until you are closer to serving them. While the frosting itself freezes well, and you can certainly freeze fully assembled cookies, I find that the cookies retain a slightly better texture and taste fresher when they are frosted shortly before consumption. If freezing fully assembled cookies is your only option, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

The Perfect Flavor Balance: Vanilla, Almond, and Sweet Buttercream

These funfetti sandwich cookies are celebrated for their soft, wonderfully chewy texture and a sweetness that’s perfectly balanced. Beyond the classic vanilla, the addition of almond extract truly elevates their flavor profile. Almond provides a subtle, sophisticated depth that pairs beautifully with the simple sweetness of the cookie and the rich, creamy buttercream frosting. The cookies themselves are intentionally not overly sweet, allowing the vibrant flavor of the sprinkles and the luxurious frosting to shine without becoming cloying.

What Can I Use Instead Of Almond Extract?

It’s a common question, and thankfully, you have a few options! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can simply omit it from the recipe. The cookies will still be delicious with just the vanilla. For those with almond allergies, it’s worth noting that many commercial almond extracts, especially imitation ones like McCormick’s, use a chemical called Benzaldehyde for flavoring, not actual almonds. Therefore, they are often safe for individuals with almond allergies. Always check the ingredient label to be sure if allergies are your primary concern.

Alternatively, if you want to replace the almond extract with a different flavor, here are a few ideas:

• Increase Vanilla Extract: A straightforward swap is to use an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will deepen the classic vanilla flavor.
• Lemon Extract: For a bright, zesty twist, try using lemon extract instead of almond. It pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookie and frosting.
• Peppermint Extract: Especially around the holidays, a touch of peppermint extract can create a festive and refreshing flavor. Use sparingly, as peppermint can be quite potent.
• Butter Extract: If you want to enhance the buttery richness, a small amount of butter extract can be a great addition.

More Fun Dessert Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed baking these funfetti sandwich cookies, you’ll love these other delightful dessert recipes:

• Chocolate Chip Blondies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
• Key Lime Pie
• Cookie Dough Cheesecake
• Lemon Cheesecake Cones
• S’mores Cookies
• Strawberry Crumb Bars
• Chocolate Pavlova

I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!

Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram