Irresistible Funfetti Shortbread Bites Recipe: Perfectly Buttery, Crispy, and Colorfully Sweet

Looking for a fun and festive treat that’s guaranteed to brighten up your day? These Funfetti Shortbread Bites are a colorful, bite-sized delight that brings together the buttery goodness of classic shortbread with a pop of rainbow sprinkles. Each bite melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of crispness and sweetness, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Photo byInsanely Good Recipes

I came across this delightful recipe from Insanely Good Recipes, and I just had to share it with you. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to treat for celebrations or just when you need something quick and easy to bake.

These shortbread bites aren’t just cute; they are incredibly versatile too. Whether you want to make a batch for a holiday party or need a colorful dessert for a birthday, these bites are sure to steal the show. Plus, the vibrant sprinkles make them extra fun to bake with kids!

The Origin of Shortbread: A Classic Cookie with a Twist
Shortbread has a rich history dating back to Scotland, where it was traditionally made with just three ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. Over the years, this humble cookie has seen many variations, and this Funfetti Shortbread version adds a playful modern twist with sprinkles. The buttery texture combined with the festive look of rainbow sprinkles makes it perfect for any occasion.

Funfetti Shortbread Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salted butter, cold and diced
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla and/or almond extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 3 tablespoons nonpareils sprinkles, divided

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan
   Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dough
   In a large bowl, beat the cold, diced butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract for flavor. Slowly mix in the flour and cornstarch (if using), combining gently by hand. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the sprinkles until just mixed.
3. Chill the Dough
   Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out as much as possible. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sprinkles on top, pressing gently to make them stick. Refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes.
4. Preheat the Oven
   While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 325°F. Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
5. Cut the Dough
   Once chilled, carefully lift the dough from the baking dish and place it on a flat surface. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 1/2-inch squares. Arrange the squares on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.
6. Bake
   Bake the shortbread bites for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets before enjoying.

Pro Tips:

• Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter straight from the fridge is essential for getting that tender, crumbly texture that makes shortbread so irresistible.
• Add a Dash of Salt: If you’re using unsalted butter, don’t forget to add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor of your shortbread.
• Storage: These bites keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but you’ll likely see them disappear much faster!

Variations to Try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Almond Joy: Add almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the buttery shortbread perfectly.
• Holiday Themed: Try using festive colored sprinkles for different holidays—red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.

These Funfetti Shortbread Bites are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, making them the perfect dessert to whip up when you need a quick and impressive treat. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, or pack them up as a fun party favor!

Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed this Funfetti Shortbread Bites recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Be sure to leave a comment below if you tried it, and hit that follow button for more delicious recipes like this one. Baking has never been this fun—and tasty!