Funfetti Shortbread Cookies
Updated Oct 17, 2025, Published May 03, 2023
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A Festive Gluten-Free Treat
If you want to brighten your dessert table, these Funfetti Shortbread Cookies bring color and cheer to every bite. Perfectly buttery, lightly sweet, and packed with sprinkles, they’re a joyful twist on a classic. Best of all, they’re completely gluten-free, so everyone can join the fun.
Whether you bake them for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend treat, these cookies make every day feel like a celebration. The dough comes together easily, and the result is melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These cookies combine the crumbly texture of shortbread with the fun, festive look of rainbow sprinkles. They’re easy to make, bake evenly, and stay tender for days.
Moreover, they don’t require special equipment—just a few pantry staples. You can shape them into rounds, hearts, or stars for any occasion. Their colorful appearance makes them a hit with both kids and adults.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these gluten-free Funfetti Shortbread Cookies:
- Gluten-free flour blend – the base of these cookies, ensuring a tender texture.
- Powdered sugar – adds sweetness without grittiness.
- Unsalted butter – provides rich flavor and that signature shortbread crumble.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the buttery taste and aroma.
- Salt – balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Rainbow sprinkles – the fun part! Use gluten-free sprinkles to keep them safe for all.
You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Once mixed, the dough is easy to shape and bake.
Tips for Perfect Funfetti Shortbread
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
- Use cold butter for the best texture.
- Fold in the sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
- Bake just until the edges turn golden. Overbaking can make them dry.
- Cool completely before moving or glazing to maintain their shape.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Because these cookies are so easy to make, they’re ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, or tea parties. They also make adorable edible gifts during the holidays. Serve them with coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy afternoon treat.
In addition, these cookies travel well. You can prepare them in advance and store them in airtight containers. They’ll stay crisp and buttery for several days.
A Sweet and Simple Way to Celebrate
These Funfetti Shortbread Cookies prove that gluten-free baking can be simple, beautiful, and fun. With just a few ingredients and a splash of color, you’ll create cookies that bring smiles to everyone’s face.
They’re cheerful, easy to make, and taste as delightful as they look. So preheat your oven, grab your sprinkles, and let the celebration begin!
For more sweet inspiration, check out our recipes for Grain-Free Vanilla Cupcakes, Strawberry Scones, and Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies.
Funfetti Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) (226 grams) salted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons (46 grams) milk
- 1 tablespoon (13 grams) pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 grams) gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum
- ½ cup (112 grams) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (48 grams) gluten-free sprinkles
Instructions
- Add the softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the butter on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Add the milk and vanilla and mix to combine.
- With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour and powdered sugar. Continue mixing just until a shaggy dough forms.
- Next, add the sprinkles and fold them gently into the cookie dough. Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll the cookie dough out to ¼-inch thickness. Cut the dough out using your choice of cutter (I used a 2” round cutter) and place the dough on a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet. These cookies don’t spread much so you only need to place them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the cookies are just starting to turn golden brown on the bottom.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe for Gluten Free Funfetti Shortbread Cookies can also be found on What The Fork Food Blog.
