You know, there’s something almost magical about biting into a funfetti shortbread—like catching a glimpse of a rainbow after a storm. These little bites of joy, with their colorful sprinkles, remind me of childhood birthday parties where everything seemed possible. And hey, who says you can’t bring that same joy back into your kitchen today?
Steps
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- Prepare a 13×9-inch baking dish by buttering it and lining it with two sheets of parchment paper, one placed horizontally and the other vertically, leaving a 1-inch overhang on all sides.
- In an electric stand mixer bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until they are well combined, then mix in the almond extract.
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture at low speed until the dough begins to come together, even though it may initially appear dry and sandy. If needed, add a few teaspoons of milk to assist with blending.
- Gently fold in 2 1/2 tablespoons of sprinkles into the dough, then press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish using your hands and the bottom of a flat measuring cup to smooth it out.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit during this time.
- Remove the dough from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut it into 1/2-inch squares using a large sharp knife, cutting long rows for best results.
- Sprinkle additional sprinkles over the top of the cut dough if desired, and gently press them into the dough.
- Place about a third of the cookie squares onto an unbuttered baking sheet, spacing them 1/2-inch apart, and bake them in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes.
- Keep the remaining dough squares refrigerated while baking the first batch, then repeat the baking process with the remaining bites on a cool baking sheet.
- Once baked, allow the shortbread bites to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container for storage at room temperature.
Ingredients
- Butter (unsalted can be used with 1/4 tsp salt added)
- Sugar
- Almond Extract (or substitute with 1 tsp vanilla extract if needed)
- All-purpose flour
- Colored Sprinkles (2 1/2 tablespoons, plus more for topping if desired)
Nutritional Values
Calories 3350 | Cholesterol 335mg | Sodium 1340mg | Potassium 335mg | Carbohydrates 335g | Vitamin A 5025IU | * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
FAQ
- Can Funfetti Shortbread Bites be frozen?
- Yes, these cookies freeze wonderfully! You can store them in resealable freezer bags for up to a month. They make a great addition to school lunches or can be enjoyed straight from the freezer.
- Is there an alternative to almond extract if I have an allergy?
- While almond extract offers the best flavor, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if there’s an allergy concern or if you can’t find almond extract.
- Can I use different sprinkles for various occasions?
- Absolutely! You can swap the sprinkle colors to match different themes or holidays. For example, use pastel sprinkles for Easter or red and pink for Valentine’s Day. You can also create custom mixes by buying single-color sprinkles from craft or kitchen supply stores.
- What type of butter should be used in the recipe?
- Both salted and unsalted butter work well for this recipe. If you choose unsalted butter, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the flour to enhance the flavor.
- Are these cookies difficult to make?
- Not at all! Despite their appearance, these cookies are straightforward to make. The dough requires minimal chilling time, and cutting the cookies into small squares is quick and easy.
Tips
- Chill the Dough: To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before cutting it into squares. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and ensures they bake evenly.
- Use a Measuring Cup for Evenness: After pressing the dough into the baking pan, use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to smooth it out. This will help create an even layer, resulting in consistently sized cookies.
- Adjust Sprinkles for Different Occasions: Customize the appearance of these cookies by using different colored sprinkles to match various holidays or events. For example, use pastel colors for Easter or red and pink for Valentine’s Day.
- Freezing for Later: These cookies freeze well for up to a month. Store them in resealable freezer bags and you can enjoy them straight from the freezer, or pack them in school lunches.
Equipment
- Electric stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- 13 by 9-inch baking dish
