Funfetti Shortbread Squares

If you love colorful, buttery treats that melt in your mouth, these Funfetti Shortbread Squares are pure happiness. I made them once for a birthday party, and everyone instantly smiled. They’re simple, sweet, and full of those cheerful rainbow sprinkles we all love.

The dough comes together so easily, and the smell while baking is amazing. Each square turns out soft in the center and perfectly crisp on the edges. I love how the sprinkles make every bite look like a little celebration.

They’re great for parties, bake sales, or just when you want a fun treat at home. The flavor is buttery and rich, with that classic shortbread texture that’s hard to resist. I always end up sneaking one before they even cool.

So grab your sprinkles and some butter, and let’s bake something joyful. These Funfetti Shortbread Squares are easy, colorful, and guaranteed to make your day brighter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: These Funfetti Shortbread Squares are a crowd-pleaser, loved by everyone who tries them! One reader even said, “These are like sunshine in a bite!”
• Buttery and Sweet: The shortbread is rich and buttery, paired perfectly with colorful sprinkles that create a festive touch.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need advanced baking skills to make these. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious squares.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These squares can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply to have on hand for a sweet treat.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sprinkle colors for different occasions or swap out the sprinkles for something else, like mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a quick rundown of the kitchen tools you’ll need to make these Funfetti Shortbread Squares:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): You can mix by hand, but an electric mixer will help to make the dough smooth and fluffy quickly.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking pan, which will make it easy to remove the squares without sticking.
• Baking Sheet: To bake your shortbread squares.
• Rolling Pin: If you want to roll out the dough for uniform squares.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the baked shortbread into neat squares.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the squares after they bake.

Ingredients

You probably already have most of the ingredients for these Funfetti Shortbread Squares in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Room temperature butter is a must for smooth, easy-to-mix dough. It provides the signature rich flavor of shortbread.
• Powdered Sugar (3/4 cup): Powdered sugar helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds the warm, familiar flavor that complements the butter perfectly.
• Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle nutty aroma that adds depth of flavor. It’s optional, but it really enhances the taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The base of the shortbread. Use unbleached all-purpose flour for best results.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness of the dough and enhances the flavor.
• Rainbow Sprinkles (1/4 cup): These bright, colorful sprinkles will give your shortbread squares that fun, festive pop. You can also use other types of sprinkles for a different effect.

Variations for Funfetti Shortbread Squares

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to fit your taste or occasion. Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Chocolate Chips: Swap out the rainbow sprinkles for mini chocolate chips for a more decadent treat.
• Add More Flavors: Try a dash of lemon zest or orange extract for a citrusy twist.
• Nuts: If you enjoy a little crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty contrast to the buttery shortbread.
• Different Sprinkles: Use pastel sprinkles for springtime, red and green for the holidays, or any color combination that suits your celebration.
• Mini Shortbread Squares: Instead of baking a large square and cutting it into pieces, you could form the dough into mini shortbread squares or bars for a bite-sized treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Funfetti Shortbread Squares is as easy as 1-2-3! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of colorful, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread squares in no time.

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang. This will make it much easier to remove the shortbread once it’s baked. You can also grease the pan lightly with butter if you prefer.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should look smooth and pale in color.

3. Add the Extracts and Dry Ingredients

Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt to the butter mixture. Beat until combined. Then, gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. You may need to use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.

4. Fold in the Sprinkles

Once the dough has formed, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to crush the sprinkles too much.

5. Press the Dough Into the Pan

Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and press it down into an even layer. Use a spatula or your hands to gently spread the dough out to the edges of the pan.

6. Bake the Shortbread

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. You don’t want to overbake the shortbread, as it should remain soft and crumbly. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

7. Cut Into Squares

Once the shortbread has cooled slightly, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or bars. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the whole sheet out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board for easier slicing.

8. Cool Completely

Allow the Funfetti Shortbread Squares to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This ensures they hold their shape and become even more tender as they cool.

How to Serve Funfetti Shortbread Squares

These Funfetti Shortbread Squares are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• At Birthday Parties: These colorful squares are a hit at birthday parties, especially when you want a treat that’s as fun as it is delicious.
• With Afternoon Tea: Pair them with a cup of tea for an elegant, yet simple dessert.
• As a Snack: They’re a great option for a light snack any time of the day. Just grab one and go!
• Gift-Giving: Package these in a cute box or bag and give them as gifts for friends and family.
• In Lunchboxes: Add these squares to lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

Storing Funfetti Shortbread Squares

• Room Temperature: Store your Funfetti Shortbread Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They should stay fresh and delicious, with the buttery flavor intact.
• Freezing: You can also freeze these squares for later. To freeze, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (one square):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	21g
Fiber	0g
Sugars	9g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	50mg
Potassium	30mg

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and fun dessert, these Funfetti Shortbread Squares are a must-try! The buttery shortbread dough paired with colorful sprinkles creates a treat that is both delicious and visually appealing. With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will brighten up any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just because, these squares are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.