If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Funfetti Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These delightfully soft sugar cookies, bursting with colorful sprinkles, are sandwiched together with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a special treat, or just because, this recipe is going to become your go-to favorite—I promise it’s fan-freaking-tastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, Tender Cookies: These aren’t your typical crunchy cookies—the texture is perfectly soft and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Kick: The frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy twist that elevates the funfetti flavors to a whole new level.
- Fun to Make and Customize: From rolling out the sprinkle-filled dough to choosing your favorite sprinkles, it’s a hands-on, joyful baking experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet craving, these sandwich cookies are sure to bring smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Funfetti Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in the simple yet high-quality ingredients that come together to create a nostalgic and irresistible treat. I always recommend using room temperature butter and eggs—they make mixing so much easier and the texture spot on.
- All purpose flour: The main structure-builder that gives your cookies that soft, tender crumb.
- Almond flour: Adds subtle nuttiness and tenderness; if you don’t have it, just swap for a little extra all-purpose flour.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly without losing that dense softness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy creaming; I never skip this for that buttery-rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough; you’ll notice that creaming sugar and butter helps create air pockets for soft cookies.
- Vanilla extract: The backbone of that classic sugar cookie flavor. Clear vanilla works great if you want a lighter color.
- Almond extract (optional): A tiny splash adds sophistication but leave it out if you prefer classic vanilla only.
- Large egg: Gives moisture and helps bind the dough perfectly.
- Sprinkles: The star of the show! Use your favorite colorful jimmies, and avoid nonpareils—they can bleed color into your cookies.
- Cream cheese (for frosting): Use full-fat for best flavor and texture, room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Powdered sugar: Gives that smooth, sweet frosting texture.
- Milk: Added gradually to reach the perfect spreadable frosting consistency.
Variations
I like to have fun making this Funfetti Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own depending on mood or occasion, and encourage you to do the same. A few tweaks here and there can make these cookies even more special for your tastebuds.
- Gluten-free version: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and though the texture was a bit different, it still came out lovely and soft.
- Flavored frosting: Adding lemon zest or a little almond extract to the cream cheese frosting is a game changer for a bright twist.
- Sprinkle swap: Try using pastel sprinkles during spring or red and green ones for holiday cheer—I always find colorful sprinkles bring instant happiness!
- Mini sandwiches: Use a smaller cookie cutter for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
How to Make Funfetti Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Whisk and Cream Your Dough Base
Start by sifting together your all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Getting the dry ingredients well combined helps with even texture in your cookies. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming step traps air, which is key to soft cookies. Don’t forget to scrape down your bowl to mix everything evenly.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla Slowly
I learned the hard way that adding eggs slowly helps prevent your batter from curdling. Add the egg first and beat on low until incorporated, then do the same with the vanilla and optional almond extract. Give the batter one last 30-second beat on medium to make sure everything’s evenly combined before moving on.
Step 3: Fold in Flours and Sprinkles
Here’s where the dough starts to come together. Add half of your dry ingredients on low speed until just combined, then the other half. When the dough is almost mixed, gently fold in those colorful sprinkles so they don’t bleed or break apart. If the dough feels too sticky to handle when you go to roll it out, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of extra flour—as I discovered, this little trick keeps your dough workable but still soft.
Step 4: Chill and Roll Out Your Dough
Divide your dough into two equal balls and roll each out between plastic wrap to about ¼ inch thick. The thickness really matters here—you want soft yet sturdy cookies for sandwiching. Pop both rolls into the fridge for at least two hours, or overnight if you can wait. This step helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavor.
Step 5: Cut and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment. Using a floured cookie cutter, cut out your cookies. If your dough softens while cutting, don’t stress—chill the cut cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes to keep their shape better during baking. Bake for about 8 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just golden but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—trust me, patience here makes sandwiching easier.
Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool, cream together room temperature butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, giving the mixer a good beat between each addition. Finish with vanilla, salt, and milk to reach a creamy but spreadable consistency. I sometimes add a splash more milk for easier spreading, but you want to avoid it too runny.
Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies
With a small offset spatula, piping bag, or even a cookie dough scoop, spread a generous amount of frosting on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, and gently press together. The frosting shouldn’t squeeze out too much, but enough to get that perfect sandwich cookie look and delicious bite. Now, dig in and savor!
Pro Tips for Making Funfetti Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Chill: I always chill my dough for at least 2 hours. It helps the cookies keep their shape and develop a better flavor.
- Flour Your Cutter: Dipping your cookie cutter in flour every time prevents dough from sticking and makes cutting neat, which saves you a headache later.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: They’re the key to smooth dough and frosting—cold ingredients can cause lumps and uneven mixing.
- Watch Your Bake Time: The cookies look underbaked with soft centers, but they firm up while cooling—overbaking will dry them out.
How to Serve Funfetti Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a few extra colorful sprinkles on the freshly frosted cookies for some sparkle and festivity. For a fancier touch, a tiny pinch of edible glitter or mini sugar pearls really steps up the presentation without much effort.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk or a frothy cup of vanilla latte. For gatherings, I sometimes offer fresh berries or a light fruit salad alongside — the fruit’s brightness balances the richness of the frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or baby showers, I arrange the funfetti sandwich cookies in decorative tiers on a simple cake stand. Another fun idea I tried was sandwiching the cookies with colored frosting—like pastel pink or sky blue—and individually wrapping them in wax paper tied with twine for adorable party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep the leftover unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Once frosted, I store the sandwich cookies individually wrapped in wax paper inside an airtight container in the fridge to keep that cream cheese frosting fresh and smooth.
Freezing
These sandwich cookies freeze beautifully—I place the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frosting them after thawing keeps the texture fresh. You can freeze assembled frosted cookies, too, but wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cookies a little softer, let them come to room temperature before eating, or pop frosted cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the frosting.
FAQs
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Can I use regular vanilla instead of clear vanilla extract in this recipe?
Absolutely! Regular vanilla extract will work fine. The only difference is that clear vanilla helps keep the cookies a lighter color, which can be nice if you want that classic funfetti look. Flavor-wise, they’re quite similar.
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What type of sprinkles should I use for the best results?
I recommend using jimmies or sanding sugar sprinkles instead of nonpareils because the tiny round ones can bleed color into your dough, making it look less bright and pretty. Jimmies hold their shape beautifully during baking.
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How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling your dough thoroughly before cutting and baking is key. Also, working with a cookie dough that’s tacky but not overly sticky helps maintain cookie shape. If your cut cookies start to lose shape when moving to baking sheets, a quick chill in the freezer for 10 minutes works wonders.
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Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
It’s possible by swapping butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives, but I haven’t tested this recipe that way myself. If you try it, choose products labeled for baking and be mindful of texture changes in the dough and frosting.
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How long do these cookies keep fresh?
At room temperature unfrosted, they last up to 3 days in an airtight container. Once frosted and refrigerated, they’ll stay good for about 5 days. Freezing can extend their life to a couple of months.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I absolutely love how these Funfetti Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turned out the first time I baked them. They feel nostalgic but with that grown-up cream cheese twist that makes them utterly irresistible. Now, they’re a staple at my kitchen for parties, gifts, and when I just want to brighten a day with something colorful and sweet. I really hope you give them a try and enjoy every bite as much as my family and I do—you won’t regret making these your new favorite cookie treat!
Print
Funfetti Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Yield: 16 sandwich cookies (32–34 individual cookies) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These funfetti sandwich cookies are made from soft sprinkle-filled sugar cookies sandwiched together with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a fun and colorful treat, these cookies combine a tender texture with festive sprinkles for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
Funfetti Sugar Cookies
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (30g) almond flour (substitute with ¼ cup all purpose flour if desired)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) clear vanilla extract (or vanilla extract)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 large egg (57g), room temperature
- ⅓ cup sprinkles
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 oz (112g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons (15-30ml) milk
- 2 cups (150g) powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift and whisk together the all purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract one at a time on low speed, incorporating each fully before adding the next, about 20-30 seconds per addition. Scrape down the bowl and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds to blend everything.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients on the lowest speed until just combined. Scrape down the bowl. Add the remaining dry ingredients and fold in the sprinkles gently. If dough feels sticky, add 1 tablespoon flour at a time until dough is tacky but manageable.
- Divide and Chill Dough: Place dough on parchment paper and divide into two equal pieces. Roll out each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap to about ¼ inch thickness. Wrap tightly and chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut Cookies: Remove one chilled dough sheet, unwrap onto parchment. Dip cookie cutter in flour and cut dough into shapes, placing them spaced about 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Chill cut cookies in freezer for 10 minutes if dough becomes too soft or sticky.
- Bake Cookies: Bake at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set but still soft. For 2-inch cookies fresh from the fridge, bake 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely, about 45 minutes.
- Repeat: Roll, cut, bake, and cool remaining dough until all cookies are made.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, beating to incorporate. Add vanilla extract, salt, and 1 tablespoon milk. Beat on high until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time if too thick.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Using an offset knife, spoon, or piping bag, spread frosting evenly on the bottom of one cookie. Top with a second cookie and gently press together. Repeat for all cookies. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before frosting cookies.
- Cookie Storage: Once frosted, wrap each sandwich cookie individually in wax paper and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Unfrosted Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
- Number of Cookies: Recipe yields 32-34 individual 2-inch cookies or 16-17 sandwich cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg