Holiday Funfetti Whipped Shortbread Cookies
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are studded with festive sprinkles and come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or anytime you want a quick, cheerful treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (255g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 1/3 cup (60g) holiday sprinkles (jimmies or nonpareils)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Let the butter sit out until soft (about 1 hour at room temperature). Measure flour and cornstarch. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with powdered sugar on high speed for 4-5 minutes, until pale, fluffy, and creamy. Scrape down the bowl halfway through.
- Mix in vanilla extract and salt (if using unsalted butter) for 30 seconds.
- Sift together flour and cornstarch. Add to the bowl and mix on low just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in holiday sprinkles with a rubber spatula. If using chocolate chips or zest, add them now.
- Use a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) or a heaping tablespoon to form balls. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently press each ball with a fork or the bottom of a glass for a classic look.
- Bake in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, until edges are just barely golden and tops look dry. Do not overbake.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cool, drizzle with melted white chocolate or add extra sprinkles for decoration.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Whip the butter and sugar thoroughly for the lightest texture. Chill dough for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent spreading. Use jimmies for less color bleed. Cookies can be made gluten-free or vegan with simple swaps. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 25
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 1
Keywords: shortbread, holiday cookies, funfetti, Christmas cookies, easy cookies, festive, sprinkles, whipped shortbread, butter cookies, kid-friendly