Funfetti Shortbread Bites
When it comes to cookies, few things are as delightful and cheerful as a batch of Funfetti Shortbread Bites. These little gems are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Imagine buttery, crumbly shortbread infused with the sweet aroma of almond extract and dotted with vibrant sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations or just a cozy afternoon snack, these bites are incredibly easy to make and even more fun to share. Let’s dive into the details of creating these scrumptious Funfetti Shortbread Bites that will surely brighten your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Funfetti Shortbread Bites are the epitome of joy, combining the richness of buttery shortbread with the playful pop of colorful sprinkles. They are:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Perfectly Sweet: The balance of sugar and almond extract creates a delightful flavor profile.
- Cheerful Presentation: The nonpareils add a fun touch that makes these cookies perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack or serve them at parties, holidays, or bake sales.
What’s in the Bowl
To whip up these delightful Funfetti Shortbread Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) salted butter, cold and diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
- 2/3 cup (142g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups (318g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level flour to measure)
- 3 Tbsp (30g) nonpareils sprinkles, divided (any color)
Appliances & Accessories
Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine your ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A handheld or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar effortless.
- Baking Sheet: A flat, sturdy sheet to bake your cookies on.
- Parchment Paper: For easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
- Cookie Cutter or Knife: To cut your dough into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Funfetti Shortbread Bites: The Process
Creating these Funfetti Shortbread Bites is a simple process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps for cookie perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold, diced butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add the almond extract. Mix until it is fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of the nonpareils sprinkles. This will ensure that you have colorful bits throughout your dough, making each bite a visual treat.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a large piece of parchment paper. Form it into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in the parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to slice.
Step 6: Preheat Your Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Unwrap it and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of nonpareils on top of each cookie.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the Funfetti Shortbread Bites in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Funfetti Shortbread Bites with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve them at your next gathering!
Substitutions by Diet
If you or your guests have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, here are some substitutions you can consider:
- Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia for a lower-calorie version.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Almond Extract: Replace with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Chef’s Notes
- For an even richer flavor, you can experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or coconut.
- Make sure your butter is cold for the best texture; this keeps the cookies tender.
- Feel free to swap out the nonpareils for chocolate chips or other types of sprinkles for a different twist.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To store your Funfetti Shortbread Bites, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Questions People Ask
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! In this recipe, salted butter works perfectly. Just be mindful of the overall saltiness and adjust if necessary.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or any other flavor extract you prefer. Each will give a unique twist to the cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges of the Funfetti Shortbread Bites should be lightly golden. They may seem soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
Can I add more sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more sprinkles for an even more festive look. Just make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Weekend Projects
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Save & Share
If you enjoyed making these Funfetti Shortbread Bites, don’t forget to share your creations on social media! Snap a photo, tag your friends, and let them know how easy and fun it is to bake these colorful cookies. You can also save this recipe for later use by bookmarking it or printing it out for your recipe collection.
These Funfetti Shortbread Bites are more than just cookies; they are little bites of happiness that can brighten anyone’s day. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies will surely bring a smile to your face. Now, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get baking!
Funfetti Shortbread Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cold, diced butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add the almond extract. Mix until it is fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of the nonpareils sprinkles.
- Turn the dough out onto a large piece of parchment paper. Form it into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in the parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Unwrap it and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of nonpareils on top of each cookie.
- Bake the Funfetti Shortbread Bites in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For richer flavor, experiment with different extracts, like vanilla or coconut.
- Ensure butter is cold for the best texture; it keeps cookies tender.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
