Name: Funfetti Shortbread Bites
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter (cold and diced into 1 Tbsp pieces); 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (scoop and level flour to measure); 3 Tbsp nonpareils sprinkles (divided (any color))

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Every time I think of Funfetti Shortbread Bites, I’m transported back to my childhood birthday parties. Those vibrant, colorful sprinkles always brought a burst of joy and excitement. As a kid, I loved when my mom would bake these delightful treats, filling the house with a sweet aroma that made my mouth water. Now, as an adult, I find myself recreating those magical moments in my own kitchen. The simplicity of these bites is what makes them so appealing. With just a few ingredients, they transform into a fun dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a cozy night in, Funfetti Shortbread Bites always hit the spot. They’re a reminder that joy can come from the simplest things, especially when shared with loved ones. You won’t believe how easy they are to whip up!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
42 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Food Processor, Oven, Cutting Board, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

Why This Funfetti Shortbread Bites Hits Different

1. Nostalgic Flavors

The first reason I absolutely adore Funfetti Shortbread Bites is their nostalgic flavor. They take me back to carefree days filled with laughter and cake. Each bite is a delightful reminder of the joy of childhood celebrations, making them a perfect treat for both kids and adults alike.

2. Versatile Treat

These little bites are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them at a birthday party, a casual get-together, or even as an afternoon snack with tea. Their colorful appearance makes them a fun addition to any dessert platter. Plus, you can customize the sprinkles to match any theme or occasion!

3. Simple Ingredients

What I love most about Funfetti Shortbread Bites is how simple the ingredients are. With just butter, sugar, flour, and sprinkles, you can bake these treats without any complicated steps. It’s a great recipe for beginner bakers or anyone looking to whip up something sweet in no time.

4. Fun to Make

Making Funfetti Shortbread Bites is a blast! Watching the vibrant sprinkles blend into the dough is always a joyous sight. Plus, there’s nothing quite like pressing the dough into the pan and cutting it into perfect little squares. It’s a fun activity to do with friends or family, making it even more special.

5. Irresistibly Delicious

Let’s not forget about the taste! The buttery shortbread combined with the sweetness from the sprinkles creates a delightful contrast. You get that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a pop of color and sweetness. Every bite is a little piece of happiness.

What You’ll Need for Funfetti Shortbread Bites

To achieve the perfect Funfetti Shortbread Bites, it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful flavor. The sugar adds sweetness, while the butter gives richness. The flour provides structure, and the sprinkles bring all the fun!

1 cup (226g) salted butter, cold and diced into 1 Tbsp pieces – This creamy fat is the star of the show, giving the shortbread its rich, buttery flavor.
2/3 cup (142g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 tsp almond extract – Adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
2 1/4 cups (318g) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure needed for these bites to hold their shape.
3 Tbsp (30g) nonpareils sprinkles, divided – The colorful addition that makes these bites special!

The Process for Making Funfetti Shortbread Bites

Making Funfetti Shortbread Bites is easier than you might think. Let’s dive into the steps and create these delightful treats together! From mixing the dough to baking it to perfection, you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this process is.

Start by preparing your workspace. Butter a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and line it with two sheets of parchment paper, one horizontally and one vertically. This ensures easy removal later. I love to butter the parchment as well, so it sticks better and helps the bites lift out nicely.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine the cold, diced butter and sugar. Cream them together until they are well combined. You want a light and fluffy mixture, which usually takes a few minutes.
Add in the almond extract. This tiny addition will elevate the flavor profile, making your bites even more delicious!
With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add in the flour. At first, it might seem dry and sandy, but don’t worry! It will come together. If it feels too crumbly, you can add a few teaspoons of milk to help it bind.
Once combined, gently fold in 2 1/2 tablespoons of the sprinkles. This is where the fun begins as you mix the bright colors into your dough.
Press the dough into an even layer in your prepared pan. I like to start with my hands and then smooth it out using the bottom of a flat measuring cup for an even finish.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the bites maintain their shape when baking.
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready when you are!
After chilling, lift the dough from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut it into 1/2-inch squares with a sharp knife; cutting in long rows works best. If you want, sprinkle some more sprinkles on top and gently press them into the dough.
Transfer about a third of the cookie bites to an unbuttered baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2-inch apart. It’s important not to line the pan with parchment or silicone liners for the best results.
Bake the bites in your preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes. Keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator while the first batch bakes. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges.
Once baked, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature, but I doubt they’ll last long!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling is Key: Chilling the dough prevents the bites from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they keep their shape.
Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter and sugar can enhance the flavor of your shortbread significantly.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your Funfetti Shortbread Bites to avoid overbaking them.
Let Them Cool: Make sure they are completely cool before transferring them to a container to maintain their texture.

Recipe Tips about Funfetti Shortbread Bites

Here are some tips to ensure your Funfetti Shortbread Bites turn out perfectly every time. Following these guidelines can elevate your baking game!

Storage: Store your shortbread bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They maintain their deliciousness and texture much longer this way.
Freezing: These bites freeze beautifully! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for about a month. You can enjoy them directly from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature.
Pairing: Enjoy these bites with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack experience. They also pair wonderfully with milk!
Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles to match your favorite colors or themes.
Serving Size: While the recipe yields a large batch, you can always halve it if you’re looking to make fewer bites!

Great Combinations for Funfetti Shortbread Bites

When it comes to serving your delightful Funfetti Shortbread Bites, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Birthday Parties: These colorful bites are a must-have at any birthday celebration. Their vibrant colors will brighten up your dessert table!
Picnics: Pack these bites for your next picnic. They’re easy to transport, and everyone can enjoy a sweet treat outdoors.
Afternoon Tea: Serve them alongside a pot of tea for a delightful afternoon treat. The buttery flavor pairs perfectly with your favorite brew.
Seasonal Celebrations: Customize the sprinkles for seasonal festivities, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
As a Gift: Package them in a cute tin or box to give as a sweet gift for friends and family.
Game Day Snacks: These bites make for great game day snacks! Set them out alongside your favorite savory treats for a balanced spread.

FAQ

Yes, you can use unsalted butter for Funfetti Shortbread Bites. If you choose to use unsalted butter, simply whisk in 1/4 teaspoon of salt with the flour before adding it to the mixture. This helps maintain the right balance of flavors, ensuring your bites still taste delicious!

To keep your Funfetti Shortbread Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week this way. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to place them in a single layer to avoid sticking together.

Absolutely! One of the best parts of making Funfetti Shortbread Bites is personalizing them. You can use any type of sprinkles you like, whether it’s themed sprinkles for a holiday or your favorite colors. This makes them perfect for any occasion!

Keep an eye on your Funfetti Shortbread Bites as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges when done. If they look too brown, they may be overbaked. Remember, they will continue to firm up a bit as they cool, so it’s better to pull them out when they are just set.

Conclusion

Funfetti Shortbread Bites are a delightful treat that brings back fond memories of childhood celebrations. Their buttery flavor and colorful sprinkles are sure to bring joy to any gathering. I encourage you to whip up a batch and share them with your family and friends. These little bites of happiness are perfect for brightening anyone’s day!