Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are delightful treats that combine soft, colorful sugar cookies with a creamy vanilla filling. Perfect for celebrations or a fun baking project, these sweet sandwiches brighten up any occasion with their charming hues and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

• For the sugar cookies:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple)
• For the vanilla filling:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. The dough will be thick but soft. Stir in the milk until combined.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into five portions. Tint each portion with a different gel food coloring until evenly colored.
5. Step 5: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll into smooth balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and tops slightly cracked but not browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: To make the filling, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
7. Step 7: Pair cookies of similar sizes. Spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with the second cookie. Press gently to spread the filling evenly.
8. Step 8: Let the cookie sandwiches sit for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to firm up before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For vibrant pastel colors, use gel food coloring rather than liquid to avoid altering the dough consistency.
• Try adding a pinch of almond extract to the filling for a different flavor twist.
• If you prefer chewier cookies, bake for the minimum time and check closely to avoid overbaking.
• Chocolate or lemon flavored fillings can be swapped in place of vanilla for variety.

Storage

Store the assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Let refrigerated or frozen cookies come to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a warm oven if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

While regular food coloring can be used, gel coloring is preferred as it provides more vibrant colors without adding extra liquid, which can affect the dough’s texture.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your dough is well chilled before baking and avoid flattening the dough balls before baking. Using parchment paper and spacing the cookies properly also helps them keep their shape.

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

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4.4 from 93 reviews

These Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are delightful bite-sized treats featuring soft, pastel-colored sugar cookies sandwiched with a creamy vanilla filling. Perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, these cookies combine a tender texture with a sweet, fluffy filling that melts in your mouth.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookie sandwiches 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple)

For the Vanilla Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until the dough forms. The dough will be thick but soft. Add the milk and mix until just combined.
4. Color the Dough: Divide the cookie dough evenly into five portions. Use gel food coloring to tint each portion a different pastel color — pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Knead the coloring into the dough evenly for consistent shades.
5. Shape and Bake: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches spacing. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookie edges are set and tops look slightly cracked but not browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Vanilla Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the filling is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
7. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches: Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them with similar sizes. Using a piping bag or spoon, spread a generous amount of vanilla filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with a second cookie on top. Press gently to distribute the filling evenly.
8. Set Before Serving: Let the cookie sandwiches rest for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to firm up slightly for a better eating experience.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring to ensure vibrant pastel hues without altering the dough consistency.
• Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should remain soft and slightly cracked on top.
• For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the butter and heavy cream with suitable plant-based options.
• These cookie sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Allow the filling to soften to room temperature before spreading if it becomes too firm.

Keywords: pastel sugar cookies, cookie sandwiches, vanilla filling, colorful cookies, sweet treats, party cookies, soft sugar cookies