Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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