Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These soft, colorful cookies filled with creamy vanilla frosting make for a fun and tasty dessert that everyone will love.

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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together 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, mixing on low speed. The dough will be thick but soft. Add the milk and mix until combined.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into five equal portions. Tint each portion with a different gel food coloring color, kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a smooth ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked but not browned. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: To make the vanilla filling, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl 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 consistency if needed by adding more cream or powdered sugar.
7. Step 7: Match cooled cookies into pairs of similar size. Using a piping bag or spoon, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with the other 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 slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for more vivid pastel colors without altering the dough consistency.
• For a different flavor, add almond or lemon extract to the filling instead of vanilla.
• If you prefer chewier cookies, bake for the lower end of the baking time and add an extra tablespoon of milk.
• Decorate the tops with sprinkles before baking for added fun and texture.

Storage

Store the assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture. The filling can firm up in the fridge, so a few minutes out of the fridge helps soften it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, divide, color, and shape the balls, then freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?

You can use liquid food coloring, but it may slightly affect the dough’s texture. Add it sparingly and knead well to achieve pastel tones.

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

These Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are delightful and colorful treats perfect for any celebration. Soft, buttery sugar cookies are tinted in pastel shades and sandwiched with a creamy vanilla filling, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Easy to make from scratch, these cookies provide a fun way to indulge your sweet tooth with classic flavors and a vibrant twist.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 30 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. The dough will be thick but soft. Add the milk and mix until combined.
4. Color the Dough: Divide the dough into five portions. Using gel food coloring, tint each portion a different pastel color. Knead the coloring into the dough until evenly distributed.
5. Shape and Bake: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked but not browned. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Vanilla Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the 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 mixture is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust 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, match them into pairs of similar sizes. Using a piping bag or a spoon, spread a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Place a second cookie on top and press gently to spread the filling evenly.
8. Set Before Serving: Let the cookie sandwiches sit for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to firm up slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel colors without altering the dough consistency.
• Ensure cookies cool completely before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
• The filling consistency can be adjusted by adding more powdered sugar or cream depending on your preference.
• Store assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For firmer cookies, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but avoid browning to keep them soft.

Keywords: sugar cookie sandwiches, pastel cookies, vanilla filling, soft sugar cookies, colorful cookies, dessert sandwich, homemade sugar cookies, party cookies