Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are charming, colorful treats perfect for any celebration or just a sweet snack. Soft, chewy sugar cookies in delicate pastel hues are filled with a creamy vanilla filling, creating a delightful bite every time.

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 it aside.
2. Step 2: 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. Step 3: 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 until combined. The dough will be thick but soft. Add the milk and mix until combined.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into five portions. Tint each portion a different pastel color using gel food coloring. Knead the coloring into the dough until evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set and tops look slightly cracked but not browned. Let 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 butter in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable, adjusting consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
7. Step 7: Once cookies are cool, pair them by similar sizes. Spread a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie using a piping bag or spoon. Top with the second cookie and press gently to spread the filling evenly.
8. Step 8: Let the cookie sandwiches sit for about 30 minutes to set before serving for best results.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring to get vibrant pastel colors without altering the dough’s consistency.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cookie dough or filling.
• Try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar before baking for added sparkle.
• Store the cookies in the refrigerator if using the cream filling to keep them fresh longer.

Storage

Store the assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the cookies (without filling) for up to 1 month and fill them after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Regular liquid food coloring can be used, but it may affect the dough’s texture and color intensity. Gel coloring is preferred for vibrant pastel shades without altering the dough.

How can I make the filling less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add a small amount of cream cheese for a tangy twist that balances the sweetness.

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 529 reviews

Delight in these colorful pastel sugar cookie sandwiches, featuring soft, fluffy sugar cookies tinted in charming pastel hues and filled with a creamy vanilla buttercream. Perfect for celebrations or a fun treat, these cookies combine a tender, lightly sweet dough with a luscious, smooth filling that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

• Author: Tara
• 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and prepare it for the cookies.
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, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed. The dough will be thick but soft. Add the milk and mix until fully combined.
4. Color the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into five portions. Tint each portion with gel food coloring to create pastel colors—pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Knead the color into each dough portion until it’s evenly distributed and vibrant.
5. Shape and Bake: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into smooth balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until cookie edges are set and tops show slight cracks but are not browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Vanilla Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 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 it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
7. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches: Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them by similar size. Using a piping bag or spoon, spread a generous amount of the vanilla filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Ensure the filling is evenly spread but not oozing out.
8. Set Before Serving: Let the assembled cookie sandwiches rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel colors without altering the dough consistency.
• Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before filling to prevent the filling from melting.
• The filling consistency can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of heavy cream or powdered sugar.
• Store cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For extra fun, consider rolling the edges of the assembled sandwiches in sprinkles before the filling sets.

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