Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are a delightful treat that combines soft, colorful sugar cookies with a creamy vanilla filling. Perfect for spring gatherings or festive occasions, these sandwiches are as beautiful as they are delicious.

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the 2 tablespoons milk, mixing until just incorporated.
6. Step 6: Divide the dough evenly into five bowls and tint each with a different gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue, purple). Mix each bowl until the color is uniform.
7. Step 7: Roll the colored doughs into small balls and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.”
8. Step 8: Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand to form cookie shapes.
9. Step 9: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden.
10. Step 10: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Step 11: Meanwhile, prepare the vanilla filling by beating ½ cup softened butter until smooth and creamy.
12. Step 12: Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until light and fluffy.
13. Step 13: Once cookies are cool, spread or pipe a generous amount of vanilla filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie of the same size and color.
14. Step 14: Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.

Tips & Variations

• For softer cookies, remove them from the oven once the edges are set but the centers appear just slightly underbaked.
• Try different gel colors or ombre shades to match the season or party theme.
• For a flavored filling, add a teaspoon of almond or lemon extract in place of vanilla.
• Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling.

Storage

Store the cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week; allow them to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cookies (without filling) for up to 2 months 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?

Yes, but gel food coloring provides more vibrant colors without thinning the dough. If using liquid coloring, add it sparingly to avoid altering the dough’s consistency.

How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?

Ensure the butter is properly softened but not melted, and add powdered sugar gradually until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency. If necessary, chill the filling briefly before assembling.

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

These Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are delightful treats featuring soft, buttery sugar cookies tinted in pastel colors and filled with a creamy vanilla filling. Perfect for parties, holidays, or any festive occasion, these cookies combine classic flavors with a fun, colorful twist.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookie sandwiches (48 cookies) 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. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. Color the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into five portions. Add gel food coloring to each portion — pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Knead each portion gently until the color is evenly distributed.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap each colored dough portion separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out each colored dough portion on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Make the Vanilla Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously. Add the heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
6. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches: Once cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of vanilla filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.
7. Serve and Store: Arrange cookie sandwiches on a plate. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Notes

• Using gel food coloring prevents the dough from becoming too wet compared to liquid colors.
• Be careful not to overbake cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before filling to avoid melting the filling.
• You can substitute heavy cream with milk, but heavy cream makes the filling richer and creamier.
• These cookies can be decorated further with sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive look.

Keywords: sugar cookie sandwiches, pastel cookies, vanilla filling, colorful cookies, party cookies, festive desserts