Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Filling Recipe

Introduction

These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are a delightful treat, perfect for any celebration or simply to brighten your day. Soft, colorful cookies sandwich a creamy vanilla filling for a sweet bite that’s both fun and delicious.

Ingredients

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

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 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 all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. The dough will be thick but soft. Add the milk and mix just until combined.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into five portions. Tint each portion a different pastel color using gel food coloring, kneading the color in evenly.
5. Step 5: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are set and tops slightly cracked but not browned. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: For the filling, beat the softened butter 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. Adjust consistency with more cream if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
7. Step 7: Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them by size. Spread a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with the matching cookie. Press gently to spread 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

• For even baking, make sure all cookie dough balls are similar in size.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant pastel shades without affecting dough texture.
• Try adding lemon zest to the dough for a fresh twist.
• Substitute heavy cream with milk in the filling for a lighter texture.

Storage

Store the cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. Let refrigerated cookies come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

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 provides more vibrant colors without thinning the dough.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft before baking, and avoid greasing the baking sheet; use parchment paper instead.

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Filling Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.7 from 125 reviews

Delightfully colorful pastel sugar cookie sandwiches filled with a creamy vanilla frosting. These soft, tender cookies are infused with vanilla and tinted in charming pastel colors, making them perfect for celebrations or an elegant treat. The sweet vanilla filling provides a smooth contrast, creating a classic sandwich cookie that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 30 cookie sandwiches 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 ensure even baking, then set it aside.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and continue mixing 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 these dry ingredients to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. The dough will be thick but soft. Add the milk and mix just until everything is incorporated.
4. Color the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into five portions. Add gel food coloring to each portion to create pastel pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple doughs. Knead the coloring into the dough until it’s evenly distributed and the colors are uniform.
5. Shape and Bake: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into smooth balls. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have slight cracks but are not browned. Let 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 and continue beating. Mix in the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the filling becomes 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 have completely cooled, pair them by similar size. Using a piping bag or spoon, spread a generous amount of vanilla filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with a second cookie. Press gently to evenly distribute the filling.
8. Set Before Serving: Allow the assembled cookie sandwiches to rest for about 10 minutes so the filling firms up slightly, which makes them easier to handle and enhances the texture.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel colors without altering dough consistency.
• Make sure cookies are completely cool before assembling to prevent filling from melting.
• Store cookie sandwiches in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• You can substitute milk with heavy cream for a richer filling texture.
• For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

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