Why Make This Recipe
Everyone loves a sweet treat, and what could be better than a cookie sandwich that is colorful and delicious? These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just having a get-together with friends, these cookies will add joy to your event. Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing, and the taste is simply delightful.
One reason to make these pastel sugar cookie sandwiches is that they are easy to prepare. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, the step-by-step instructions make it simple. Furthermore, the ingredients needed are common and can be found in most kitchens. You won’t spend hours searching for rare items.
Another reason to try this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the colors to fit any theme, such as pink for Valentine’s Day or green for St. Patrick’s Day. The delicious vanilla filling can also be adjusted; you could add lemon zest or almond extract for a twist. This gives you the freedom to make them special for your gatherings.
Lastly, making these cookies can be a fun activity for families. Kids will enjoy helping to mix and knead the dough, and they will love watching the cookies bake and transform. Sandwiching the cookies together with the filling can be a creative time where everyone gets involved. This recipe not only fills your tummy with sweetness; it creates memories as well.
How to Make Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
Making pastel sugar cookie sandwiches is a straightforward process. With a little time and effort, you can create delicious treats that everyone will enjoy. Here is a detailed guide on how to make these colorful cookies.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need:
- 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)
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air into the butter, making the cookies soft and tender. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures that the baking soda and powder are evenly distributed, helping your cookies to rise properly. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of milk to add moisture to the dough.
Divide and Color the Dough: Once your dough is mixed, divide it into five equal portions. Use gel food coloring to tint each portion a different color (pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple). This is where the fun comes in! You can create a rainbow of dough.
Shape the Cookies: Roll each colored portion into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them apart. The cookies will spread out a bit during baking, so leave some room. Bake them for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Cool the Cookies: After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This makes them easier to move. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Filling: For the vanilla filling, beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix this until it’s fluffy and creamy.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them into groups of two. Take one cookie, spread a generous amount of the filling on the flat side, and then press another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
Firm Up Before Serving: Allow the assembled cookies to sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the filling set a little, making them easier to serve and eat.
How to Serve Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are perfect for all kinds of occasions. You can serve them on a decorative platter for a fancy dessert table at a party. They are great for kids’ gatherings, too, as they are colorful and fun!
Try to serve them alongside milk, tea, or coffee to enhance the experience. This combination will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. For an extra touch, consider adding sprinkles on the filling before sandwiching the cookies to give them a little crunch and flair.
Another idea is to wrap them in cellophane or gift bags, which makes for a lovely homemade treat to share with friends or family. They could be a nice surprise for someone special in your life!
How to Store Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
If you have leftover pastel sugar cookie sandwiches, it is important to store them properly to keep them fresh. Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 4-5 days if stored this way.
If you want to keep them longer, consider putting them in the refrigerator. When storing in the fridge, they can last for up to 1 week. Make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving, so they regain their soft texture.
For even longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap them carefully in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
Use Softened Butter: For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened. This makes it easier to cream with sugar and creates a better cookie dough.
Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be soft in the center but firm at the edges. Overbaking will make them dry.
Experiment with Flavors: While the basic recipe calls for vanilla filling, feel free to experiment with other flavors like lemon or chocolate! You might find a new favorite.
Adjust the Colors: Use different gel colors to match themes or special events. You can even mix colors to create unique shades for your cookies.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, you can try adding different mix-ins into the dough. Consider adding chocolate chips, candy pieces, or dried fruits for an extra pop of flavor. Just mix them in after you have combined the wet and dry ingredients.
You can also change the filling. Instead of a basic vanilla filling, add different extracts or even use a flavored frosting. Cream cheese frosting can add a delicious twist and a creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
Yes, but gel food coloring works better for achieving vibrant colors without adding too much liquid to the dough. It gives a more intense shade and helps retain the cookie’s texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into disks, and then refrigerate or freeze it. When you are ready to bake, just thaw it (if frozen) and follow the baking steps as usual.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
This recipe contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it friendly for gluten-free diets. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it as needed.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can make delightful pastel sugar cookie sandwiches that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy this sweet treat that is colorful, creamy, and fun! Happy baking!
Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then stir in milk.
- Divide the dough into five equal portions and tint each with a different color using gel food coloring.
- Roll each colored portion into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set and centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until fluffy.
- Once the cookies are cool, pair them and spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then press another cookie on top.
- Allow assembled cookies to sit for about 10 minutes to help the filling set.