There’s something magical about the combination of soft cookies and creamy frosting, especially when they come together as pastel sugar cookie sandwiches. These delightful treats are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a quick solution for a busy day or a sweet way to impress your loved ones. I remember making these with my kids, their laughter filling the kitchen as we rolled the dough and decorated with sprinkles. Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple afternoon snack, these pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are sure to bring smiles and joy to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delightful dessert that tastes as good as it looks. The soft, buttery cookies paired with creamy frosting are a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that everyone will be coming back for seconds. Plus, the vibrant colors add a fun touch to your dessert table!
Ingredients for Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful pastel sugar cookie sandwiches. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure and a soft texture.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect fluffy bite.
Baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the baking powder for a light, airy cookie.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, making the cookies melt in your mouth.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s delightful texture.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding moisture.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth to your cookies.
Almond extract: Adds a unique twist; feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
Food coloring: Choose your favorite pastel shades to make these cookies visually appealing.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the creamy frosting that fills your cookie sandwiches.
Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for your frosting, making it smooth and spreadable.
Sprinkles: The fun finishing touch that adds color and excitement to your sandwiches.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding different extracts like lemon or coconut for a zesty twist. You can also swap the frosting for a flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
Creating these pastel sugar cookie sandwiches is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful treats ready to impress your family and friends!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it combines the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The fluffiness is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The extracts will infuse your cookies with a delightful aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once combined, divide the dough into two equal parts. Add your chosen food coloring to each part, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of each colored dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. This helps them spread evenly while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft and chewy! Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed. You want it spreadable but not too runny!
Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on the flat side of one cookie. Top it with another cookie to create a sandwich. For a fun touch, roll the edges in sprinkles. These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky; this helps with shaping.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, ensuring even baking.
Experiment with different food coloring combinations for a unique look.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
Baking sheets: Use any flat, oven-safe trays if you don’t have dedicated baking sheets.
Parchment paper: Aluminum foil works in a pinch, but parchment is best for non-stick.
Mixing bowls: Any size will do; just ensure they’re sturdy.
Whisk: A fork can substitute if you’re in a bind.
Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works well for portioning dough.
Variations
For a citrusy twist, add lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing flavor.
Try using coconut extract instead of almond for a tropical vibe that pairs beautifully with the pastel colors.
Make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
For a richer taste, swap the frosting for a cream cheese frosting, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Experiment with different types of sprinkles, like chocolate or edible glitter, to elevate the visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pastel sugar cookie sandwiches with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
Serve them alongside fresh fruit for a colorful dessert platter.
For a festive touch, arrange them on a decorative cake stand.
Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
FAQs about Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
Can I make these pastel sugar cookie sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Just wait to assemble the sandwiches until you’re ready to serve to keep the cookies fresh and the frosting creamy.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with vanilla extract or even coconut extract for a different flavor profile. Each option will give your pastel sugar cookie sandwiches a unique twist!
How do I store leftover cookie sandwiches?
To keep your pastel sugar cookie sandwiches fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without the frosting.
Can I use different colors of food coloring?
Of course! The beauty of these pastel sugar cookie sandwiches lies in their vibrant colors. Mix and match your favorite pastel shades to create a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Sprinkles are a fun and easy way to add flair to your pastel sugar cookie sandwiches. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top or use edible glitter for a festive touch. Get creative and make them your own!
Final Thoughts
Making pastel sugar cookie sandwiches is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories. The joy of rolling dough with your kids or surprising a friend with a sweet treat can brighten any day. Each bite of these soft, colorful cookies filled with creamy frosting is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet moment, these sandwiches are sure to bring smiles. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the delightful experience of baking these charming pastel sugar cookie sandwiches!
Delightful pastel sugar cookie sandwiches filled with a creamy frosting and decorated with sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon food coloring (your choice of pastel colors)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the dough into two equal parts and add food coloring to each part, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of each colored dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Roll the edges in sprinkles for decoration.
These sandwiches can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
For a fun twist, try adding different extracts like lemon or coconut to the cookie dough.
You can also substitute the frosting with a flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a richer taste.
