Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches: Sweet Easter Joy in Every Bite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delightfully Colorful: These cookies bring a cheerful splash of pastel hues, adding visual excitement to any springtime gathering.

Easily Customizable: Whether you’re celebrating Easter or just enjoying the season, you can change the colors or swap the flavors in the filling to suit your preferences. Use almond extract for a unique twist, or try vibrant food dyes for a bold look.

Perfectly Soft: The tender texture of the cookies and the smooth, sweet filling create a delightful bite that melts in your mouth.

Nostalgic Appeal: Reminisce about childhood picnics and joyful times as these cookies bring back fond memories of festive treats.

Quick Prep Time: With a relatively short prep time, these cookies are a fantastic last-minute dessert for any brunch or gathering.

These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are a fun, flavorful treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones and making lasting memories!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

Butter – Provides richness and moisture; can use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and texture; no substitutions recommended for this key ingredient.
Egg – Acts as a binder for the dough and adds moisture; room temperature eggs yield better incorporation.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; can substitute with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure and body; a gluten-free flour blend may be used for a gluten-free version.
Baking Soda/Baking Powder – Leavening agents that create the cookie’s soft lift; ensure they are fresh for optimal rise.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Milk – Adds moisture to the dough; can substitute with almond milk or other non-dairy options.
Gel Food Coloring – Achieves vibrant pastel shades without altering dough texture; avoid liquid dye for best results.

For the Filling:

Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and body for the filling; no direct substitutes recommended for this component.
Cream or Milk – Adds creaminess to the filling; can also use a non-dairy milk.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture along with a splash of milk until a soft dough forms.

2. Color Dough: Divide the dough into five equal portions. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each portion, mixing until the colors are thoroughly blended and vibrant. Use different colors to create a beautiful pastel palette.

3. Shape Cookies: Roll about a tablespoon of dough into a ball and place onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Repeat with the remaining dough.

4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked.

5. Cool: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in the cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fluffy and spreadable.

7. Assemble: Take one cookie and spread a layer of filling on its flat side, then sandwich it with another cookie. Gently press together and allow the assembled cookies to set for a few minutes.

8. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 12-16 cookie sandwiches, depending on the size of the cookies. The total preparation time is approximately 30-40 minutes, with an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time.

Variations

• Vibrant Colors: For a bold look, swap pastel shades for vibrant gel food coloring.

• Cream Cheese Filling: Use half cream cheese and half butter in the filling for a tangy twist.

• Nutty Flavor: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for an aromatic change.

• Chocolatey Drizzle: Drizzle dark or white chocolate over the finished sandwiches for an extra indulgent touch.

• Add Sprinkles: Before baking, add sprinkles to the cookie dough balls for a fun, festive effect.

• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing, citrusy flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.

• Coconut Twist: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store the assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend freshness, refrigerate the cookies, especially if you’re using a cream cheese-based filling. If the filling firms up, simply let the cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

For make-ahead options, the cookie dough can be prepared and shaped into balls up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. The filling can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter, but the texture and flavor may slightly differ.

3. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

It’s best to use gel food coloring for vibrant pastels, as liquid food coloring can affect the texture of the dough.

4. How long can I store these cookies?

These cookies can be stored for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigeration can extend their freshness.

5. Can I freeze the dough or cookies?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies can be frozen. For dough, shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly and freeze.

6. Can I substitute the filling ingredients for non-dairy options?

Yes, you can use non-dairy milk and butter in both the dough and the filling for a dairy-free version.

7. How can I make the filling fluffier?

Beat the filling for a little longer to achieve a fluffier texture. You can also add a bit more cream or milk to adjust the consistency.

8. What’s the best way to add color to the dough?

Use gel food coloring and work it into the dough by kneading each portion. Add a few drops at a time until you reach your desired color.

9. Can I add other fillings to the cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with different fillings like chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even fruit preserves for a unique twist.

10. Are these cookies suitable for making ahead?

Yes! The cookie dough can be prepared in advance, and the filling can be stored for up to 3 days. Just assemble them before serving for the freshest results.

Conclusion

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are the perfect addition to any spring celebration. With their vibrant colors, soft texture, and customizable fillings, these cookies bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re preparing for Easter or just looking for a sweet treat, these delightful sandwiches will brighten your day and create lasting memories. Enjoy these colorful delights with friends and family!