Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your dessert table with a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe is just the answer. These charming little cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, paired with a luscious vanilla filling that turns every bite into a dreamy indulgence. The gentle pastel hues add a whimsical touch that feels just right for celebrations or whenever you want a little sweetness in your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each one playing an important role in creating the perfect pastel sugar cookie sandwiches. From the soft, creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb to the vibrant gel food coloring that provides those irresistible pastel shades, every element works together to deliver a treat that’s as tasty as it is adorable.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender texture to the cookies.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough without overpowering the butter flavor.
• 1 large egg: Adds structure and moisture to the dough.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together and gives cookies their classic structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft and light.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for a perfect texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture and helps make the dough smooth and easy to work with.
• Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue, purple): For those dreamy pastel shades that make these cookies so eye-catching.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): The creamy base of the vanilla filling.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for a smooth finish.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk: Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency in the filling.

How to Make Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy — this creates that wonderfully tender texture. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract, making sure they’re fully combined for a uniform dough. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, to form a smooth dough that’s soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough

Split the dough evenly into separate bowls depending on how many pastel colors you want to create. Add small amounts of gel food coloring—pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple—into each bowl, kneading lightly until you achieve the perfect gentle pastel tone. Using gel colors ensures the cookies stay soft and not soggy from too much liquid color.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap each colored dough portion in plastic and chill for at least an hour. This step is crucial to make the dough easier to roll out and cut, and it helps the colors stay vibrant when baked.

Step 4: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out rounds or your favorite shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are just golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack so they stay soft.

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Filling

While the cookies cool, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is sweet but balanced, perfect for sandwiching between your colorful cookies.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous spoonful of the vanilla filling onto the bottom of one cookie and gently top with another. Press slightly to spread the filling evenly without squeezing it out the sides. Repeat with the remaining cookies to create your delightful pastel sugar cookie sandwiches.

How to Serve Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Garnishes

These sandwiches look fantastic on their own, but if you want to kick things up a notch, try lightly dusting powdered sugar over the top or adding sprinkles to the edges of the filling before sandwiching. Fresh edible flowers or a light drizzle of white chocolate can add an elegant touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pastel sugar cookie sandwiches pair beautifully with a cup of tea, a glass of milk, or even a refreshing lemonade. They’re also great alongside fruit salads or creamy desserts to complement the cookies’ sweetness without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the sandwiches on a tiered platter for parties, or wrapping them individually in parchment tied with pastel ribbons for thoughtful gifts. You might also arrange them by color in a rainbow pattern to make a stunning dessert centerpiece that invites guests to start snacking immediately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your pastel sugar cookie sandwiches fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to three days, making them perfect for preparing in advance or enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, freeze the assembled cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to a month in the freezer, so you have a handy sweet treat ready whenever a craving hits or guests arrive.

Reheating

These sandwiches are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them a little warmer, just leave them out for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this could make the filling overly soft and the cookies lose their delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is best because it provides vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency. Liquid coloring might make the dough too sticky, affecting texture and baking results.

How do I keep the cookies soft instead of crunchy?

Be careful not to overbake; take them out as soon as the edges just start to turn golden. Also, chilling the dough helps maintain that soft, tender crumb.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but expect a slight difference in texture. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Is there a way to make the filling dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free butter and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based milk to keep that creamy filling without dairy.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they’re best within 2 to 3 days. Beyond that, freshness and softness may decline.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe that brings joy to baking and eating alike. They’re colorful, delicious, and just the right amount of sweet with that dreamy vanilla filling pulling everything together gloriously. Give this recipe a try and watch how it brightens up your kitchen and your day — trust me, these little sandwiches are worth every joyful bite!

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