Name: Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s equal parts fun, colorful, and utterly delicious, the Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe is your new go-to dessert. These delightful little sandwich cookies bring together soft, buttery sugar cookies tinted in pretty pastel hues with a rich, creamy vanilla filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a cheerful snack, this recipe promises happiness baked right into every bite.

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, classic ingredients is what makes this recipe so approachable, yet the magic lies in how each one contributes to the texture, flavor, and vibrant look of the cookies. You’ll be amazed at how pantry staples turn into these stunning pastel treats.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds that rich, tender crumb everyone loves in a sugar cookie.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies get a slight crisp on the edges.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the dough together with just the right chew.
Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, inviting flavor to both cookies and filling.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that shapes the cookie’s tender structure.
Baking soda and baking powder: These little leaveners ensure your cookies rise just enough without spreading too thin.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Milk: Adds a touch of moisture to keep the dough soft and workable.
Gel food coloring: Pick your favorite pastel shades like pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple to make the cookies pop.
Powdered sugar: Essential for silky smooth filling that’s sweet but not overpowering.
Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the filling’s consistency for perfect spreadability.

How to Make Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step makes baking easier and cleanup a breeze while ensuring your cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This airiness is key to that tender cookie texture. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract for richness and flavor, mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture on low speed. The dough will become thick but soft. Finally, stir in the milk to bring the dough to the perfect workable consistency.

Step 4: Color Your Dough

Divide the dough evenly into five portions. Here’s where the fun begins: knead gel food coloring into each portion to create lovely pastel shades. Use your favorite colors or mix to match your event’s palette.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll tablespoon-sized pieces of dough into smooth balls and space them on your baking sheet. Baking for 8 to 10 minutes, watch for set edges and lightly cracked tops without browning. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for the best sandwich experience.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Filling

Whip softened butter until silky smooth, then add powdered sugar gradually. Mix in the heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Beat until fluffy and spreadable, adjusting cream or sugar to achieve the perfect spreadability.

Step 7: Assemble Your Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Match your cookies into pairs by size. Spread a generous layer of the vanilla filling on the flat side of one cookie, then gently sandwich with the second. This creates the perfect balance of cookie and filling in every bite.

Step 8: Let Them Set

Allow your beautiful cookie sandwiches to sit for about 10 minutes to let the filling firm up a bit. This little patience moment ensures filling won’t squish out when you bite, keeping every piece neat and delicious.

How to Serve Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few sprinkles on the filling edges adds whimsy and extra sweetness, enhancing the pastel charm. You can also use edible glitter or tiny pastel-colored sugar pearls to elevate presentation for parties or holidays.

Side Dishes

These sandwich cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of fragrant tea, or a steaming mug of coffee. If you want to go all out, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a pretty tiered tray, wrap them individually in cellophane tied with pastel ribbons, or arrange them on colorful plates that match the cookie hues. They also make perfect edible gifts in clear boxes with a handwritten note for loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and the filling fresh. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm, as it may harden the filling.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookie sandwiches by placing them individually on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving to enjoy their fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

Though not necessary, if you want a slightly warmed cookie sandwich, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the filling and gives a cozy, just-baked feel — but be careful not to overheat, or the cookies get too soft.

FAQs

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it imparts vivid color without changing the dough’s texture or moisture. Liquid coloring can make the dough too wet and sticky, affecting how your cookies bake and hold shape.

Can I make these cookie sandwiches gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be aware the texture might differ slightly, but the flavor and colorful fun will still shine through.

How long can I keep the assembled sandwiches fresh?

Once assembled, enjoy the cookie sandwiches within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. Storing them airtight at room temperature maintains freshness best.

Is it okay to use a different filling?

Absolutely! While vanilla buttercream is classic and complementary to pastel cookies, you can experiment with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even fruit jam fillings for delicious twists.

Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Yes, freezing the dough balls before baking helps maintain shape and can be a great way to prep ahead. Freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a bag and bake thawed dough when ready.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend trying the Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe enough. Not only are these cookies adorable with their soft pastel shades, but they also bring a joyful burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. Whip up a batch for your next gathering or cozy day in—you’ll fall in love with the process and the result. Happy baking!