Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are a charming, spring-inspired dessert featuring soft, buttery sugar cookies in gentle pastel shades filled with fluffy vanilla buttercream. These colorful sandwich cookies are perfect for Easter, baby showers, garden parties, or any occasion where you want to impress with something sweet, fun, and festive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, chewy sugar cookies with creamy frosting filling
• Customizable pastel colors to match any theme
• Great for gifting, parties, or holiday trays
• Easy to prepare and assemble ahead of time
• A fun baking project to do with kids

Ingredients

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

For the Sugar Cookies

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue, or your choice)

For the Buttercream Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
• Optional: sprinkles for decorating edges

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until dough forms.
5. Divide dough into 3–4 portions. Tint each with a different pastel food coloring, mixing until evenly colored.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just set. Cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. To make the filling, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding more milk if needed.
9. Pipe or spread filling on the flat side of half the cookies, then top with another cookie to form sandwiches. Roll edges in sprinkles if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 18 sandwich cookies
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Buttercream: Add a few drops of lemon, almond, or strawberry extract to the filling.
• Different Fillings: Try chocolate ganache, marshmallow fluff, or cream cheese frosting.
• Themed Colors: Match colors to birthdays, baby showers, or seasonal holidays.
• Mini Versions: Use smaller cookie scoops for bite-sized sandwiches.
• Add Crunch: Mix sanding sugar into the dough before baking for a sparkly top.

Storage/Reheating

Store the assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze (unfilled or filled) for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving. Do not microwave.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the cookie dough can be chilled for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if needed before baking.

Can I use gel food coloring?

Yes, gel food coloring works well and gives vibrant pastel shades with just a small amount.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Absolutely—leave the dough plain or add sprinkles for color instead.

How do I get evenly sized cookies?

Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough uniformly for even baking and sandwiching.

What’s the best way to fill the cookies?

Piping the filling with a piping bag or zip-top bag gives a clean and neat appearance.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk alternatives for both cookies and frosting.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, both baked cookies and assembled sandwiches freeze well in an airtight container.

How can I package them for gifting?

Layer cookies between parchment in a bakery box or tin and keep cool to prevent frosting from melting.

Conclusion

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are a whimsical, colorful dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious. With soft cookies and rich buttercream in every bite, they’re the perfect sweet treat for spring celebrations and beyond. Make them ahead, customize the colors, and get ready to impress at your next festive gathering.

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