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’ve been on the lookout for a fun, colorful, and absolutely delightful treat to brighten up your next gathering or just indulge your sweet tooth, look no further than this Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe. These charming little desserts are not only bursting with springtime hues but also boast that perfect balance of tender sugar cookie and creamy vanilla filling. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles, whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or sneaking a few extra for yourself!

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches comes down to simple, quality ingredients that everyone loves. Each component plays a crucial role—from the buttery richness of the cookies to the smooth sweetness of the filling and those gorgeous pastel shades that make these treats truly irresistible.

Unsalted butter (1 cup for cookies, ½ cup for filling): Use softened butter to achieve the perfect creamy texture in both dough and filling.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, tender crumb in the cookies.
Egg (1 large): Binds the dough ingredients and provides moisture for a tender cookie.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp for dough, 1 tsp for filling): Infuses a warm, comforting flavor essential for both cookies and filling.
All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): The base of the cookie dough, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking soda (1 tsp) and baking powder (½ tsp): Leavening agents that ensure your cookies are light with just the right lift.
Salt (½ tsp for dough, pinch for filling): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Milk (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk for filling): Adds moisture for soft cookies and creamy frosting texture.
Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple): These vibrant pastels transform each cookie into a joyful pop of color while maintaining smooth dough consistency.
Powdered sugar (2 cups for filling): For a silky smooth and sweet vanilla filling that holds together perfectly.

How to Make Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those colorful cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Getting your oven and pans ready is a small step that makes a big difference in baking success.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Dough

Create the base for your pastel masterpieces by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps the cookies bake up soft and tender. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture on low speed, allowing the dough to come together gradually without overmixing. Then stir in the milk to keep the dough silky and moist—this ensures your cookies won’t be dry or crumbly.

Step 4: Add Those Gorgeous Pastel Colors

Divide your dough into five equal portions to create a rainbow of pastel hues. Using small amounts of gel food coloring, knead each portion until the color is even, giving you perfectly tinted dough that will bake into beautiful, soft pastel sugar cookies. Mixing with gel colors is best because they keep the dough from becoming too sticky.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Shape the dough into smooth balls about one tablespoon each. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet with a couple of inches between each ball to allow for spreading. Pop them into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want to catch them right when the edges are set and the tops show slight cracking but no browning—that’s when they’re just right!

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Vanilla Filling

While the cookies cool, whip your filling by beating softened butter until silky smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, then add heavy cream or milk along with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until you achieve a fluffy, spreadable filling that’s sweet but balanced.

Step 7: Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches

Once your cookies have cooled completely, pair them by size and color. Spread a generous dollop of vanilla filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Sandwich it with the matching cookie on top and gently press so the filling spreads evenly without oozing out too much.

Step 8: Let the Sandwiches Set

Give your cookie sandwiches about 10 minutes to set up so the filling firms slightly. This step makes them easier to handle and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Garnishes

These pastel babes are stunning on their own but feel free to sprinkle a little colorful sugar crystals or edible glitter lightly on top for an extra sparkle. Adding a few fresh edible flowers nearby can also elevate them visually for celebrations or tea parties.

Side Dishes

These sandwich cookies pair wonderfully with light beverages like cold milk, fruity iced teas, or a delicate cup of chamomile or green tea. For a larger spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a mild cheesecake to balance the sugar cookie sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pastel cookie sandwiches stacked on pretty cake stands, nestled in decorative boxes as sweet gifts, or arranged in clear jars tied with ribbons for an inviting party display. You might also try skewering two or three sandwiches with colorful sticks for a playful serving idea perfect for kids’ parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed prevents the cookies from drying out and preserves the decadent softness of the vanilla filling.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies and filling separately for up to one month. Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store the filling in an airtight container. Thaw completely before assembling to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

These cookie sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature. If needed, let frozen assembled sandwiches thaw naturally; avoid microwaving as it can melt the filling and soften the cookies too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

While you can, regular liquid food coloring may make your dough too soft or sticky, requiring extra flour. Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency, making it the preferred choice for this recipe.

How do I prevent the colors from mixing when baking?

Because the dough balls are baked separately and spaced apart on the baking sheet, the colors stay distinct. Just be sure not to overcrowd the tray and avoid mixing dough colors before shaping.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, with a trusted gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup like all-purpose flour, you can substitute the flour. However, texture may vary slightly, so monitor the dough consistency and adjust moisture as needed.

What’s the best way to pipe the filling?

Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip gives you clean, even layers of filling. If you don’t have one, a small spoon or offset spatula works just fine to spread the filling evenly between cookies.

How long will these Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches last?

Stored properly in airtight containers, they stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Beyond that, the cookies may harden, and the filling can lose its texture, so enjoy them fresh for the best experience!

Final Thoughts

This Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe is such a joyful treat to bake and share, bringing a splash of color and a lovely burst of sweetness to any occasion. Whether it’s a festive celebration or a simple afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies never fail to delight. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be hooked, and your friends will thank you for it!

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookie sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are delightful, soft sugar cookies tinted in beautiful pastel hues and filled with a creamy vanilla filling. Perfect for spring celebrations, tea parties, or anytime you want a colorful, sweet treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed. The dough will be thick yet soft. Add the milk and mix until well combined.
Color the Dough: Divide the dough into five equal portions. Using gel food coloring, tint each portion with a different pastel color such as pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Knead the coloring into the dough until evenly blended.
Shape and Bake: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked but aren’t browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Vanilla Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the filling is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches: Once cooled, pair cookies of similar size. Using a piping bag or spoon, spread a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then place the second cookie on top and gently press to evenly distribute the filling.
Set Before Serving: Let the assembled cookie sandwiches sit for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to firm up slightly before serving.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel colors without altering the dough’s consistency.
Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy with slightly cracked tops.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk in the filling.
Store assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
The filling consistency can be adjusted to suit your preference by varying the amount of cream or powdered sugar.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American