Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches (Printable)
Delicate sugar cookies filled with pastel-hued buttercream for a whimsical, sweet treat perfect for spring celebrations.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
04 - ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Pastel Buttercream Filling
08 - ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 1 ½ tablespoons milk
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - Pinch of salt
13 - Pastel gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue, or purple)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until mixture appears light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until fully blended and smooth.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Divide dough into two equal portions, flatten each into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes.
06 - Set oven temperature to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
07 - On lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to ¼ inch thickness. Cut rounds using 2-inch cookie cutter, spacing 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
08 - Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges begin showing slight golden color. Cool on sheets 2 minutes before transferring to racks to cool completely.
09 - Beat butter until creamy consistency. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, continuing to beat until mixture achieves smooth, fluffy texture.
10 - Divide prepared buttercream among small bowls. Add different pastel gel food coloring to each bowl, mixing until desired pastel shades are achieved.
11 - Spread or pipe generous layer of colored buttercream onto flat side of half the cooled cookies. Place remaining cookies on top to form sandwiches.
12 - Allow assembled cookie sandwiches to rest for 20 minutes, enabling filling to set slightly before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cookies are like tiny portable cakes that make everyone smile instantly
- The pastel buttercream looks impressive but is actually foolproof to make
02 -
- If the dough gets too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes
- Gel food coloring is much better than liquid for maintaining buttercream texture
03 -
- Roll your dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless
- Chill the assembled cookies for 15 minutes before serving to make them easier to handle