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Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s as pretty as it is tasty, then this Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe is going to be your new favorite. I absolutely love how these colorful little sandwiches bring a pop of pastel joy to any gathering, and trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked on the soft, buttery cookies paired with the creamy vanilla filling. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through making these charming confections that are perfect for parties, gifts, or just a sweet indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Vibrant Pastel Colors: The gel food coloring creates lively but soft-hued cookies perfect for every occasion.
  • Buttery, Soft Cookies: These sugar cookies are tender and melt in your mouth with just the right amount of chew.
  • Creamy Vanilla Filling: The smooth, fluffy filling adds a sweet contrast that ties each sandwich bite together perfectly.
  • Fun and Festive: Whether for holidays or casual get-togethers, these cookie sandwiches bring smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you put these ingredients together, you get that perfect sugar cookie texture with lovely pastel hues and a luscious filling that’s just right—not too sweet and super creamy. Here are the essentials to keep on hand before you start mixing.

Flat lay of a few smooth balls of pastel-colored dough in soft pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple hues, a small mound of soft unsalted butter, two whole large eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, and a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches, colorful sugar cookies, pastel cookie sandwiches, vanilla filling cookies, festive cookie treats
  • Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for creamy cookie dough and smooth filling—room temperature works best.
  • Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a nice texture without overpowering flavor.
  • Egg: One egg binds the dough for a tender yet sturdy cookie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes to both dough and filling—don’t skip this!
  • All-Purpose Flour: The structure base for your cookies, making them soft but not crumbly.
  • Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help give the cookies that subtle lift and lightness.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • Milk: Just a splash to soften the dough and ensure easy rolling.
  • Gel Food Coloring: Choose your favorite pastel shades for that iconic look—gel coloring won’t thin the dough like liquid colors can.
  • Powdered Sugar: For the vanilla filling; it melts smoothly and provides that perfect sweet creaminess.
  • Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds moisture and fluff to the filling; heavy cream gives a richer texture.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe is how easily you can adapt it to make it your own. Whether you want to add a flavor twist or suit dietary needs, these cookies are super versatile.

  • Flavor Twist: I once swapped the vanilla extract in the filling for almond extract—my family went crazy for that nutty twist!
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk like oat or almond to make these dairy-free without sacrificing taste.
  • Seasonal Colors: Try warm tones like coral, peach, or mint to match a spring brunch or holiday party.
  • Chocolate Filling: Mix some cocoa powder into the vanilla filling for a fun contrast with the pastel cookies.

How to Make Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. It’s a little trick I learned: don’t rush this part because it makes a big difference in cookie texture. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until it’s all combined.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mix on low speed to avoid a flour mess—your dough will start to come together and feel thick but still soft. Pour in the milk and mix just until everything is blended.

Step 3: Color Your Dough

Divide your dough into five equal parts—this part is so fun! Using gel food coloring, tint each portion with a different pastel shade. Gel colors are my go-to because they give you rich color without making the dough sticky. Knead in the color evenly until the entire portion is tinted. If it feels too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes—it helps a ton.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Roll about one tablespoon of dough into smooth balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about two inches apart so they don’t spread into each other. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes—watch for the edges to set and the tops to crack slightly but definitely no browning. This gentle bake keeps them tender. Let them cool first on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make That Dreamy Vanilla Filling

Beat softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in heavy cream (or milk), vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Keep beating until it’s light and fluffy. You can tweak the consistency by adding more cream if it’s too stiff or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin. This filling is where the magic happens—it’s creamy but holds its shape nicely for sandwiching.

Step 6: Assemble Your Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

Pair up cookies that are similar in size. Use a piping bag or a spoon to spread a generous dollop of vanilla filling on one cookie, then gently sandwich it with the matching cookie on top. Press lightly so the filling spreads evenly to the edges. Let them sit for about 10 minutes so the filling firms up just a bit before digging in.

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Pro Tips for Making Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

  • Use Gel Food Coloring: I discovered gel colors keep dough texture intact and give vibrant pastels without watering down the dough like liquid dyes.
  • Don’t Overbake: Cookies should look just set with cracked tops but no browning; this keeps them soft and perfect for sandwiching.
  • Chill Dough if Needed: If your dough feels too sticky to roll or shape, a 15-20 minute chill in the fridge solves this reset beautifully.
  • Match Cookie Sizes: Pairing cookies by size helps your sandwiches look professional and avoids lopsided treats.

How to Serve Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a tiny bit of edible pearl dust on top of the filling before sandwiching for a subtle sparkle—makes them look extra festive. You can also roll the edges of the filling in colored sugar or finely chopped nuts for texture and flair.

Side Dishes

These sweet sandwiches pair beautifully with a light cup of tea or a cold glass of milk. For a party, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of mixed nuts to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made these for baby showers or birthdays, arranging the sandwiches on tiered cake stands with pastel napkins underneath really makes the colors pop. Another fun idea is packaging individual sandwiches in clear treat bags tied with ribbon—perfect for gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps the filling stay soft but firm enough not to get messy. If your kitchen is warm, popping them in the fridge is fine for up to a week—just remember to bring them back to room temp before serving so they’re perfectly tender.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the baked cookies before assembling the sandwiches. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw completely at room temperature, then fill and assemble. The filling itself freezes well, too, but I prefer to make it fresh.

Reheating

You really don’t want to heat these cookie sandwiches once they’re filled, or the filling can melt and get messy. If you prefer a warm cookie experience, warm the individual cookies for 5-7 seconds in the microwave before sandwiching and serving immediately.

FAQs

  1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel for this Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe?

    You can use liquid food coloring, but I don’t recommend it because it can make the dough too soft and sticky. Gel coloring is much more concentrated, allowing you to achieve vibrant pastel shades without compromising dough texture.

  2. How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much during baking?

    Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chase after the dough with a quick chill if needed before shaping the cookies. Also, spacing the dough balls appropriately on the baking sheet and baking at the right temperature (350°F) prevents excessive spreading.

  3. Can I make the vanilla filling without heavy cream?

    Absolutely! Milk works just fine if you don’t have heavy cream on hand. The filling will still be creamy and delicious, though a tad less rich.

  4. How long do these Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches stay fresh?

    Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these sandwiches stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. Refrigerated, they can last about a week, but always let them warm up before enjoying for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites because it’s fun, forgiving, and downright delicious. I love sharing these cookies at gatherings—they’re always a conversation starter with their pretty colors and fluffy filling. If you’re looking to brighten up your baking routine with something that tastes as good as it looks, you’ve got to give these a try. Happy baking, friend!

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Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 142 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookie sandwiches
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these colorful Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches featuring soft, buttery sugar cookies tinted in vibrant pastel shades and filled with a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for festive occasions or sweet treats, these sandwiches combine charming aesthetics with rich, classic flavors.


Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

  • 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)

For the Vanilla Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated to create a smooth batter.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed, forming a thick but soft dough. Add the milk and mix until completely combined.
  4. Color the Dough: Divide the dough into five equal portions. Use gel food coloring to tint each portion into different pastel shades (pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple). Knead the coloring into the dough thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  5. Shape and Bake: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked but not browned. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Make the Vanilla Filling: Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding more cream if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
  7. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches: Match cooled cookies into pairs of similar size. Spread a generous amount of vanilla filling onto the flat side of one cookie using a piping bag or spoon. Top with the second cookie and gently press to evenly spread the filling.
  8. Set Before Serving: Allow the assembled cookie sandwiches to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to let the filling firm up slightly for the best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel shades without altering the dough’s texture.
  • If the dough becomes too soft while handling, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
  • Store cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Let chilled cookies sit at room temperature before serving to restore optimal texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie sandwich
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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