I absolutely love this Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, chocolatey flavor and delicate, tender texture. These cookies aren’t just your average chocolate cookies—they have a deep, almost fudgy hue thanks to the black cocoa powder, and their gentle crispness is just irresistible. When you make this recipe, you’ll notice how the cookies hold up beautifully with a creamy filling, perfect for sharing at any gathering or just enjoying with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon.
When I first tried this Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how straightforward it was to get professional-looking cookies without fuss. The dough is pliable and forgiving, and chilling it for a little while makes rolling out a joy rather than a chore. I find that these are the type of cookies that impress friends and family every time—they’re indulgent, elegant, and so worth the effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Deep Chocolate Flavor: Thanks to a mix of black and Dutch-process cocoa, these cookies have a more intense, fudgy taste and gorgeous color.
- Easy to Work With Dough: Chilling the dough for just 20 minutes makes rolling and cutting a breeze, even if you’re a beginner.
- Perfectly Crisp Yet Tender Cookies: They bake up soft and set, then crisp beautifully as they cool—ideal for sandwich cookies.
- Versatile for Fillings and Occasions: You can customize the filling to your taste and serve them casually or at fancy events.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe are simple pantry staples, but each one plays a critical role in flavor and texture. A tip? Using black cocoa powder gives that close-to-oreo intense color and flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular Dutch-process cocoa still makes beautiful cookies.
- Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and better texture in the cookies.
- Vegetable oil: A little added fat that helps keep the cookies tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and that classic cookie crunch.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a subtle warmth.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and deepens the chocolate taste.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and gives the dough structure.
- Cornstarch: A secret weapon for softness, this helps make the cookies tender and light.
- Black cocoa powder: For that dramatic dark color and super-rich chocolate flavor.
- Dutch-process cocoa powder: Adds a smoother, less acidic chocolate note that complements black cocoa perfectly.
- Espresso powder: Just a hint to amplify the chocolate without adding any coffee taste.
- All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together perfectly.
Variations
I like to mix things up with this Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe now and then—there’s so much room to get creative, whether you want to tweak flavors or adjust for dietary needs. You’ll find that small changes can make a big difference and keep this classic fresh.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add a bit more cornstarch for tenderness—I’ve tried this for a friend and the cookies still turned out delightfully soft.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive twist that my family goes crazy for during the holidays.
- Peanut Butter Filling: Instead of classic vanilla buttercream, try a peanut butter cream filling—so rich and comforting!
- Spiced Chocolate: A dash of cinnamon or chili powder in the dough gives a nice warm kick if you want something a little unconventional.
How to Make Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar Until Fluffy
Start by beating the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. I discovered this trick early on—getting that light texture at this stage is key for soft cookies with the perfect crumb. Then, beat in the vanilla extract and egg until fully combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently
Whisk together the cornstarch, black cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa powder, espresso powder, salt, and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. Adding espresso powder helps bring out the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee—I learned this little trick from a professional baker. Slowly add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix just until incorporated. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.
Step 3: Chill the Dough Briefly
Pop your cookie dough into the fridge for about 20 minutes. This step isn’t absolutely crucial, but I like to chill the dough because it makes rolling it out so much easier—it won’t stick to your hands or work surface as easily. It also helps the cookies keep their shape better in the oven.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a parchment-lined surface dusted lightly with cocoa powder if needed to prevent sticking. I like working with half the dough at a time to keep it cool and manageable. Use your favorite cookie cutter—round or scalloped edges work beautifully for sandwich cookies—and cut out as many cookies as you can. Transfer them gently to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. They’ll smell wonderfully chocolaty and look just set but still slightly soft. Don’t worry if they seem delicate right out of the oven; they’ll crisp up beautifully as they cool—this is my favorite part! Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before moving on to filling them.
Step 6: Fill and Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies
Once cooled, pair cookies that are about the same size and spread your favorite filling inside. Whether you use a classic vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a cream cheese frosting, these cookies make a stunning, decadent treat. I love how the contrast between the soft, dense chocolate and the creamy filling is just mouthwatering.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Use Black Cocoa for Drama: If you want that signature super dark color and extra flavor, don’t skip the black cocoa powder—it really transforms the cookies.
- Chill Dough to Manage Stickiness: Working with cold dough helps get clean cookie shapes without frustration from sticky dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Take cookies out when they’re just set and slightly soft; they’ll firm up perfectly on the cooling rack.
- Match Cookie Sizes for Sandwiches: Pair cookies closely in size before filling to get beautiful, balanced sandwiches every time.
How to Serve Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the finished sandwich cookies for an elegant look—plus, it adds a tiny extra sweetness that’s just perfect. If you’re feeling fancy, you can dip the edges in melted chocolate or crushed nuts. For a personal touch, I sometimes add a mini edible flower or a delicate cocoa dusting just before serving.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with simple sides like a glass of cold milk, a rich cup of espresso, or even some fresh berries to cut through the richness. For special occasions, I’ve served them alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, which really elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try stacking these chocolate sandwich cookies in a tiered cookie tower tied with a rustic ribbon—it creates such an inviting display. Another fun idea I’ve used is placing them in decorative tins or wrapping them with parchment and twine as gifts. You could even drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops for a contrasting look that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep nicely for about 5 days and maintain their crisp-yet-tender texture. If you’ve already filled them, I recommend refrigerating to keep the filling fresh, though bringing them to room temperature before eating helps soften the cookies again.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain cookie discs before baking or the sandwiches after assembling. For the dough or baked cookies, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. I love having dough on hand for a quick chocolate fix. When freezing assembled sandwiches, use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, pop the unfilled cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 3-4 minutes. Avoid reheating filled cookies in the oven, as the filling may melt or separate.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the black cocoa powder in the Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have black cocoa powder, you can use all Dutch-process cocoa powder instead. The cookies will have a lighter color and slightly different taste but will still be delicious. Black cocoa mainly adds richness and that signature near-black hue.
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What kind of filling works best with these cookies?
Classic fillings like vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache work beautifully for these cookies. You can also experiment with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter filling for a twist. Just make sure the filling is firm enough to hold between the cookies without oozing out.
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How do I keep my sandwich cookies from getting soggy?
Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling, and avoid refrigerating assembled sandwiches too long without a proper airtight container. If storing filled cookies, keep them chilled but bring to room temperature before serving to prevent sogginess while maintaining freshness.
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Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. This actually improves flavor and makes the dough easier to handle. Just make sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t dry out.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites when I want a reliable, tasty treat that feels special but doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. I love sharing these cookies because they’re always a hit and easy enough to whip up on a whim. If you give this recipe a try, I’m sure you’ll find it just as rewarding and delicious as I do—happy baking!
PrintChocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Sandwich Cookies are rich, intensely chocolatey, and perfectly crisp with a velvety texture. Made using a combination of black cocoa and Dutch-process cocoa powders, they have a deep, luscious flavor and an attractive dark color. Rolled thin and baked to perfection, these cookies make ideal bases for your favorite creamy fillings, delivering a classic sandwich cookie experience that’s delightful for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (113 grams, 1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup (132 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup black cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 1/2 cup (180 grams) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and the egg, then beat well until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, black cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa powder, espresso powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to form the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. While not essential for flavor, chilling helps firm the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the dough into halves to work with manageable portions. Roll out each half on a cocoa-powder-dusted surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. The cocoa powder prevents sticking without adding extra sweetness.
- Cut and Bake Cookies: Use a round or scalloped-edge cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes and place them onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are just set and emit a rich chocolate aroma. Remove from oven and let cool; they will crisp up as they cool.
- Cool and Assemble: Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them with your choice of filling. Assemble as sandwich cookies and enjoy!
Notes
- Use black cocoa powder for a deeper color and more intense chocolate flavor; regular cocoa powder can be substituted but with a lighter effect.
- Chilling the dough is helpful but optional; it makes rolling easier especially in warmer kitchens.
- If the dough feels too sticky to roll out, dust your rolling surface with cocoa powder rather than flour to maintain the dark color.
- Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Try different fillings such as vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache for a customized treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg