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Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully charming treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then you’re in for a real treat with this Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out—soft, buttery, and colored in the prettiest pastel shades that instantly lift your mood. They’re perfect for special occasions, party platters, or just because you deserve a sweet pick-me-up. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to make these irresistible little sandwich cookies that my family absolutely goes crazy for!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delightful Pastel Colors: The gel food coloring gives you soft, beautiful hues without changing the cookie texture.
  • Soft, Yet Sturdy Cookies: These cookies hold their shape perfectly while being tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
  • Versatile Vanilla Filling: The creamy vanilla filling is fluffy and easy to spread, complementing the cookies just right.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, tea party, or a sweet afternoon snack, these cookie sandwiches always shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe has a purpose—to give you that perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and tender with a touch of fun color. I recommend unsalted butter for control over salt levels, and gel food coloring to keep your dough beautifully smooth without any extra moisture.

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 Cookies, pastel sugar cookie sandwiches, colorful sugar cookies, soft butter cookies, festive cookie treats
  • Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a tender yet chewy cookie base; unsalted lets you control saltiness.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps develop just a slight golden edge when baked.
  • Large egg: Binds everything together for a cookie that’s never dry.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor that ties the whole cookie together.
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure; don’t swap out the flour type unless you adjust the recipe.
  • Baking soda & baking powder: Help the cookies rise beautifully without spreading too thin.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
  • Milk: Adds moisture to keep the dough soft and easy to work with.
  • Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue, purple): Offers vibrant pastel colors without watering down the dough.
  • Powdered sugar: For the smooth, luscious vanilla filling that’s sweet but light.
  • Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts filling consistency for spreading and fluffiness.
  • Pinch of salt: Just enough to make the filling’s sweetness pop.
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

I love playing around with pastel colors and flavors depending on the season or the event. Feel free to swap the vanilla filling for chocolate or lemon to give your cookie sandwiches a whole new vibe. It’s fun to make this recipe your own.

  • Flavored Filling: One time, I swapped vanilla for strawberry extract in the filling—my family couldn’t get enough, and those pink sandwiches disappeared first!
  • Dietary Options: For a dairy-free version, I’ve tried coconut oil in place of butter and almond milk instead of dairy — they still came out delicious.
  • Seasonal Colors: For holidays, I add themed colors—think soft orange and black for Halloween, or red and green for Christmas. It instantly amps up the festiveness.
  • Texture Twist: Adding finely chopped nuts to the filling gives a lovely crunch that balances the soft cookies.

How to Make Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always line my baking sheet with parchment paper here—it makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the cookies from sticking. Keeping this step tidy upfront means a smoother baking session!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar until Fluffy

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture’s light and fluffy. This airiness is what gives the cookies their wonderful texture, so don’t rush it. Once you add the egg and vanilla extract, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients Carefully

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt separately. Adding dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture keeps the dough from getting too dense. When you add the milk and mix everything, your dough should feel thick but still soft enough to handle comfortably.

Step 4: Color Your Dough to Perfection

This is my favorite part! Divide your dough into five portions and tint each one with different gel food coloring for those delicate pastel vibes. I found that gel colorings give a vibrant look without adding moisture—just knead the color in evenly and watch your dough transform.

Step 5: Shape and Bake with Care

Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into smooth balls and place them 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. When they bake for 8-10 minutes, look for set edges and slightly cracked tops—avoid browning to keep them tender. Cooling the cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack helps them firm up without breaking.

Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Vanilla Filling

Beat softened butter until smooth, then slowly add powdered sugar. Mix in the heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The goal is fluffy, spreadable filling that isn’t too runny—adjust with more cream or powdered sugar if needed. I like to use a hand mixer here for that perfectly light texture.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cookie Sandwiches

Once the cookies are completely cool, find pairs close in size. Spread a generous amount of filling on one cookie and top with the matching cookie. Press gently so the filling spreads evenly. Let your sandwiches sit for about 10 minutes; this resting time helps the filling set just right without oozing everywhere.

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Pro Tips for Making Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

  • Use Gel Food Coloring: I discovered that gel coloring offers vibrant pastel shades without changing dough consistency or making it sticky.
  • Chill Dough if Too Soft: If you notice your dough becoming hard to handle because of warm butter, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
  • Match Cookies by Size: Pairing cookies of similar size avoids awkward, uneven sandwiches and looks more polished on the platter.
  • Don’t Overbake: Watch the baking time closely—overbaking makes cookies dry and tough, and no one wants that in a sandwich cookie!

How to Serve Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to dust the sandwiches lightly with powdered sugar just before serving—it adds an elegant touch without overwhelming the pastel colors. Sometimes I press edible glitter or tiny sugar pearls on the edges for a little extra sparkle that wows guests, especially at birthday parties.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or a chilled glass of milk. For a brunch spread, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit or light pastries for a sweet combo that isn’t too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve built pretty cookie towers using these sandwiches, placing edible flowers between layers. Gift boxes with pastel ribbons tied around stacks of cookie sandwiches make charming handcrafted presents too. It’s all about making them feel as special as they taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without losing that delicate bite. If it’s warm or humid, popping them in the fridge helps extend freshness, just remember to bring them back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

Freezing these sandwich cookies is a great option! I freeze the cookies and filling separately to avoid sogginess, then assemble once thawed. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag, cookies last up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp—just like freshly baked!

Reheating

I rarely reheat because these cookies are so good straight from the fridge or room temp. But if you want to warm them up slightly, a few seconds in the microwave (10-15 seconds) softens the cookie without melting the filling, giving a freshly baked feel without the oven.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for the pastel sugar cookie sandwiches?

    You can, but I recommend gel food coloring because it delivers more vibrant pastel colors without adding extra liquid to your dough. Regular liquid coloring can thin out the dough and affect the texture, making cookies less tender.

  2. How do I keep my sugar cookie sandwiches soft?

    Make sure not to overbake your cookies and store them in an airtight container once cooled. Also, letting the assembled sandwiches rest for about 10 minutes helps the filling set without making the cookies dry. Avoid storing in dry or overly warm places.

  3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The vanilla filling keeps well covered in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before spreading to regain that fluffy texture.

  4. What’s the best way to match cookies for sandwiching?

    After baking, sort your cookies by size and thickness before pairing. This helps you create uniform sandwiches that look beautiful and hold together well when eaten.

  5. Can I add flavors or extracts other than vanilla?

    Definitely! Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are versatile. I’ve enjoyed substituting almond, lemon, or even peppermint extracts in the filling for different flavor profiles—just adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe is truly special in my recipe box. It marries the softness and simplicity of a classic sugar cookie with a creamy filling and a pop of color that really brightens up the kitchen and your mood. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or a cozy afternoon treat, I’m confident you’ll love how easy and fun they are to whip up—and how quickly they disappear once you do! Give them a try; your sweet tooth (and friends!) will thank you.

Print
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Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 109 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookie sandwiches
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these colorful Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches featuring soft, buttery sugar cookies tinted with vibrant gel food coloring and filled with a creamy vanilla buttercream. Perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat, these easy-to-make cookies combine a tender texture and rich filling for a delightful bite.


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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for baking.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients at low speed. The resulting dough will be thick but soft. Add milk and mix just until combined.
  4. Color the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into five portions. Tint each portion with a different gel food coloring—pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple—kneading the coloring thoroughly until evenly distributed.
  5. Shape and Bake: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, rolling each into a smooth ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and tops appear slightly cracked but not browned. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Make the Vanilla Filling: Beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then blend in heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the filling is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding more cream if too thick or powdered sugar if too thin.
  7. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches: Pair cookies of similar size once cooled. Using a piping bag or spoon, spread a generous amount of vanilla filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with the second cookie. Gently press together to even out the filling.
  8. Set Before Serving: Allow cookie sandwiches to rest for about 10 minutes so the filling firms slightly for easier handling and better texture.

Notes

  • For vibrant pastel colors without affecting dough texture, use gel food coloring.
  • If dough gets too soft during handling, refrigerate 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.
  • Remove chilled cookies from fridge and let sit at room temperature before serving for optimal softness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie sandwich
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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