I love making Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches when the days get bright. I chose soft pastel colors and a light vanilla filling for a treat that feels happy and fresh, and if you like sweet spring treats you might enjoy my version of brown sugar pop tart cookies too.
Dad James always tried to sneak a cookie before the filling set, and we would laugh as he got caught every time.
What You’ll Need
- 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
My Trusted Kitchen Tools
I keep a few simple tools on hand for these cookies: a stand mixer or hand mixer, measuring cups, a mixing bowl, a baking sheet with parchment paper, a wire rack, and a piping bag or spoon for the filling. For cut out shapes and clean edges I also use a small scoop and my favorite rolling pin, much like the tools I use for chocolate cut out sugar cookies.
Bringing It All Together
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix on low speed.
- Stir in the milk until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into five portions and tint each with gel food coloring.
- Roll each portion into small balls about 1 tablespoon each.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set and tops look slightly cracked.
- Cool on the sheet 5 minutes then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the butter for the filling until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, then beat in the cream, vanilla, and pinch of salt until fluffy.
- Match cooled cookies into pairs and pipe or spoon filling onto one cookie.
- Press the second cookie on top and let sandwiches sit 10 minutes to set.
Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)
You can swap colors to match a party or holiday. Try lemon zest in the filling for a bright twist or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty note. For a chocolate edge, roll the sandwich sides in sprinkles or finely chopped candy like in my chocolate peppermint cookie cups post for a fun contrast.
How We Love to Serve It
I like these cookies with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. They make a pretty platter for a baby shower or simple afternoon tea. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature.
A Few Tips For Success
Work with room temperature butter for easy mixing. Use gel colors so the dough does not get too wet. Keep an eye on baking time so the cookies do not brown. Match cookie sizes so sandwiches look neat.
Saving Some For Later
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep the baked cookies and filling separate in the fridge for up to 5 days then assemble before serving. You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw before filling.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you enjoy these Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches. They are simple, bright, and made for sharing. Have fun with the colors and make them your own.
Your Questions, Answered
How long do Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches stay fresh?
These Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. If you keep them in the fridge, they last up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches?
I recommend freezing the baked cookies unfilled for up to 2 months. Thaw them before filling so the texture stays best.
Can I change the filling in the Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches?
Yes. You can add lemon zest, cocoa, or a little almond extract to change the flavor. I keep the filling simple so the cookie flavor shines, but you can try new notes.
Print
Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful pastel-colored sugar cookie sandwiches filled with a creamy vanilla filling, perfect for spring treats.
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 (for filling)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- Pinch of salt (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix on low speed.
- Stir in the milk until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into five portions and tint each with gel food coloring.
- Roll each portion into small balls about 1 tablespoon each.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set and tops look slightly cracked.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the butter for the filling until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, then beat in the cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fluffy.
- Match cooled cookies into pairs and pipe or spoon filling onto one cookie.
- Press the second cookie on top and let sandwiches sit for 10 minutes to set.
Notes
You can swap colors to match a party or holiday. Try lemon zest in the filling or use almond extract for a nutty note. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, dessert, spring treats, pastel cookies, sugar cookies