Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are a delightful treat that’s as fun to look at as they are to eat. Soft, buttery sugar cookies come together with a creamy filling, and the whole sandwich is dressed up in soft pastel colors that make them perfect for celebrations or just a cheerful treat any time. The cookies have that classic sugar cookie taste and a gentle crumb, while the filling is sweet and smooth, making each bite a little moment of happiness.
I love making these cookie sandwiches when I want something sweet but also a bit special. Using pastel colors feels like an easy way to brighten up the day or fit into a seasonal theme, especially around spring or holidays. I usually mix the filling with a touch of vanilla, and sometimes I add a sprinkle of colored sugar or tiny sprinkles on the edges for a bit of extra fun. It’s simple but it really brings out that homemade charm I like.
Serving them cold straight from the fridge makes the filling a bit firmer, which I find perfect for that sandwich style—no mess, just delicious bites. They’re great for sharing at parties or packing in lunchboxes, and I’ve noticed that everyone from kids to adults seems to love the mix of soft cookie and creamy filling. Making or eating these always puts a little smile on my face, and I bet they’ll do the same for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted, softened butter helps control salt and blend smoothly into the dough and frosting. If needed, margarine or dairy-free butter works for a dairy-free version, though flavor may vary.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cookies a tender texture. For gluten-free baking, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, but your cookies might be a bit crumblier.
Egg: Eggs keep the dough together and add moisture. For egg-free, try an egg replacer or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) but expect a slight change in texture.
Food Coloring: Pastel food coloring gives the cookies their soft, pretty shades. Gel food coloring works best and won’t thin out the dough like liquid colors.
Frosting: Buttercream made with butter, powdered sugar, and cream is classic here. For a lighter option, you can use cream cheese frosting or a dairy-free buttercream.
How Do I Keep My Sugar Cookies Soft and Perfect for Sandwiches?
Soft cookies make the best sandwich base! Here’s how to keep them soft and tender:
- Don’t overmix: Mix the flour into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Use softened butter: It creams well with sugar, trapping air for a light texture.
- Watch baking time closely: Take them out when edges just start to turn golden to keep insides soft.
- Cool cookies on baking sheets: This helps them set and stay soft instead of drying out.
- Store properly: Keep cooled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container to retain freshness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use large bowls to easily combine ingredients and color the dough.
- Electric mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keeps all your ingredients accurate.
- Baking sheets – line with parchment paper for easy cleanup and evenly baked cookies.
- Cookie cutter or knife – to cut out and shape the dough, if you want specific shapes.
- Cooling rack – allows the cookies to cool completely without becoming soggy.
- Piping bag or spatula – for spreading frosting neatly on the cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Different extracts (almond or lemon instead of vanilla) add new flavors to the cookies or frosting.
- Mix in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and color.
- Use flavored frosting, like chocolate or strawberry, to match special occasions or preferences.
- Add a drop of peppermint or citrus zest to the frosting for a fresh twist.
Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastel Sugar Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, purple, orange, etc.)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake the cookies. Allow extra time for the cookies to cool completely before frosting and assembling, about 30 minutes. So, plan for around an hour total from start to finish, including cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined.
2. Color and Shape the Dough:
Divide the dough evenly into separate bowls, one for each pastel color you’d like. Add a few drops of pastel food coloring to each bowl and mix gently to evenly spread the color. Roll each colored dough into 1-tablespoon balls. Place the balls on the baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart, then gently flatten each to about ¼ inch thickness using your hand or the bottom of a glass.
3. Bake and Cool the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep them soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets.
4. Make the Frosting:
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed, blending well between additions. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy. Adjust thickness by adding more cream or sugar if needed.
5. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches:
Pair your cooled cookies by color, or mix and match however you like. Spread or pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the bottom of one cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top to form a sandwich. Serve right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.
Enjoy your colorful, soft pastel sugar cookie sandwiches!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough balls in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
How Should I Store the Cookie Sandwiches?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring them to room temperature for the best flavor and soft texture.
Can I Substitute the Butter in the Frosting?
You can use a dairy-free margarine or vegan butter substitute if you want a dairy-free option, but the frosting may have a slightly different texture and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Pastel Food Coloring?
If you don’t have pastel colors, you can mix your own by adding less food coloring to white or regular colors or use lightly dyed natural options like beet juice for pink or turmeric for yellow.