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Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are a charming and sweet treat that brings together soft, buttery sugar cookies with a smooth, creamy filling all wrapped up in pretty pastel colors. These little sandwiches are perfect for any celebration or whenever you want a delightful bite of sweetness with a bit of fun.

I love making these cookies because they’re not only delicious but also so easy to customize. You can mix different pastel frostings to match the season or your mood, and the cookies always come out soft and just right. Plus, they make such a happy presentation on a plate—it’s hard not to smile when you see those soft colors and sugary edges.

My favorite way to enjoy these sandwiches is with a glass of cold milk or a simple cup of tea. They’re great for sharing with friends and family, and they bring a little bit of joy to any gathering. If you want to make them extra special, try adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or a few tiny candies on the edges. It’s such a fun twist that makes the cookies feel magical!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies structure. For a gluten-free option, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. It might change the texture slightly but still works well.

Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level. You can swap for margarine or dairy-free butter if needed, but flavor and texture may vary.

Sugar: Granulated sugar makes the cookies crisp and sweet. You could try coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note, but the cookies might be softer.

Egg and vanilla extract: They add moisture and flavor. For egg-free, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or applesauce as substitutes.

Pastel food coloring: Gel colors are better than liquid for vibrant colors without changing dough texture. Natural coloring from beet juice or matcha works but may affect taste.

Powdered sugar in frosting: Use sifted powdered sugar for smooth buttercream. If unavailable, finely blend granulated sugar, but it won’t be as silky.

How Do You Get Soft, Colorful Sugar Cookie Dough Without It Sticking?

Keeping the dough soft but workable is key. Here’s how:

• After mixing, divide and add food coloring by kneading gently to avoid overworking the dough.
• Wrap each colored portion tightly and chill for at least 1 hour. This firms up the dough and stops sticky messes.
• If the dough feels sticky after chilling, lightly flour your hands and rolling surface before shaping cookies.
• Use gel food coloring to add vibrant pastel colors without making dough runny.

What’s the Best Way to Make Smooth, Fluffy Buttercream Filling?

Soft, spreadable frosting makes these cookies special. Try this:

• Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy before adding sugar.
• Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid dust clouds and get the right sweetness.
• Add milk or cream slowly to reach your preferred frosting consistency—less for thick, more for spreadable.
• Beat frosting longer at medium speed for a light, fluffy texture.
• Color frosting with gel food coloring for pastel tones without thinning it down.

How Can I Assemble Cookie Sandwiches Without the Filling Oozing Out?

To keep the filling neat and even, follow these tips:

• Pair cookies of similar size and shape to stack evenly.
• Use a piping bag or a spoon to spread frosting evenly on one cookie.
• Press gently to avoid squishing the buttercream out the sides.
• For decoration, roll edges in sprinkles only if the frosting is firm enough, otherwise it might slide off.
• Store assembled sandwiches in a cool place or fridge to help the filling set.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – I use a medium bowl for dry ingredients and a large one for creaming butter and sugar; they make mixing easier and keep ingredients separate.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – helps you beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, saving time and effort.
• Measuring cups and spoons – ensure accuracy for perfect texture and flavor.
• Rolling pin – makes spreading the dough to an even thickness so all cookies bake uniformly.
• Cookie cutters (about 1.5-inch diameter) – for uniform, fun shapes that keep the cookies consistent in size.
• Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup quick.
• Cooling rack – cools cookies evenly and prevents sogginess.
• Spatula or butter knife – for spreading the frosting smoothly and neatly onto cookies.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Mix in colorful sprinkles or tiny candies into the buttercream for extra fun and texture.
• Use different extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint in the frosting to add unique flavors.
• Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking for a crunchy twist.
• Replace vanilla with coconut or orange zest in the dough to give cookies a bright, fresh flavor.

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pastel food coloring (yellow, pink, blue, purple, green, or your choice)

For the Filling (Buttercream Frosting):

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• Pastel food coloring to match or complement the cookie colors

Optional:

• Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the dough, plus 1 hour to chill it. Baking each batch takes 10-12 minutes, and cooling the cookies around 15 minutes. Preparing the frosting will take about 10 minutes. Plan for another 10 minutes to assemble and decorate your sandwich cookies. Overall, about 2 hours from start to finish, including chilling and baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until everything is just combined.

2. Color the Dough:

Divide the dough evenly into as many bowls as the number of colors you want. Add a few drops of pastel food coloring to each bowl. Gently knead each dough portion until the color is well blended and even.

3. Chill the Dough:

Wrap each colored dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.

4. Bake the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and space them on the sheets. Lightly flatten the top of each dough ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set and starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Buttercream Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed between each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Add more milk or powdered sugar as needed to reach your desired consistency. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with pastel food coloring.

6. Assemble the Sandwiches:

Match cookies of similar size and color or mix them up for a playful look. Spread or pipe a generous layer of frosting on the flat side of one cookie. Place the matching cookie on top, pressing gently to sandwich the frosting evenly between them.

7. Serve and Decorate:

If you like, roll the edges of the buttercream filling in rainbow sprinkles for a colorful, fun finish. Arrange the cookie sandwiches on a plate. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate if you prefer a firmer filling.

Enjoy these cheerful and tasty pastel sugar cookie sandwiches—they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a sweet treat with a pop of color!

Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the uncolored cookie dough tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then divide, color, and chill as directed before baking.

How Should I Store the Cookie Sandwiches?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a firmer frosting, refrigerate them for up to a week—but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Can I Substitute Butter in the Frosting?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free or vegan butter substitute, but the texture may be slightly different. Coconut oil can work too but refrigerate the frosting to keep it firm.

What’s the Best Way to Keep the Colors Vibrant?

Use gel food coloring rather than liquid—it provides richer, pastel colors without thinning the dough or frosting. Avoid overmixing after adding color to maintain the softness and texture.