Ingredients
2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, for filling
3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, for filling
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Pastel gel food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, green, purple)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
4. Divide the dough in half, form into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. On a floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out 2-inch rounds.
7. Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the filling, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar.
10. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons of cream and beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, adding more cream if needed.
11. Divide the buttercream into small bowls and stir in a drop of gel food coloring into each.
12. Spread or pipe frosting onto the flat side of one cookie and gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
Notes
Use gel-based food coloring for vibrant pastel hues without thinning the frosting. Unassembled cookies can be stored at room temperature for several days. Assembled cookie sandwiches should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
