Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are one of my favorite treats to make for spring celebrations, holidays, or anytime I want something colorful and fun. I love how the soft sugar cookies are tinted with pastel shades and then sandwiched together with a creamy vanilla filling. They’re festive, sweet, and always a hit with both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the charm of classic sugar cookies with a playful twist. The pastel colors make them look special, and the filling adds just the right amount of creaminess. I also enjoy how customizable they are—I can adjust the colors for different occasions or even switch up the filling for variety. They’re as pretty as they are delicious.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, I cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
3. In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then add the milk to bring the dough together.
4. I divide the dough into portions and tint each one with a different pastel gel food coloring.
5. I roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
6. I bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. I let the cookies cool completely.
7. For the filling, I beat the butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, mixing until fluffy.
8. I spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie of the same color.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 18–20 cookie sandwiches, depending on size. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare the dough, 10 minutes to bake, and another 10 minutes to assemble, so I can have them ready in about 40 minutes (plus cooling time).

Variations

Sometimes I flavor the filling with almond extract or lemon zest for a twist. I also like rolling the cookie dough balls in sanding sugar before baking for extra sparkle. For holidays, I match the colors to the theme pastels for Easter, red and green for Christmas, or orange and black for Halloween.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, I freeze them for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for later use.

Do I have to use gel food coloring?

I prefer gel because it gives vibrant colors without thinning the dough, but liquid food coloring works in a pinch.

Can I make the cookies without the filling?

Yes, they’re delicious on their own, but the filling makes them extra special.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

I bake just until the edges are set and store them in an airtight container.

Can I use a piping bag for the filling?

Yes, piping the filling gives a neat, bakery-style finish.

Can I make different shaped cookies?

Yes, I can roll and cut the dough with cookie cutters instead of making round cookies.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

I prefer butter for flavor, but margarine can work if that’s what I have on hand.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

I use milk instead, though the filling may be slightly less rich.

Can I add sprinkles to the cookies?

Yes, I love adding sprinkles either to the dough or around the edges of the filling.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily and is perfect for big gatherings.

Conclusion

I love how these pastel sugar cookie sandwiches combine soft, buttery cookies with creamy vanilla filling in cheerful shades. They’re simple to make yet look like a bakery treat, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun baking project. Every bite is sweet, colorful, and absolutely delightful.

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