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Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are a fun and cheerful treat made by sandwiching creamy frosting between two soft, sweet sugar cookies. These cookies have a gentle pastel color that makes them perfect for springtime celebrations, Easter, or any time you want to add a little brightness to your dessert plate. The frosting in the middle adds a smooth, rich touch that perfectly balances the light cookie texture.

I love making these sugar cookie sandwiches because they’re simple but special. I usually mix a little vanilla into the frosting and sometimes add a pinch of almond extract to give it a subtle, extra flavor that everyone notices. It’s always a hit when I bring a batch to a get-together, and kids especially love how easy they are to hold and eat without any mess.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy these cookies is chilled from the fridge when the frosting is a bit firmer. It makes the sandwich feel even more refreshing. If you want to make them even more festive, rolling the edges in pastel sprinkles or sanding sugar before chilling gives them a pretty sparkle. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or as a little homemade gift that shows you care.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

All-Purpose Flour: This gives your cookies structure. If you need gluten-free, try a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still tasty.

Butter: Unsalted butter adds a creamy richness. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based margarine. Make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.

Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cookies sweetness and helps with texture. For a less sweet cookie, reduce slightly or try coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note.

Egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture. As a substitute, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth. If you want a twist, try almond extract, but use half the amount to keep it balanced.

Food Coloring: Pastel gel or liquid colors work well. Gel colors give richer hues without extra liquid, which keeps dough consistency easy to handle.

Powdered Sugar (for frosting): The key to smooth, creamy frosting. Make sure it’s sifted to avoid lumps.

Heavy Cream or Milk: Adjusts frosting thickness. For vegan or dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk.

How Can You Get Soft, Colorful, and Even Sugar Cookies Every Time?

Here’s how to make perfect cookie dough and bake soft, pastel sugar cookies:

• Mix Butter and Sugar Well: Beat them until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This adds air for a light texture.
• Don’t Overmix Flour: Add dry ingredients gently to keep cookies tender.
• Chill the Dough: This makes it easier to roll and helps cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Use the Right Thickness: Roll to 1/4 inch thick for even baking and a soft bite.
• Bake at Correct Temp: 350°F is ideal—cookies should be just set with light golden edges. Remove from oven promptly.
• Cool Properly: Let cookies cool fully for easy frosting; warm cookies will melt the filling.
• Color Evenly: Add pastel color gently to avoid overmixing which can toughen dough. Use small amounts for soft hues.

Following these tips helps create beautiful, tender cookies perfect for sandwiching with creamy frosting.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – I like using a medium bowl for dry ingredients and a large one for the wet ingredients, making mixing easier.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – speeds up beating the butter and sugar, giving you fluffy cookies.
• Cookie cutter – a round cutter creates smooth, even cookie shapes that are perfect for sandwiches.
• Cooking sheet with parchment paper – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
• Cooling rack – helps cookies cool evenly so they’re ready for frosting without melting the filling.
• Spatula or butter knife – useful for spreading or piping frosting smoothly onto cookies.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Use different extracts like almond or lemon for a fresh flavor twist instead of vanilla.
• Mix in sprinkles or mini chocolate chips into the dough for added texture and colorful look.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
• Fill with tinted buttercream in fun pastel shades or add fruit preserves for a fruity surprise inside.

Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pastel food coloring (purple, yellow, pink, blue, or any preferred pastel colors)

For the Buttercream Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: A small amount of pastel food coloring for tinted filling

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of active prep time and mixing. You’ll chill the dough for at least 1 hour before baking, then bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Allow time for cooling, frosting, and assembling, so plan for around 2 hours total from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

Start by whisking the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing.

2. Divide and Color the Dough:

Divide the cookie dough evenly into separate bowls—one for each pastel color you’d like to make. Add a small drop or two of pastel food coloring to each bowl, then gently knead or stir the dough until the colors are blended evenly but not overworked.

3. Chill the Dough:

Flatten each colored dough portion into a disc, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step firms up the dough for easier rolling and helps the cookies keep their shape when baked.

4. Bake the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out each chilled dough disc to about 1/4-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out even circles, and place them about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set with lightly golden edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Buttercream Frosting:

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined. Add the vanilla, pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream or milk if needed to reach a smooth, spreadable texture. For a festive look, tint part of the frosting with pastel food coloring.

6. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches:

Once your cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently press a second cookie of similar size on top to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies and frosting.

7. Serve and Store:

Arrange your pastel cookie sandwiches on a platter and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I Use Frozen Cookie Dough?

Yes! If you prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking as directed.

How Do I Make the Frosting Less Sweet?

To reduce sweetness, start with 3 cups of powdered sugar instead of 4 and add more cream or milk to keep a smooth consistency. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance flavors.

Can I Substitute Food Coloring?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring works best for pastel shades without changing dough texture. If you only have liquid coloring, use sparingly to avoid adding too much moisture.

What’s the Best Way to Store the Cookie Sandwiches?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate up to a week—just bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.