Pastel Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are soft, sweet, and filled with creamy frosting in delicate pastel shades. I love how they look like little bakery treats but are so easy to make at home. They’re perfect for baby showers, spring holidays, birthday parties, or whenever I want a fun and colorful dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it starts with a simple, buttery sugar cookie dough that bakes up soft and chewy—perfect for sandwiching. The pastel frosting is light and creamy, and I can customize the colors however I want. These cookie sandwiches are easy to assemble, easy to decorate, and always a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sugar cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the pastel frosting filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Food coloring (gel works best for pastel tones)

Directions

1. Make the cookie dough: I beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then mix in the egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.

2. I divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

3. Bake the cookies: I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. I roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into circles using a cookie cutter. I place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

4. I bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. I let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the frosting: I beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until fluffy. I divide the frosting into bowls and tint each portion with a small drop of pastel food coloring.

6. Assemble the sandwiches: Once the cookies are cool, I spread or pipe frosting onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another. I gently press them together to create a pretty edge of frosting.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18–22 sandwich cookies. It takes around 25 minutes to prep (plus chill time), and 10 minutes to bake. So I plan for about 1 hour total from start to finish.

Variations

• I add almond extract or lemon zest to the cookie dough for a different flavor.

• I roll the edges of the finished sandwiches in pastel sprinkles or sanding sugar for a festive finish.

• I use different shapes like hearts or flowers to match the season or celebration.

• I pipe little rosettes of frosting for a more decorative look.

storage/reheating

I store the cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, I place a slice of bread in the container. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, I can use store-bought vanilla frosting and tint it with food coloring, but I prefer the taste and texture of homemade.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I bake the cookies up to two days in advance and frost them closer to serving time.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, I sometimes use beet powder, turmeric, or spirulina for natural pastel tones. Just use sparingly.

How do I keep the frosting from squishing out?

I avoid overfilling and let the frosting firm up slightly before stacking or serving.

Conclusion

These pastel sugar cookie sandwiches are one of my favorite whimsical desserts. They’re soft, colorful, and so easy to customize for any occasion. Whether I make them for a spring celebration or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, they always bring a little joy to the table.