Name: Valentine Sandwich Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); Red or pink colored sugar (optional, for decoration); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pink or red food coloring (optional)

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Valentine Sandwich Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to show your loved ones just how much you care. These soft, buttery cookies are sandwiched together with a luscious, creamy filling, making them a delightful indulgence for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness. With their charming heart shapes, these cookies bring a touch of romance and whimsy to your dessert table, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

What makes these sandwich cookies truly special is their versatility. The heart-shaped cookies can be decorated in countless ways, allowing you to customize the filling and frosting to suit your personal style. Whether you choose classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or vibrant pink frosting, these cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a Valentine’s Day party, preparing a homemade gift, or just treating yourself, Valentine Sandwich Cookies are a perfect choice for any sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Valentine’s Day

The heart-shaped design and sweet filling make these cookies an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day, whether for a romantic gesture or a family activity.

2. Customizable

You can easily customize these cookies with different fillings, frosting colors, and sprinkles, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

3. Fun to Decorate

Both kids and adults will love decorating these cookies, creating their own unique designs with frosting, sprinkles, or edible glitter.

4. Soft and Buttery

These cookies are wonderfully soft and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

5. Great for Gifting

Packaged in a cute box or tin, these cookies make a sweet and thoughtful homemade gift for loved ones or friends.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional)

For the Filling:

Powdered sugar
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream (or milk)
Food coloring (optional)

Variations

Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough to create chocolate-flavored cookies and pair them with a vanilla or chocolate buttercream filling.
Flavor the Filling: You can flavor the filling with peppermint extract, lemon zest, or almond extract for a fun twist.
Decorate with Sprinkles: Add fun sprinkles, edible glitter, or sugar crystals to the edges of the cookies for extra sparkle and festive flair.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough to create a festive pink or red hue.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a splash of heavy cream (or milk) to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you like, you can add food coloring to match the theme of your cookies.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, flip half of them over so the flat side is facing up. Spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of each cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing them gently together to form a sandwich.

Step 6: Decorate (Optional)

Decorate the edges of the sandwich cookies with sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar for an extra festive touch. You can also pipe additional frosting or write messages on the cookies for a personalized touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Valentine Sandwich Cookies on a platter or gift them in a cute box. Enjoy them with a cup of milk, coffee, or tea!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make the dough easier to work with.
Roll the dough evenly: Make sure to roll the dough to an even thickness so the cookies bake evenly.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking will result in dry cookies, so take them out when they are lightly golden around the edges.
Use a piping bag: If you want a more precise and neat filling, use a piping bag to apply the frosting to the cookies.

How to Serve

Serve these Valentine Sandwich Cookies on a platter at a party or special event. You can also package them in a cute gift box or tin to give to friends, family, or a loved one. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies before or after assembling them. To freeze before assembly, store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To freeze assembled cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes before transferring them to a container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best served at room temperature, you don’t need to reheat them. If you prefer a slightly softened filling, you can microwave them for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cookie shape?

Yes, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like, such as circles, stars, or flowers, to make these cookies perfect for any occasion.

2. How can I make the cookies less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a tangier frosting like cream cheese frosting.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookies and frosting a day ahead. Simply store the cookies and frosting separately in airtight containers and assemble them the next day.

4. Can I use a store-bought filling?

Yes, you can use store-bought frosting or jam as a filling if you’re short on time or prefer an easier option.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure your dough is properly chilled before rolling it out. Chilled dough will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

6. Can I add chocolate to the cookies?

Yes, you can add cocoa powder to the dough to make chocolate-flavored cookies, or you can dip the edges in melted chocolate for a fun twist.

7. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just roll it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the fridge before rolling out and cutting.

8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, though the flavor may be slightly different.

9. How can I make these cookies more colorful?

Add food coloring to both the dough and the filling to create a vibrant, multi-colored treat. You can even swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.

10. How do I prevent the filling from oozing out?

Don’t overfill the cookies, and gently press the two cookies together. If the filling starts to ooze out, refrigerate the cookies for a bit to firm up the filling.

Conclusion

Valentine Sandwich Cookies are a fun, delicious, and customizable treat that adds a special touch to any celebration. With their soft, buttery texture and sweet, creamy filling, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves homemade cookies. Whether you’re preparing them for a Valentine’s Day treat, a party, or as a gift for someone special, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative with your decorations, and enjoy this sweet treat!