why make this recipe
Valentine Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for celebrating love and affection. These cookies are not only fun to make but also offer a beautiful way to share your feelings with family and friends. Their charming heart shape and sweet filling make them ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to show someone you care. Plus, they are a fun baking project, whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner.
how to make Valentine Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 2-3 tablespoons half and half (or milk)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (for filling)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Combine the butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Beat until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing on the lowest speed. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
- Divide the dough in half and shape it into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Once the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. Set aside.
- Take one portion of dough out of the refrigerator at a time. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8-1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, half and half, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Beat until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar until the filling is smooth. It should be slightly stiffer than cupcake frosting. Add pink or red food coloring until the desired color is achieved.
- Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or a freezer zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off).
- Pipe the filling onto half of the cookies and top with the remaining cookies to create a cookie sandwich.
how to serve Valentine Sandwich Cookies
These cookies are best served fresh but can be enjoyed at room temperature. For an extra touch, arrange them on a decorative plate and sprinkle with some powdered sugar, or add a small drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Pair with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful treat.
how to store Valentine Sandwich Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
tips to make Valentine Sandwich Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- When rolling the dough, try to keep it evenly thick so that the cookies bake evenly.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
- Experiment with different food coloring to match any theme or occasion!
variation
For a twist, consider using different flavors of extract, like almond or lemon, for the filling. You can also add some mini chocolate chips or sprinkles to the filling for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
Q: How thick should I roll the cookie dough?
A: Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the best results.
Q: What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
A: You can use any cookie cutter shape you have, or even cut the dough into squares or circles with a knife. Just make sure they are similar sizes for even sandwiching.
Valentine Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2-3 tablespoons half and half (or milk)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Beat until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing on the lowest speed. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
- Divide the dough in half and shape it into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Baking
- Once the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. Set aside.
- Take one portion of dough out of the refrigerator at a time. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8-1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparation of Filling
- Prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, half and half, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Beat until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar until the filling is smooth. It should be slightly stiffer than cupcake frosting. Add pink or red food coloring until the desired color is achieved.
- Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or a freezer zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off).
- Pipe the filling onto half of the cookies and top with the remaining cookies to create a cookie sandwich.