Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, as this ensures your leavening is evenly distributed for a consistent rise.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which is vital for a tender cookie. Don’t rush this step; it typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Next, beat in the large egg until it’s just combined, followed by the pure vanilla extract and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the almond extract. The mixture should look smooth and well-emulsified.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. The dough should come together and be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle more flour, a teaspoon at a time.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about a ¼-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or your preferred size), cut out your circles and carefully transfer them to your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between each cookie. Re-roll any scraps to cut out more cookies until all the dough is used. Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. You’re looking for that delicate balance where they are cooked through but still very soft, as they will firm up slightly as they cool. Overbaking is the enemy of a tender sugar cookie! Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be entirely cool before frosting, otherwise, your beautiful cream cheese filling will melt and slide right off!
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until absolutely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for preventing lumps, so ensure both ingredients are at true room temperature. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, about a cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated before increasing the speed to medium-high. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, usually 2-3 minutes. Finally, beat in the pure vanilla extract and one tablespoon of milk or cream. If the frosting seems too thick, add more milk or cream, ½ teaspoon at a time, until you reach a pipeable, yet firm consistency. It should be luxuriantly smooth, velvety, and hold its shape beautifully, ready to be sandwiched between your perfectly baked sugar cookies.
- Once your beautiful sugar cookies are completely cooled, take half of your cooled cookies and turn them over so their flat bottoms are facing up. Now, retrieve your glorious cream cheese frosting and either transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip or simply use a small offset spatula or spoon. Pipe or spread a generous swirl or dollop of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie. Don’t be shy with the filling, as this is where much of the magic happens! Gently top with another cookie, pressing down ever so slightly to create a perfect sandwich, allowing the frosting to peek out just a little. Arrange them artfully on a platter, showcasing their delicious layers and inviting appeal. Consistency in size and generous frosting will make them truly shine.
Notes
Prepare to fall head over heels for these utterly divine Sugar Cookie Sandwich Cookies! They take the classic, beloved sugar cookie and elevate it to an extraordinary level of indulgence by pairing two soft, tender, and perfectly sweet cookies with a luscious, creamy filling. Each bite is a symphony of textures – the delicate crumble of the cookie giving way to the smooth, rich frosting – creating a truly unforgettable treat. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a celebration in every delicious mouthful, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring every last crumb.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American