Name: Sandwich Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Filling Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 tablespoons milk; Additional sugar for rolling; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

2 tablespoons milk

Additional sugar for rolling

Vanilla Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.

Step 5: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until the dough is well combined.

Step 6: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, then roll each ball in additional sugar. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: To make the vanilla filling, beat the softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Add the vanilla extract and enough heavy cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 10: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of the vanilla filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat for all cookies.

Tips & Variations

For a subtle nutty flavor, add finely chopped nuts to the dough before baking.

You can substitute almond extract with lemon extract for a different twist.

If the filling is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Try rolling the cookies in colored sugar for a festive touch.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

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

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if needed. Also, spacing the dough balls adequately prevents merging.