These Sugar Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, transforming a simple treat into an elegant and flavorful dessert. Each cookie sandwich is a perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie and tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting, making them irresistible for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These cookies are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for holidays, bake sales, or simply a sweet treat at home. The recipe is straightforward and satisfying, delivering a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweet cookie, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate. You’ll also love how customizable they are; you can easily change the sprinkles or add food coloring to the frosting to match any theme.
Ingredients:
Soft Sugar Cookies:
- ▢ 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- ▢ 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- ▢ 1 large Egg
- ▢ 1 large Egg Yolk
- ▢ 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ▢ 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ▢ 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- ▢ Sparkling Sugar, for topping
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ▢ 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- ▢ (1) 8-ounce package Cream Cheese, softened
- ▢ 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (or extract)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, preferably using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture for about 4 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through mixing to ensure everything is well combined. This process is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which results in a soft and tender cookie.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix for an additional minute, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. The egg yolk adds richness to the dough, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie. Don’t overmix at this stage; just blend until everything is homogenous.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cookie. Mix until the flour disappears into the dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is a critical step because it allows the butter to solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. It also enhances the flavor of the cookies, allowing the ingredients to meld together. For best results, you can chill the dough overnight.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line light-colored baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the chilled sugar cookie dough into balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Sprinkle and Bake
Bake the cookies for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. It’s important not to overbake these cookies, as they should be soft and chewy. As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, sprinkle them generously with sparkling sugar. The heat from the cookies will help the sugar adhere to the surface.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they are still warm and soft.
Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a smooth and creamy frosting. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste (or extract) and beat for another 2 minutes until the frosting is well combined and has a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 9: Assemble the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble the sandwich cookies. Spread a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, to create a perfect sandwich. Gently press the two cookies together until the frosting reaches the edges.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Sugar Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A cold glass of milk
- A warm cup of coffee or tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Piping Bag for Neatness: For extra neatness, spoon the frosting into a piping bag (or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) and pipe a swirl onto the center of the cookie’s flat side.
- Leave a Border: Don’t spread frosting all the way to the cookie’s edge initially. When you top it with the second cookie and press gently, the frosting will naturally push out to the edges.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 9-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (per cookie, estimated)
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 100mg
Conclusion
Sugar Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful and satisfying treat that combines the simplicity of a sugar cookie with the richness of cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a simple afternoon snack. With a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies that will surely impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible sugar sandwich cookies!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making the dough ahead of time can improve the flavor of the cookies. You can store the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling it out, as it will be quite firm.
Q2: Can I freeze the cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze both the unbaked dough and the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To freeze the baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Of course! While the cream cheese frosting complements the cookies beautifully, you can experiment with other types of frosting. Vanilla buttercream, chocolate buttercream, or even a simple glaze would all work well. Just be sure to choose a frosting that is not too runny, as it needs to hold its shape between the cookies.
Q4: What if I don’t have sparkling sugar?
A: If you don’t have sparkling sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar, colored sprinkles, or even leave the cookies plain. The sparkling sugar adds a nice touch of sparkle and texture, but it is not essential to the recipe.
Q5: Can I add flavoring to the cookies themselves?
A: Yes, you can customize the flavor of the cookies by adding extracts or spices to the dough. Lemon zest, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon would all be delicious additions. Be creative and experiment to find your favorite flavor combination!
