Orange Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies – Festive and Delicious!
Looking for a festive and eye-catching treat to celebrate the New Year? These Orange Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies, with their vibrant color and delicious flavor, are the perfect choice! Inspired by the phrase “大吉大利” (great luck and prosperity), these cookies are not just a feast for the taste buds but also bring a touch of good fortune to your celebrations. Their buttery crumbly texture paired with tangy cream cheese filling makes them an irresistible delight. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
Unsalted butter: 90g
Powdered sugar: 50g
Egg yolk: 26g (approximately 1 large egg yolk)
All-purpose flour: 180g
Milk powder: 24g
Orange food coloring: As needed
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
Cream cheese: 100g (softened)
Powdered sugar: 12g
Unsalted butter: 38g (softened)
Milk powder: 8g
Lemon juice: 4g
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Soften the butter and combine it with sifted all-purpose flour, milk powder, and powdered sugar. Mix until the texture is crumbly.
Add the egg yolk and knead gently until the dough comes together.
Gradually add orange food coloring (and a small amount of red if needed) until the desired shade is achieved. Remember to add the coloring a little at a time.
Shape and Chill:
Roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.2-0.3 cm using a rolling pin.
Chill the rolled-out dough in the freezer for a few minutes to firm it up.
Cut and Bake:
Use a circular cookie cutter to shape the dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15 minutes. If the cookies start browning too much, cover them with aluminum foil.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
Whip the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the butter and continue beating until smooth.
Mix in the milk powder and lemon juice, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
Transfer the filling into a piping bag.
Assemble the Cookies:
Pipe the cream cheese filling onto the bottom side of one cookie.
Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
For decoration, melt white chocolate, tint it green with matcha powder, and pipe a small stem and leaf design onto the cookies.
Cook and Prep Times
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Achieving Vibrant Colors: Add food coloring sparingly to ensure the dough achieves a natural orange hue. Mix thoroughly to avoid streaks.
Prevent Cracks: To avoid cookie cracks, ensure the dough is evenly rolled and bake at a consistent temperature. If needed, adjust your oven’s temperature to suit its specific quirks.
Even Baking: Rotate the baking tray halfway through the baking time for even heat distribution.
Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
These Orange Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Their vibrant color and tangy-sweet flavor make them the perfect treat for any celebration or as a thoughtful gift. With just a few simple steps, you can create these delectable cookies that are sure to impress family and friends. Let’s start the New Year with sweetness and prosperity!