Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to share love and sweetness with family, friends, or that special someone. These Valentine’s Day sandwich cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their heart shapes, pink icing, and festive sprinkles. They make a charming addition to any dessert table and are a thoughtful homemade gift. Whether you opt for a classic buttercream filling or experiment with flavors like strawberry or chocolate ganache, these cookies will surely make hearts flutter.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (optional)
For Decoration:
Sprinkles
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. Add pink food coloring if desired.
Assemble the Cookies: Spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the bottom side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Decorate: Roll the edges in sprinkles or lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Chilling the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the heart shapes crisp.
Even Thickness: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake uniformly.
Flavor Variations: Add a hint of almond extract or a touch of citrus zest to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
Filling Options: Swap out the buttercream for raspberry jam or chocolate ganache for a unique twist.
Perfect Piping: If using a piping bag for the filling, ensure the consistency is smooth for easy decorating.
These Valentine’s Day sandwich cookies are a delightful way to celebrate love with a homemade touch. Their charming heart shape, soft texture, and creamy filling make them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, they are sure to be a hit. Pack them in a decorative tin or a heart-shaped box for the perfect Valentine’s surprise!