Why Make This Recipe
Valentine Sandwich Cookies are perfect for sharing love and sweetness on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. They are delightful heart-shaped treats that bring joy to both kids and adults. These cookies are easy to make and give you a chance to add your personal touch with colorful fillings. Baking these cookies is a fun activity that can involve friends or family, making it even more special.
How to Make Valentine Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 2-3 tablespoons half and half (or milk)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (for filling)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Combine the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well incorporated.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, beating on the lowest speed. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
- Divide the dough in half, and shape it into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- When the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Taking only one portion of dough out of the refrigerator at a time, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to 1/8-1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cooled, prepare the filling. Combine the softened butter, half and half, vanilla, and salt and beat until combined.
- Add the powdered sugar slowly until the filling is smooth. It should be slightly stiffer than cupcake frosting. Add pink or red food coloring until the desired color is reached.
- Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or a freezer zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe the filling onto half of the cookies, and top with the remaining cookies to form a cookie sandwich.
How to Serve Valentine Sandwich Cookies
These lovely cookies can be served on a cute plate or in a gift box for a special treat. They are excellent for parties, get-togethers, or as a sweet surprise for someone you love. Pair them with milk or a cup of tea for a delightful snack!
How to Store Valentine Sandwich Cookies
To keep your Valentine Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can place them in the refrigerator, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Tips to Make Valentine Sandwich Cookies
- Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted, for easy mixing.
- Chill the dough well to make it easier to handle.
- You can use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes for other occasions.
- Experiment with different colors for the filling to match different themes or holidays.
Variation
You can switch up the filling by using cream cheese frosting or a flavored buttercream for a different taste. Adding sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the filling can make them even more festive!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option; just make sure to choose one that is a direct substitute for all-purpose flour.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading while baking?
A: Make sure your dough is chilled before baking. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough once the flour is added.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just ensure they are in an airtight container or freezer bag.