Sandwich Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Filling – A Sweet, Classic Treat for Every Occasion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are simple yet elegant, with a texture that’s soft and tender rather than crunchy. The vanilla filling is light, creamy, and perfectly complements the buttery cookies. You can easily tint the filling or add sprinkles for a festive twist, making them versatile for any celebration. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and store beautifully—perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the week.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape while staying soft.

Baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise slightly and remain light in texture.

Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.

Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use softened butter for easy creaming.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve their delicate crisp edges.

Egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to a soft texture.

Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and classic flavor to both the cookies and the filling.

Powdered sugar: Used for the filling to create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the texture of the filling to make it light and spreadable.

Optional decorations: Sprinkles, colored sugar, or tinted frosting for festive flair.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

For the vanilla filling, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add vanilla extract and 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk, beating until fluffy and spreadable.

To assemble, spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich. If desired, roll the edges in sprinkles for a festive finish.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 sandwich cookies (40 single cookies).
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes per batch
Total time: 45 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months, then thaw and fill before serving. Avoid stacking filled cookies unless separated by parchment paper.

Variations and Customizations

Colored Filling: Tint the vanilla frosting with food coloring to match any holiday or theme.

Lemon-Vanilla Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough and filling for a bright, citrusy twist.

Almond Sugar Cookies: Replace half the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty aroma.

Chocolate Drizzle: Dip half of each cookie sandwich in melted chocolate and let it harden for an elegant touch.

Sprinkle Edges: Roll the edges of the filled cookies in colored sugar or nonpareils.

Mint Variation: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing spin.

Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the dough before baking for an extra layer of flavor.

Buttercream Upgrade: Use a whipped buttercream filling instead of classic frosting for a bakery-style finish.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.

Holiday Edition: Use shaped cookie cutters—hearts, stars, or trees—and tinted frosting for festive cookie sandwiches.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, chill the dough for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.

Do I need to chill the dough?

If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.

How can I make the cookies softer?

Bake just until the edges are barely golden and don’t overmix the dough.

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! Try chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or jam.

What’s the best way to fill them neatly?

Use a piping bag with a round tip for even, professional-looking filling.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and chill the dough briefly before baking.

Can I make them smaller or larger?

Yes, just adjust the baking time—smaller cookies bake faster.

How do I keep them fresh for longer?

Store them airtight with parchment between layers and avoid humidity.

Can I add sprinkles before baking?

Yes, gently press them into the dough before baking for a festive look.

Conclusion

Sandwich Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Filling are a timeless treat that combines the simplicity of classic sugar cookies with the indulgence of creamy vanilla frosting. Soft, sweet, and perfectly balanced, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking them for holidays, parties, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—it’s a true homemade classic that never goes out of style.

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