Sweetheart Sandwich Cookies for Valentine’s Day

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s dive into the detailed steps for making these delightful cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Color your dough (if desired): If you want that lovely pink hue, add a few drops of food coloring and mix gently until the color is even.
Chill: Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Slice and bake: Remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Let them bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
Prepare the filling: While cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with more milk or sugar for the desired consistency.
Assemble: Spread a bit of frosting on the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie.
Decorate: Add heart-shaped sprinkles or sanding sugar on the edges for that festive look.

These Sweetheart Sandwich Cookies are delightful all on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas:

Gift-wrapped Treats: Wrap cookies in cute packaging as gifts for friends or family.
Coffee Companion: Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Cookie Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other Valentine’s sweets for a delightful dessert table.

To keep your Sweetheart Sandwich Cookies fresh:

Room Temperature: Place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week.
Refrigerating: If you live in a warmer climate, you might want to refrigerate them, which can prolong freshness.
Freezing: You can also freeze them! Make sure they are in an airtight container and label with the date. They can last up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Chill Your Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only makes it easier to handle but also improves the cookie’s texture.
Uniform Slices: Use a sharp knife and cut evenly to ensure uniform baking.

Want to mix things up a little? Here are some fun variations:

Flavored Sprinkles: Switch up the sprinkles by using chocolate chips or crushed nuts.
Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different extracts in your frosting—coconut or lemon can add a delightful twist.
Sandwich with Jam: For a fruity alternative, replace the frosting with your favorite jam or fruit spread between the cookies.

The total prep time is around 20 minutes, with an additional 1-hour chill time.

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers might look slightly soft but will firm up once cooled.