Valentine Sandwich Cookies
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in sweet, heartwarming treats, and what better way to celebrate love than with homemade Valentine Sandwich Cookies? These delightful heart-shaped cookies, filled with a creamy vanilla frosting, are not just visually appealing; they’re a labor of love that will delight anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking for your special someone, a family gathering, or a classroom celebration, these cookies are sure to spread joy and sweetness.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Valentine Sandwich Cookies. First and foremost, they’re incredibly fun to make! The process of rolling out the dough, cutting out shapes, and filling them with bright, colorful frosting brings a creative touch to your baking. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to spend quality time with loved ones, especially kids who love to get involved in the kitchen.
Not only are these cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy family dessert night, or a “just because” treat, these cookies will make your event feel extra special. And with the rich cocoa flavor, they appeal to chocolate lovers everywhere.
"I made these for my daughter’s class, and they were a huge hit! The kids loved the heart shape and the tasty filling. Definitely making these again!" – Sarah M.
The cooking process explained
Now let’s dive into making these delightful Valentine Sandwich Cookies! The recipe is straightforward, so even if you’re new to baking, you can tackle it with confidence. You’ll start by making a soft, chocolatey cookie dough that needs a little chill time before rolling it out. Once baked, these cookies will be cooled down and filled with a luscious vanilla frosting, creating a delightful sandwich. It’s a process that’s as gratifying as the final product!
What you’ll need
To make these delicious Valentine Sandwich Cookies, gather the following 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
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Feel free to use dairy-free butter and alternative milk if you’re looking for a vegan twist!
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, beating on the lowest speed until just incorporated.
- Divide the dough in half, shape it into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and transfer them to the baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, then let them cool on a wire rack completely.
- For the filling, beat together the softened butter, half and half, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly stiffer than cupcake frosting. Add food coloring to achieve your desired hue.
- Transfer the filling into a piping bag and pipe onto half of the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Valentine Sandwich Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also make a lovely gift when arranged in a cute box or on a decorative platter. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for the perfect afternoon treat. If you’re feeling extra festive, dust them with sprinkles or edible glitter for a charming presentation.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Valentine Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but if you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking, and they’ll be good for up to three months. To enjoy them after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your butter is genuinely softened—this helps give the cookies their ideal texture. If you’re short on time, you can cut the butter into small pieces to speed up softening.
- When rolling out the dough, sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Try experimenting with different flavors! Swap the cocoa powder for matcha or vanilla powder for a unique twist. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or espresso powder to the cookie dough for an extra flavor boost. For a festive touch, consider using candy melts to decorate the tops of the cookies.
Common questions
How long does it take to make these cookies?
The active time for making these cookies is about 30 minutes, plus an hour for the dough to chill before baking.Can I substitute the cocoa powder?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, use an equal amount of all-purpose flour and add flavored extracts like almond or peppermint.How should I store my cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Or freeze for longer storage!
Whether you’re crafting these cookies for someone you love or just treating yourself, Valentine Sandwich Cookies are a delightful creation that brings a little extra sweetness to your celebration! Enjoy the process and the resulting smiles from everyone who gets to enjoy these delectable treats.
Valentine Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture at low speed until just incorporated.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out cookies using a heart-shaped cookie cutter and transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, then let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat together the softened butter, half and half, vanilla, and salt for the filling.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly stiffer than cupcake frosting.
- Transfer the filling into a piping bag, pipe onto half of the cookies, and top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
