festive christmas cookie sandwiches

Buttery sugar cookies filled with billowy vanilla frosting make the ultimate Christmas treat for cookie exchanges and family gatherings. Decorating these sandwich cookies with cheerful holiday sprinkles turns any kitchen session into a festive event worth remembering all season.

Working with my kids to cut out the shapes and sprinkle the cookies is always the highlight of our December baking days. The kitchen smells of vanilla and butter, and everyone leaves with sticky, sugar-dusted fingers and big smiles.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: ensures a tender cookie with a sturdy shape Look for unbleached flour for the best structure
• Baking powder: gives the cookies their subtle lift Always opt for aluminum-free for a clean flavor
• Salt: balances the sweetness and sharpens flavors Use fine sea salt for even mixture
• Unsalted butter: makes for a rich dough and creamy filling Fresh high-fat varieties truly elevate your bake
• Granulated sugar: creates a classic sweet crunch Choose fine cane sugar for best blending
• Large egg: binds the dough together and adds richness Go for fresh local eggs with bright yolks
• Pure vanilla extract: infuses recognizable holiday aroma Splurge on real extract for most authentic flavor
• Powdered sugar: creates a silky, airy frosting Sift before using to avoid lumps
• Festive holiday sprinkles: add color and fun Jewel toned shapes work wonderfully
• Red and green food coloring: offers customizable colors If using gel just the tiniest amount will tint the filling beautifully
• Milk or heavy cream: softens and smooths the frosting Use full-fat for best mouthfeel
• Almond extract or peppermint extract (optional): For extra holiday flair A drop or two goes a long way

Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheets:

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking This helps the cookies brown evenly and makes cleanup simple

Sift Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk together all-purpose flour baking powder and salt Stir for at least a minute to ensure even distribution and lump-free texture

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl use an electric mixer to beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar This takes about two or three minutes Keep going until the mixture is very light in both texture and color as this step ensures soft cookies

Add Egg and Vanilla:

Crack in the large egg and pour in pure vanilla extract Keep mixing until everything is just combined The mixture should look thick and slightly glossy

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture Adding one third at a time mix gently until a soft but not sticky dough forms Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to incorporate all the flour

Chill the Dough:

Divide dough in half flatten each into a disk and wrap tightly Chill both portions in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes This prevents spreading during baking and makes rolling much easier

Shape the Cookies:

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin for seamless rolling Roll one disk at a time to one quarter inch thickness Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out even shapes Gently transfer cookies with a spatula to the lined baking sheets spacing them apart for even baking

Bake to Perfection:

Place sheets in preheated oven and bake for about ten to twelve minutes The cookies are ready when the edges are just beginning to turn golden Let them cool on the sheets briefly before moving to wire racks for complete cooling

Mix the Frosting:

In a clean bowl use your mixer to beat softened butter until creamy Add sifted powdered sugar vanilla and one tablespoon of milk Whip until fluffy and smooth Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed For seasonal flair separate the frosting and mix in a drop or two of food coloring

Assemble Sandwiches:

Once cookies are fully cooled flip half over and spread a generous tablespoon of frosting on the flat sides Gently press a second cookie on top to make a sandwich

Decorate with Sprinkles:

Pour sprinkles into a shallow dish Roll the frosted edges of each sandwich in the sprinkles pressing gently to help them stick

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My kids love picking out cookie cutter shapes each year Our kitchen counter turns into a creative workshop with every color of sprinkle imaginable and lots of laughter over slightly uneven but delicious cookies My personal favorite touch is a few drops of peppermint in the creamy filling which pairs so well with cocoa after sledding

Storage Tips

Store finished sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days For longer freshness freeze the unfilled cookies in layers with baking paper in between and fill them when ready to serve Cookies can go from freezer to assembled in thirty minutes which has saved dessert emergencies more times than I can count

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a dairy-free version use vegan butter and oat milk for both the cookie dough and frosting Almond extract is a fantastic addition for a punch of nutty holiday flavor instead of extra vanilla You can swap the sprinkles for crushed peppermint candies for another colorful festive look

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the cookies on a big platter lined with parchment and set out small bowls of extra sprinkles or colored sugars for guests to decorate their own For gifting tie stacks of sandwich cookies in clear cellophane with ribbon and a handwritten tag These cookies go perfectly with hot cocoa spiked with a cinnamon stick or a mug of spiced mulled wine

Cultural and Historical Context

Holiday sandwich cookies have become a cherished part of American Christmas traditions Each family puts their twist on classic sugar cookies from unique shapes to secret-spice fillings Making them is not just about the treat itself but about gathering everyone together in the kitchen passing down favorite recipes and creating tactile hands-on memories

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap traditional red and green sprinkles for icy blue and silver for a winter wonderland theme Use snowflake or star cutters for a different holiday spin Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for warming flavor During the New Year you can use gold sprinkles and champagne extract for an elevated take on these crowd pleasers

Success Stories

One year we hosted a neighborhood cookie swap and these festive sandwiches ran out first Fellow bakers always ask for the recipe and our family keeps extra dough on hand so we can bake up a fresh batch whenever surprise guests arrive

Freezer Meal Conversion

Shape and cut the dough then freeze the raw cookies in a single layer Once solid transfer to a zip bag and store for up to two months When you are ready to bake add a minute or two to the cooking time and fill and decorate as usual This approach is great for spreading out the holiday workload

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Decorating these cookies is the most joyful part of our baking tradition. Enjoy them fresh with your favorite cocoa or share with loved ones for a holiday season to remember.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you ensure the cookies remain soft?

Chilling the dough before baking and not overbaking helps keep cookies tender and soft.

→ Can the filling be flavored differently?

Yes, add extracts like peppermint or almond to the frosting for unique flavors that suit the season.

→ How should these treats be stored?

Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze unfilled cookies for longer storage.

→ What can I use for decoration besides sprinkles?

Try colored sugar, edible glitter, or festive-shaped candies to decorate the edges and top for a personalized touch.

→ Is it possible to make these treats vegan?

Use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg substitute, and vegan frosting ingredients to adapt for vegan diets.

→ What pairs well with these cookies?

Serve with warm drinks such as hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced mulled wine for complete holiday enjoyment.