Valentine Sandwich Cookies

Why make this recipe

Valentine Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that beautifully combines the love-filled essence of Valentine’s Day with the joy of homemade cookies. These heart-shaped delights offer a perfect way to celebrate the occasion, whether you are sharing them with your loved ones, friends, or simply indulging yourself. The rich chocolate base paired with sweet filling makes them irresistible!

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
• 2-3 tablespoons half and half (or milk)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Combine the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well incorporated.
3. Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, beating on the lowest speed. Continue to mix on the lowest setting until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
5. Divide the dough in half, and shape it into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. When the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. Set aside.
7. 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.
8. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are cooled, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, half and half, vanilla, and salt. Beat until combined.
11. 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.
12. 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

Serve these delightful sandwich cookies on a pretty plate or in a decorative box. They make a charming dessert for a romantic dinner, a fun snack for kids, or a lovely gift for friends and family. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for an added treat!

How to store Valentine Sandwich Cookies

To keep your Valentine Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating the cookies. Just make sure they’re well sealed to maintain their texture and flavor.

Tips to make Valentine Sandwich Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
• Chill the dough well; this helps maintain the cookie shapes while baking.
• Use a piping bag for the filling to make it easy and neat.
• Play with the food coloring to create different shades; this can make your cookies even more festive!

Variation

You can try using different cookie shapes or add flavors to the filling, like almond extract or peppermint for a twist. Consider filling these cookies with jam or another type of frosting for a unique taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

2. How do I make the filling thicker?
If your filling is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the individual cookies (without filling) for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well wrapped in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe container.

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