Name: Valentine Sandwich Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
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 (for filling); 3 cups powdered sugar

Description

Delightful heart-shaped sandwich cookies perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day, filled with a sweet, rich frosting.

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 (for filling)
3 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Combine the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well incorporated.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
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.
Divide the dough in half, and shape it into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
Roll the dough to 1/8-1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, half and half, vanilla, and salt. Beat until combined.
Add the powdered sugar slowly until the filling is smooth and slightly stiffer than cupcake frosting. Add food coloring until the desired color is reached.
Pipe the filling onto half of the cookies, and top with the remaining cookies to form a cookie sandwich.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American