Description
Decorative Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
1 cup caramel sauce
1/2 cup buttercream frosting
For the Decoration:
Royal icing (white)
Caramel drizzle
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out rounds using a cookie cutter. Place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
5. Spread caramel sauce on half of the cookies and sandwich with the remaining cookies.
6. Decorate the tops with royal icing designs and drizzle with caramel. Allow the icing to set before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect decorative sandwich cookies every time. After creaming the butter, sugar, and vanilla, incorporate the flour on low speed just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. When rolling, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking, but use as little extra flour as possible. For uniform baking, ensure all your dough rounds are of equal thickness. After cutting, use a spatula to gently transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents breakage.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant cookies are perfect for special occasions. Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a beautiful display at a tea party or baby shower. For a festive touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and an extra warm caramel drizzle. They also make wonderful homemade gifts; package them in a decorative box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful present.
How-to Summary
In summary, create a simple butter cookie dough, roll and cut it into rounds, then bake until lightly golden. Once cooled, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of caramel sauce. Finally, decorate the top cookie with royal icing and a caramel drizzle for a professional, sweet finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time? Yes, you can wrap the dough tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.
My royal icing is too runny. How can I fix it? Add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired piping consistency. For outlining, you want a thicker icing.
What’s the best way to store these cookies? Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary.
Can I use a different filling? Absolutely. Chocolate ganache, jam, or lemon curd are excellent alternatives to caramel sauce for varying the flavor profile.
How do I get clean cuts when using the cookie cutter? Dip the edge of your cookie cutter in flour before each cut and press straight down without twisting for the sharpest edges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using butter that is too soft or melted, which causes cookies to spread excessively.
- Rolling the dough unevenly, leading to some cookies baking faster than others.
- Attempting to decorate cookies before they are completely cool, causing the icing to melt.
- Overfilling the cookies with caramel, which will squeeze out when sandwiched.
- Rushing the icing setting time, which can smudge your beautiful designs.
Conclusion
These decorative sandwich cookies are a delightful project that yields impressive results. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and using the provided tips, you can create a stunning and delicious treat perfect for sharing. The combination of buttery cookie, rich caramel, and sweet icing is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.