Introduction to Christmas Sandwich Cookies
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with twinkling lights and the sweet aroma of baked goodies wafting through our homes. For me, it’s all about creating traditions with my family, especially in the kitchen. As busy moms and professionals, we often long for those moments of connection amidst the hustle and bustle. That’s where Christmas Sandwich Cookies come in! These delightful treats, filled with colorful frosting, are not only irresistible but also perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. Gather your loved ones and let’s make delicious memories together this Christmas!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sandwich Cookies
If you’re looking to bring a sprinkle of joy to your holiday baking, these Christmas Sandwich Cookies are the perfect choice. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy schedules. The vibrant colors of the frosting can ignite creativity in your kids, turning baking into a delightful family activity. Plus, nothing beats the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they indulge in these festive treats. It’s holiday magic in every bite!
Ingredients for Christmas Sandwich Cookies
To create these delightful Christmas Sandwich Cookies, you’ll need a mix of basic and festive ingredients. All-purpose flour serves as the foundation, giving structure to the cookies.
Cornstarch helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Baking soda provides the perfect lift, while fine sea salt enhances the flavors beautifully. The buttery essence comes from softened unsalted butter, paired with a combination of granulated and brown sugars for a rich sweetness.
Eggs and vanilla extract bind everything together, adding moisture and flavor. To make these cookies festive, sprinkle in colorful holiday M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles for an extra touch of cheer! For specific quantities, check the bottom of the article for printing.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups holiday M&Ms
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
- For the filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups sifted powdered sugar
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- Green gel food coloring
- Red gel food coloring
How to Make Christmas Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. A hot oven will ensure your cookies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This small step makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your cookies from sticking. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Next, grab a medium bowl and combine your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This mixture is the backbone of your cookies. Mix well to ensure all those dry ingredients are evenly distributed, setting the stage for cookie perfection.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Now it’s time for the butter! In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and light brown sugars. Beat them together for about three minutes until you achieve that light and fluffy texture. If it feels like a cloud of happiness, you’re on the right track! Remember, the butter should be softened to room temperature for best results. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for creating the perfect cookie structure.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
With your butter mixture looking dreamy, it’s time to add your eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition. This ensures they blend perfectly into your batter. Finally, stir in the lovely vanilla extract. Its warm aroma adds that cozy holiday spirit to your cookies!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gently add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. It’s important to mix slowly until just combined. This way, you’re avoiding the dreaded overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. We want tender and delightful Christmas Sandwich Cookies that melt in your mouth!
Step 6: Fold in Festive Mix-ins
Time to make it colorful! Carefully fold in those cheerful holiday M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles. I like to use a spatula for this step; it helps keep your dough light and airy. Each spoonful will be a surprise of color and joy!
Step 7: Shape and Bake Cookies
Now it’s cookie-sculpting time! Take about two tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Make them slightly taller than wide, which helps them maintain shape. Space them about two inches apart on your lined baking sheets. Bake these beauties for 11-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the tops look just set. But seriously, don’t overbake—those soft centers are what we’re after!
Step 8: Cool Cookies
When your cookies come out of the oven, the aroma is irresistible! Let them rest for around 10 minutes on the sheet tray to firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is tough, but allowing them to cool will ensure the filling doesn’t melt all over!
Step 9: Make the Frosting
While your cookies are cooling, let’s whip up the festive frosting! In a mixing bowl, cream your softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually blend in the sifted powdered sugar until you have a nice consistency. Add a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Then, beat on medium-high for three minutes until fluffy! Divide the frosting into three bowls. Color one red, another green, and leave the third plain for a delightful presentation.
Step 10: Assemble Sandwich Cookies
Finally, it’s time for the grand assembly! Grab your piping bags filled with colored frosting. Pipe a generous dollop onto the bottom of half the cookies. Gently place another cookie on top and press down to create that perfect sandwich. Handle them lightly to keep them intact as you bring holiday cheer to the table!
Tips for Success
- Prepare your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.
- Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking.
- Experiment with fun cookie shapes using festive cookie cutters for added cheer!
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to avoid overbaking.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer for creaming butter and sugars.
- Piping bags or plastic bags with snipped ends for frosting.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Wire rack for cooling cookies.
Variations on Christmas Sandwich Cookies
- Swap out all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Add flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist.
- Mix in crushed candy canes for a crunchy, minty surprise.
- Try using dark chocolate chips or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate seasonal nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Sandwich Cookies
- Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the classic combo!
- Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Present them on festive platters adorned with holiday decorations for a cheerful display.
- Wrap cookies in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for delicious holiday gifts.
- Add them to dessert tables at holiday gatherings for a colorful treat everyone will love!
FAQs about Christmas Sandwich Cookies
Wondering how to keep those delightful Christmas Sandwich Cookies fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prepare ahead, these cookies can be frozen! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Can you swap ingredients? Absolutely! These cookies are versatile. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, or try various flavored extracts like peppermint for that festive touch. You can also mix in different candies, or adjust the frosting colors as you see fit.
If you’re looking to create a unique twist, consider adding crushed nuts or candy canes for some texture. The possibilities for these Christmas Sandwich Cookies are endless, making them the perfect base for your holiday creativity!
Final Thoughts
As the holiday season approaches, baking these Christmas Sandwich Cookies becomes more than just a recipe; it’s a joy that spreads festive cheer throughout your home. Each bite encapsulates the spirit of togetherness, turning simple moments into cherished family traditions. These vibrant cookies not only delight our taste buds but also create lasting memories around the kitchen table. So, gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and let’s whip up a batch of happiness! May every Christmas Sandwich Cookie you make bring smiles and warmth to your family this holiday season!
Print
Christmas Sandwich Cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistibly Festive Christmas Sandwich Cookies filled with colorful frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups holiday M&Ms
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
- For the filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups sifted powdered sugar
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- Green gel food coloring
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line sheet trays with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In the body of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with the granulated and brown sugar for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time until fully mixed, then stir in the vanilla.
- Add the flour mixture to the bowl and slowly stir until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add the M&Ms and chocolate chips, and stir to combine.
- Add the sprinkles and stir to combine.
- Take 2 tablespoons of the dough and roll it into a ball, making them slightly taller than wide to prevent excessive spread.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until lightly golden brown at the edges and the tops appear dry. Do not overbake.
- When they come out of the oven, press more M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles into the dough for decoration if desired. Let cool for 10 minutes on the sheet tray, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are baking, make the filling by creaming the butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually until fully mixed in. Add the salt, vanilla, and milk; stir to combine and beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until fluffy.
- Divide the frosting among 3 bowls; add red food coloring to one, green to another, and leave the last bowl plain.
- Place the frosting in piping bags or plastic bags with the end snipped off. Pipe a dollop of each color onto the bottom of half of the cookies, then place another cookie on top and gently press down to form a sandwich. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour mixture to maintain cookie texture.
- Cookies can be decorated with additional sprinkles before baking for a festive look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
