A quick welcome to these cookies
These cookies are soft, simple, and fun to make. You can fill them with vanilla cream or chocolate cream for a small sandwich cookie that kids and adults both enjoy. If you like treats made with sandwich cookies, you might also enjoy this easy Oreo dirt cake recipe for dessert ideas.
What makes this cookie special
These sandwich cookies are easy and flexible. The dough is basic — flour, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla — so you can make them any time. The buttercream filling is quick to whip up and you can leave it vanilla or stir in cocoa for a chocolate filling. If you enjoy seasonal cookie twists, try baking other simple flavors like those in this white chocolate candy corn cookie idea for inspiration.
How to make Cookies and Cream – Chocolate or Vanilla Filled Cookies
Follow these steps to bake and assemble the cookies.
Ingredients you will need
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream filling:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or melted chocolate (optional, for chocolate filling)
Step-by-step directions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, cream the 1/2 cup softened butter and the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until you have a soft dough.
- Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely.
- Make the cream filling: beat the 1/2 cup softened butter with the powdered sugar until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2–3 tablespoons milk to reach a spreadable texture. If you want chocolate filling, mix in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or melted chocolate.
- Spread a small amount of filling on the bottom of one cooled cookie, then press a second cookie on top to make a sandwich.
- Chill the finished cookie sandwiches in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving.
How to serve these cookie sandwiches
Serve them chilled or at room temperature. They make a nice lunchbox treat, a party platter item, or a simple dessert after dinner. For a small party, arrange them on a plate with a few whole cookies or fresh fruit. If you like citrus and chocolate together, try them with a slice of orange or a recipe idea like this chocolate-dipped orange shortbread for a flavor contrast.
How to store your cookies
- Room temperature: Place in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Chill if your filling is soft.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled sandwiches in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Tips for the best cookies
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix until just combined to keep cookies tender.
- Use room-temperature butter and egg for a smooth dough.
- If your filling is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it spreads easily.
- For even cookies, weigh dough balls or use a small scoop.
- Want a mint twist? See ideas for mint-chocolate cookies here: easy mint chocolate cookies.
Simple variations to try
- Chocolate cookies: Add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough.
- Sandwich shapes: Press a thumb into each baked cookie and fill like a thumbprint cookie.
- Flavored filling: Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, or 1 tablespoon crushed cookie crumbs to the buttercream.
- Make mini sandwiches for bite-sized treats.
Nutritional information (approximate)
Per one cookie sandwich (estimate):
- Calories: 140–180 kcal
- Fat: 9–11 g
- Carbohydrates: 14–18 g
- Protein: 1–2 g
Values vary with exact portion size and if you use chocolate in the filling.
Family-friendly serving ideas
- Pack two sandwiches with fruit and a milk box for a kid’s lunch.
- Arrange a cookie platter with different fillings for a family gathering.
- Use small cookies as party favors in clear bags tied with ribbon.
What to pair these cookies with
- Drinks: cold milk, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Ice cream: place one sandwich next to a scoop of vanilla or Cookies ‘N Cream.
- Fruit: fresh berries or orange slices balance the sweetness nicely.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Wrap the dough and chill in the fridge for up to 48 hours, or freeze for up to 1 month. Let it warm slightly before shaping.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine will work. If using margarine, check the salt level and adjust.
Q: How do I make the filling stiffer for piping?
A: Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it holds shape. Chill briefly to firm it up before piping.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
For a store-bought option similar to these sandwich cookies, check this Sandwich Cookies Amazon Saver Chocolate & Vanilla – 25oz. If you want a detailed homemade method like a classic sandwich cookie, try the E.L. Fudge-Style Chocolate and Vanilla Sandwich Cookies Recipe. To serve with ice cream, consider pairing with Cookies ‘N Cream 48 oz Ice Cream – Hudsonville Ice Cream.
Cookies and Cream – Chocolate or Vanilla Filled Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour About 125 g
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar About 100 g
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened About 115 g
- 1 piece egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened About 115 g
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar 60 g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk To adjust consistency
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or melted chocolate Optional, for chocolate filling
Instructions
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, cream the 1/2 cup softened butter and the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until you have a soft dough.
- Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely.
Making the Cream Filling
- Beat the 1/2 cup softened butter with the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2-3 tablespoons milk to reach a spreadable texture.
- For a chocolate filling, mix in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or melted chocolate.
Assembling the Sandwiches
- Spread a small amount of filling on the bottom of one cooled cookie, then press a second cookie on top to make a sandwich.
- Chill the finished cookie sandwiches in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.
