Valentine Sandwich Cookies

why make this recipe

Valentine Sandwich Cookies are such an easy and sweet way to celebrate someone special. They’re charming, tasty, and perfect for sharing love with family or friends. Honestly, they bring all the cozy feels with their cute heart shapes and that creamy filling inside. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a random treat day, these cookies make every moment a little more heartfelt. Plus, they’re fun to bake — no matter if you’re a kitchen pro or just starting out.

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 (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

Directions:

1. Start by creaming the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mix is light and fluffy — this is key for a tender cookie.
2. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is blended together nicely.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This keeps all your dry ingredients evenly combined.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low just until you see no more flour. Over-mixing makes cookies tough, so watch for that.
5. Split the dough in half and shape each into a flat disc. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for about an hour. Chilling helps with rolling and keeps cookies from spreading too much.
6. When your dough is nicely chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so nothing sticks.
7. Work with one dough disc at a time. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This thickness gives you that perfect bite — not too thin, not too thick.
8. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make your cookies. If you don’t have one, any fun shape works too! Transfer the cutouts gently to your prepared sheet.
9. Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes. They should be just set around the edges—not too crispy! Let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step is huge to avoid melting your filling later.
10. While cookies cool, make your filling. Beat together the softened butter, half and half (or milk), vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
11. Add the powdered sugar gradually. Keep beating until your frosting is thick and creamy but still pipeable — think just a bit thicker than cupcake frosting. Add a few drops of pink or red food coloring if you want that classic Valentine look.
12. Fill a piping bag with the frosting. If you don’t have one, a zip-lock bag with a tiny snip on the corner works just fine.
13. Pipe the filling on the flat side of half your cookies, then gently sandwich with the remaining cookies. Press lightly so the frosting spreads evenly but doesn’t squish out too much.

how to serve Valentine Sandwich Cookies

These sandwich cookies taste best fresh, but honestly, they hold up great at room temperature too. For a little extra flair, I love to arrange them on a pretty plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even drizzle over some melted chocolate. Pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of tea turns them into a truly comforting treat. Have you ever tried them warmed slightly? A quick zap in the microwave softens them up just a bit and makes the frosting extra gooey.

how to store Valentine Sandwich Cookies

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week this way. If you want to stash some for later, freeze the unfilled cookies — just layer them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw completely before adding your filling. This keeps everything tasting fresh and delightful.

tips to make Valentine Sandwich Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming — this helps your cookies turn out tender and fluffy.
• Try to roll your dough out evenly so all your cookies bake at the same rate and have a uniform shape.
• Patience is key! Let your cookies cool fully before adding the filling so the frosting won’t melt and get messy.
• Feel free to have fun with food coloring or sprinkles to match whatever occasion or vibe you’re going for — it’s a great way to get the kids involved too!

variation

If you want to change things up, try swapping the vanilla in your frosting for almond or lemon extract — it gives a lovely twist to the flavor. Another fun idea is to fold in mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles into the filling for some extra texture and a little kid-friendly flair. You could also swap the cocoa in the cookie dough for cinnamon and make a warm, spiced version perfect for winter gatherings.

FAQs

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, margarine can work if butter isn’t an option, but keep in mind the taste and texture might be a tad different — butter gives the best flavor and crumb.

Q: How thick should I roll the cookie dough?
A: Aim between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. This thickness makes for a sturdy cookie that’s not too crunchy or too soft — perfect for sandwiching.

Q: What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
A: No worries! Use any cookie cutter shape you have on hand, or even cut the dough into squares or circles with a knife or glass. Just try to keep them the same size so your sandwich cookies line up nicely.