Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined to ensure uniform distribution in the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until fully blended and a vibrant red color is achieved.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool Cookies Completely: Remove the baking tray from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool thoroughly, which is important before filling to prevent melting.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate the cookie sandwiches to keep the cream cheese filling firm and fresh.
Notes
- If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up before baking.
- Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese filling, which can spoil at room temperature.
- For deeper red color, adjust the amount of red food coloring as desired.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before filling to avoid melting the frosting.
- These cookies can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
