Valentine Sandwich Cookies

The Perfect Sweetheart Treat

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade dessert—especially one as charming and delicious as these Valentine Sandwich Cookies. Delicately buttery sugar cookies, filled with luscious strawberry preserves and topped with sparkling pink sanding sugar, these heart-shaped treats are as beautiful as they are scrumptious. Whether you’re baking a batch for your sweetheart, your kids’ classroom party, or just to indulge in a little self-love, these cookies are sure to be the highlight of your Valentine’s Day.

This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers looking to wow their loved ones. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, bright fruity filling, and festive decoration, these cookies are practically made to be shared—and admired.

Why You’ll Love These Valentine Sandwich Cookies

  • Festive and fun: These heart-shaped cookies bring a touch of romance and sparkle to your dessert table.
  • Kid-friendly: Great for baking with children—especially the decorating part!
  • Customizable: Switch up the fillings, colors, or shapes for different holidays or preferences.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Bake and store the cookies ahead of time and assemble when ready.

Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day with friends, sending a sweet lunchbox surprise, or just cozying up with tea and a treat, these sandwich cookies are your new go-to Valentine’s Day recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing:

  • 2 egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pink sanding sugar (for decoration)

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups strawberry preserves or jam

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Electric stand or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Heart-shaped cookie cutter + mini heart cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Piping bag
  • Squeeze bottle
  • Knife or small spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour mixture, one cup at a time, mixing until fully combined.

Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough just until it comes together. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness.

2. Cut and Bake the Cookies

Using your heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 24 cookies. For half of them (12 cookies), use the mini heart cutter to cut a small heart from the center. These will become your top cookie.

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Royal Icing

In your stand mixer, combine egg whites, cream of tartar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 7 minutes, until stiff peaks form.

Scoop some icing into a piping bag for outlining. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water to the remaining icing and stir until smooth. Transfer this thinned icing to a squeeze bottle.

4. Decorate the Top Cookies

Outline the cut-out cookies using the piping bag. Then, flood the outlined area with the thinned icing from the squeeze bottle.

While the icing is still wet, dip the cookie icing-side-down into a bowl or plate of pink sanding sugar. Set aside and allow the icing to harden completely—about an hour.

5. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Spread about 1 tablespoon of strawberry preserves onto each of the solid heart cookies (the ones without cut-outs). Gently press a decorated cookie on top, aligning the edges. Let them sit for 5 minutes to set.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients: Ensures smooth mixing and even baking.
  • Don’t overwork the dough: Over-kneading can make the cookies tough.
  • Let cookies cool completely before decorating: This prevents the icing from melting or sliding.
  • Allow icing to set fully: This keeps the decorations neat and avoids mess when stacking or serving.

Variations and Swaps

  • Different Jams: Try raspberry, cherry, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist.
  • Alternative Colors: Swap pink sanding sugar for red, purple, or even gold for a luxe vibe.
  • Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies or fill them with Nutella.
  • Allergy-Friendly: Use a plant-based butter and egg substitute to make the recipe dairy- and egg-free.

How to Store Leftovers

Place fully assembled cookies in an airtight container. To prevent them from sticking together, layer parchment paper between them. They’ll stay fresh for:

  • At room temperature: Up to 2 days
  • In the refrigerator: Up to 1 week
  • In the freezer (unassembled): Freeze cookies and jam separately, then thaw and assemble before serving.

Tip: If freezing, don’t add the jam or assemble the sandwich until ready to serve to maintain the best texture.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings:

  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a romantic dessert plate.
  • Enjoy with a side of fresh berries for a fruity contrast.

Drink Pairings:

  • A hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea
  • A flute of chilled rosé champagne for an elegant touch
  • Warm vanilla milk or hot chocolate for a cozy pairing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to roll and bake.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Be sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling if your kitchen is warm. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted.

Can I use store-bought icing?

Yes, though homemade royal icing gives the best results for decorating. Store-bought icing may not harden as well, so it’s best used for quick projects.

Do I have to use sanding sugar?

Not at all. You can leave the icing plain, color it with gel food coloring, or use edible glitter for a more whimsical effect.

Can I use a different shape?

Of course! While heart shapes are perfect for Valentine’s Day, stars, circles, or flowers work beautifully for other occasions.

A Treat Worth Sharing

These Valentine Sandwich Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a heartfelt gesture in edible form. With buttery shortbread, sparkling pink icing, and fruity filling, each bite is full of love. Whether you’re gifting them in a pretty box or sharing them over coffee, these cookies are bound to spread smiles.

If you try this recipe, please share it with your friends and family—and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more sweet inspiration, festive recipes, and baking tips all year round.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy baking! 💕

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