These Easter Sugar Cookies are soft, colorful sandwich cookies filled with fluffy vanilla buttercream. With their pastel shades and chewy texture, they’re the perfect homemade treat to celebrate spring and brighten any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easter Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a festive dessert. They’re soft in the center with lightly golden edges and filled with rich, creamy buttercream that makes every bite irresistible.

They’re also wonderfully customizable. From choosing pastel colors to shaping and decorating, this recipe is perfect for baking with kids or getting creative in the kitchen. The dough is easy to work with, and the buttercream comes together in just minutes.

Whether you’re preparing for an Easter gathering, a spring celebration, or simply craving a sweet homemade treat, these cookie sandwiches deliver beautiful presentation and delicious flavor every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sugar cookies:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, green), 2–3 drops per color

For the buttercream frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Divide the dough evenly into 4 separate bowls. Add 2–3 drops of a different gel food coloring to each bowl. Mix each portion until the color is fully incorporated. Use clean beaters or wash them between colors to prevent blending.
7. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 1/2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 7–8 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden. The centers should still look soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. To prepare the buttercream frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed at first, then increasing speed as it incorporates.
11. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat for about 3 minutes until the frosting becomes pale, light, and fluffy.
12. Transfer the frosting to a zip-top bag and snip a small corner off.
13. Pipe frosting onto the flat side of one cooled cookie. Top with another cookie and gently press together to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes approximately 12 sandwich cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time (optional but recommended): 30 minutes
Bake Time: 7–8 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

For a different flavor twist, substitute 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for part of the vanilla extract in the cookie dough.

Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus note.

Mix mini chocolate chips into one or more of the colored dough portions for added texture.

Roll the cookie dough balls in pastel sprinkles before baking for extra festive flair.

Swap the vanilla buttercream with cream cheese frosting for a tangier filling.

You can also marble two colors of dough together for a swirled spring effect.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 1 week.

Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Frosted sandwich cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps make it easier to handle and can prevent excess spreading during baking.

What type of food coloring works best?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant pastel shades without thinning the dough.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance and assemble them with frosting when ready to serve.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Avoid overbaking. Remove them when the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in both the cookie dough and frosting by half to balance the flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Simply double all ingredients. Bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled. Chilling the dough helps maintain shape.

Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?

Yes. A stand mixer works perfectly for both the cookie dough and buttercream frosting.

How thick should I pipe the frosting?

Pipe enough frosting to create a generous layer without it spilling out when gently pressed. About 1–2 tablespoons per sandwich cookie works well.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, natural food dyes can be used, though the colors may be softer and less vibrant.

Conclusion

These Easter Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are soft, chewy, and filled with creamy vanilla buttercream, making them a delightful addition to any spring celebration. Their pastel colors and irresistible flavor make them just as fun to create as they are to eat.

Whether you’re baking with family or preparing a festive dessert spread, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite that brings sweetness and joy to your table year after year.

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