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Festive Star-Spangled Sugar Cookie Sandwiches Easy Homemade Buttercream Recipe

star-spangled sugar cookie sandwiches - featured image

These star-shaped sugar cookie sandwiches filled with homemade buttercream are quick, easy, and perfect for celebrations like the Fourth of July. They feature buttery cookies with a smooth, fluffy buttercream filling that is both nostalgic and addictive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 3 to 4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using your mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. (4 minutes)
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed. (2 minutes)
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing. (3 minutes)
  5. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (1 hour, hands-off)
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. (10 minutes)
  7. Roll and Cut Cookies: Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use star-shaped cutters to cut cookies, placing 1 inch apart on sheets. (15 minutes)
  8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden. Watch closely. (8-10 minutes)
  9. Cool: Transfer cookies to cooling racks until completely cool before filling. (20-30 minutes)
  10. Make the Buttercream: Beat softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract, salt, and cream (start with 2 tablespoons). Beat on high speed for 3 minutes until fluffy. Add more cream if needed. (10 minutes)
  11. Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a generous dollop of buttercream on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired. (10 minutes)

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and maintain sharp edges. Roll dough evenly to ¼ inch thickness. Watch baking time closely to avoid overbaking. Use softened butter for buttercream and sift powdered sugar for smooth texture. If buttercream is too stiff, add more cream a teaspoon at a time. Cookies can be frozen after assembling; thaw overnight in fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, buttercream, star-shaped cookies, Fourth of July, festive desserts, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday treats