Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

By ctozzi

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Red gel food coloring
• Cream-Cheese Filling
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Details

Servings 20
Cooking time 9mins

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 cup sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer. Add egg and vanilla, beating until well blended.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time to butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Add desired amount of red gel food coloring, stirring well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Using your hands, roll dough into 1-1/2-inch balls. Roll balls in remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets; flatten slightly with a spatula.

6. Bake until slightly soft, 7 to 9 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks, and let cool completely. Spread Cream-Cheese Filling on flat side of 1 cookie. Top with another cookies, flat side toward filling. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.