If you’re on the hunt for a chocolate cookie that’s both rich and fun to make, this Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe is going to become one of your favorites. I absolutely love how these cookies are decadently chocolatey without being overly sweet—perfect if you enjoy that deep cocoa flavor. When I first tried this recipe, the intensity from the black cocoa powder really blew me away, making these treats feel extra special.
What I find most rewarding about this Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe is that it’s versatile enough for casual snacking or impressing guests at a cozy gathering. You’ll find that the texture strikes a perfect balance between tender and crisp, and because it’s a sandwich cookie, the filling options mean you can customize every bite to your liking. It’s definitely worth trying, especially if you’re craving that nostalgic cookie-and-cream combo!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep Chocolate Flavor: Thanks to black cocoa and Dutch-process cocoa, these cookies pack rich, intense chocolate notes.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a tender center that crisp up beautifully as they cool.
- Easy to Customize: The dough is forgiving and pairs with a variety of fillings—from classic vanilla buttercream to salted caramel.
- Ideal for Baking Together: Fun to make with kids or friends, turning cookie time into quality hangout time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully rich and balanced cookie dough. I recommend getting good-quality cocoa powders for that bold chocolate flavor and fresh butter—it really makes a difference here.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness more precisely and ensures a creamier texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the cookies tender without making them greasy.
- Granulated Sugar: The classic choice for that slight crunch and sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate base.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cocoa flavors.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Cornstarch: A little secret I discovered that makes the cookies extra tender.
- Black Cocoa Powder: Gives the signature deep black color and intense flavor; feel free to swap for regular cocoa if you prefer.
- Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: Creates a smooth, mellow chocolate note and improves texture.
- Espresso Powder: Just a touch enhances the chocolate without tasting like coffee at all.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds the dough together perfectly.
Variations
I love giving this Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe a personal twist depending on the occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings or add flavors to the dough—you’ll soon discover which variations your family and friends go crazy for!
- Mint Chocolate: I once added a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling, and it transformed these cookies into a refreshing holiday treat.
- Peanut Butter Filling: Swapping out the classic buttercream for smooth peanut butter creates a rich, salty-sweet flavor combo that’s irresistible.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replacing flour with a gluten-free baking blend works well; just chill the dough a bit longer to help with texture.
- Espresso Boost: Increasing espresso powder slightly in the dough amps up the chocolate’s depth without overpowering the cookie.
How to Make Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugar
Start by beating the butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. I use my stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer will work fine too. This step is key—it incorporates air to give the cookies a lighter texture later on. Don’t rush it; waiting for that fluffy texture makes a noticeable difference.
Step 2: Add the Vanilla and Egg
Next, mix in the vanilla extract and egg until everything is combined smoothly. The egg adds moisture and binds the dough, while the vanilla gives that subtle underlying sweetness that really complements the chocolate.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, black cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Then add this mix gradually to the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix here; stir until just combined to keep your cookies tender rather than dense.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
This chilling step is more about handling than flavor but trust me, it helps a ton. Let the dough rest in the fridge for about 20 minutes—this firms it up enough to roll out smoothly without sticking like crazy. If you skip chilling, the dough can get too soft and challenging to work with.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Working with half the dough at a time is a game-changer to keep it cool. If the dough sticks, dust your rolling surface lightly with cocoa powder instead of flour—I learned this trick to maintain that beautiful chocolate color. Cut out cookies using a round or scalloped edge cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they’re just set and fill your kitchen with the aroma of chocolate heaven. They’ll seem soft when you take them out but don’t worry—that’s totally normal. Let them cool completely on a wire rack; that’s when they crisp up perfectly for sandwiching.
Step 7: Fill and Sandwich!
Once the cookies are fully cooled, pair them up and fill with your favorite filling. I usually go for a classic vanilla buttercream, but sometimes I switch it up with cream cheese frosting or a luscious chocolate ganache. You’ll find this step to be the best part because every bite just melts in your mouth!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Use Black Cocoa for Drama: I discovered this trick when I wanted cookies that truly looked like Oreo’s—the deep black hue is unbeatable.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling makes a huge difference in rolling out the dough without tears and frustration.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Flour can dull the color, but cocoa works nicely without affecting taste or appearance.
- Avoid Overbaking: I used to bake until they looked fully firm, but pulling them out just as they set keeps them tender and crisp in all the right places.
How to Serve Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle the edges of the cookie sandwiches with finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips—this adds a fun little crunch and looks gorgeous. Rolling the filling edges in rainbow sprinkles is another festive option that never fails to charm guests.
Side Dishes
Chocolate sandwich cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a fun twist, I love serving them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies in a colorful tiered stand or wrapped a stack in a clear box tied with a bow for gift-giving. Another fun idea is to create a “cookie sandwich bar” where everyone picks their own fillings and mix-ins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies keep their crunch and flavor well if you separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver! I freeze both plain cookies and filled sandwiches separately in zip-top bags, then thaw at room temperature when ready. This way, you can make batches ahead without sacrificing texture or taste.
Reheating
To freshen up frozen cookies, I pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 3-4 minutes. This brings back a little of that just-baked magic without drying them out. Just don’t heat filled sandwiches—or the filling might melt!
FAQs
-
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa in this Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Using regular cocoa will still give you delicious chocolate flavor, though the cookies will be a lighter brown color rather than that signature black. The taste remains rich and satisfying, so feel free to substitute if black cocoa isn’t available.
-
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
While chilling isn’t strictly necessary, I highly recommend it. Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll out and cut without sticking or tearing. It also helps the cookies keep their shape better during baking.
-
What filling works best with these chocolate sandwich cookies?
Classic vanilla buttercream is a perfect match, but you can also try cream cheese frosting, peanut butter, or chocolate ganache. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to find your favorite combination!
-
Can I freeze these cookies after assembling with filling?
I recommend freezing the cookies and filling separately to maintain texture and prevent sogginess. Assemble them fresh after thawing for the best taste and appearance.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it strikes such a perfect balance—deep chocolate flavor, great texture, and endless filling choices. I love sharing these with friends because everyone gets to enjoy their perfect little sandwich treat. Seriously, give this recipe a try; once you do, you’ll be reaching for it whenever the craving for a homemade chocolate cookie hits!
PrintChocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 12 Minutes
- Total Time: 32 Minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade chocolate sandwich cookies with a rich, deeply chocolaty flavor achieved through a blend of black and Dutch-process cocoa powders. These cookies have a crisp texture and can be filled with your favorite cream or frosting to make perfect treats for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams, 1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup (132 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup black cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 1/2 cup (180 grams) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, then beat well until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, cornstarch, black cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa powder, espresso powder, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for approximately 20 minutes. This step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and shape the cookies.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). On a surface lightly dusted with cocoa powder to prevent sticking, roll out half of the dough at a time to about 1/4 inch thickness, keeping the other half chilled to prevent warming.
- Cut and Bake Cookies: Using a round or scalloped-edge cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and emit a rich chocolate aroma. They will seem soft at first but will crisp up as they cool.
- Cool and Assemble: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before filling them with your preferred cream filling to form sandwich cookies.
Notes
- Use black cocoa powder for a more intense color; regular cocoa powder can be substituted with a slightly lighter appearance.
- Chilling the dough is optional but recommended to make rolling easier and prevent sticking.
- If dough feels sticky while rolling, dust your work surface with cocoa powder instead of flour to maintain the cookie’s deep chocolate color.
- Cookies may appear soft when first baked but will harden to a crisp texture as they cool.
- Feel free to customize fillings such as vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or ganache.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies (approx. 35 grams)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg