Have you started with Christmas baking? I bet. It’s almost Christmas soon. I am, of course, sharing a new Christmas or Hanukkah recipe with you every day. As a family, that celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah we have too many sweet treats this time of the year. Kids have been enjoying deep-fried Doughnuts and Christmas cookies.
Why make cookies with brown sugar
Well, the answer is simple – brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and richness that elevates the humble sandwich cookie to new heights. It brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with a variety of fillings, from creamy frosting to fruity jams. So, if you’re looking to take your cookie game to the next level, brown sugar is the secret ingredient you need. Not only does brown sugar impart a delicious taste, but it also adds a delightful chewiness to the texture of the cookies. The molasses content in brown sugar contributes to a soft and tender crumb, making each bite a heavenly experience. The slight hint of molasses also adds a subtle complexity that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie, making it a standout treat. When it comes to creativity, the possibilities are endless with brown sugar sandwich cookies. While classic sandwich cookies are filled with strawberry jam you can experiment with different fillings use any other homemade jam, ganache, buttercream. Try dulce de leche, coconut filling, butterscotch, or caramel, peanut butter, Nutella, or even a tangy cream cheese frosting. The rich, earthy sweetness of the brown sugar provides a versatile base that complements a wide range of flavors. Whether you’re a fan of classic combinations or prefer to explore more unconventional pairings, brown sugar is the perfect partner for your creative culinary experiments. Brown sugar sandwich cookies have an innate ability to create a sense of warmth and coziness, making them the perfect indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients and substitutes
First and foremost, let’s talk about the star of the show: brown sugar. Its rich, caramel-like flavor forms the foundation of these cookies. But if you don’t have brown sugar on hand, fear not! You can easily substitute it with granulated sugar and a tablespoon of molasses for every cup. This will give your cookies a similar depth of flavor. While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you can experiment with different types to create unique tastes. Try salted butter to add a subtle salty kick, or go for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine for a dairy-free option. The choice is yours. When it comes to flour, all-purpose flour is the go-to choice for most cookie recipes. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, swap it out with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or almond flour for a nutty twist. Just keep in mind that alternative flours may affect your cookies’ final texture and density. Cornstarch gives these cookies that crumble in the mouth texture. If you must omit cornstarch, I’d say add some rice flour or all-purpose flour. Always use a good quality vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or vanilla sugar it does make a real difference. Now, let’s talk about the fillings. While the recipe mentions raspberry jam, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Strawberry, blueberry, or even a tangy citrus marmalade can add a delightful flavor.
Brown sugar sandwich cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F/ 175°C / Gas Mark 4 and gather all the necessary ingredients, ensuring everything is on hand. Clear a spacious area on your countertop and lay out your ingredients and equipment to make the process seamless. Sift the flour, cornstarch, leavening, spices, and salt into a separate bowl. First, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Remember, the brown sugar is the star of these cookies, so make sure the mixture is well combined to achieve that rich, caramel-like flavor. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a softer and more tender texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once the ingredients are fully incorporated. Once the dough comes together, divide it into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc shape and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape later. While the dough is chilling, take this opportunity to prepare the fillings. Choose your favorite jam flavors and set them aside, ready to be spread between the cookies. You can experiment with different combinations for various flavors or stick to classic choices like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot. After thoroughly chilling the dough, remove one disc at a time from the refrigerator. Roll out the dough to an even thickness, roughly around 1/4 inch, on a lightly floured surface. I used the classic linzer cookie cutter for today. But, you can use a cookie cutter of your desired shape to cut out an equal number of cookies. For the bottom cookies, cut out the disc using a Linzer cookie cutter without the center attachment. Alternatively, use a 3-inch round cookie cutter Cut out the disc using the Linzer cooker cutter with the center attachment on for the top cookies. Alternatively, use a 3-inch round cookie cutter combine with a 0.5 cookie cutter. Remember to always work quickly to prevent the dough from becoming too warm. Remember to roll these cookies thin or once you fill and sandwich them they will look bulky. I use a rolling pin with spacers so the dough has the same thickness. Transfer the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking. Repeat the process with the remaining dough. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for the recommended time or until they turn a golden brown color around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking, as they can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble them into delicious sandwich cookies. Once the cookies are cool, spread a thin layer of jam on each base cookie. If using, dust the top cookies with powdered sugar, then place them on top of the jam-covered base cookies, pressing down lightly to adhere. Remember, the filling should be slightly thicker than the cookie to ensure a balanced flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and combine multiple flavors for a tantalizing taste experience.
Tips for making sandwich cookies
Creative ways to serve sandwich cookies
First off, consider turning your brown sugar sandwich cookies into an elegant dessert by serving them alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The warm, chewy cookies paired with a cold, creamy scoop creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Opt for flavors that complement the cookie, such as vanilla, salted caramel, or even a fruity sorbet for a refreshing twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not use your brown sugar sandwich cookies as the base for a stunning dessert parfait? Simply crumble the cookies and layer them with whipped cream or yogurt, along with your choice of fresh fruits or berries. This layered treat not only looks visually appealing but also offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors with every spoonful. Try making cookie pops for a playful twist on the classic sandwich cookie. Insert a popsicle stick into the center of each cookie before baking, and once they’re cooled, you can enjoy them as handheld treats. You can dip them in chocolate or drizzle with icing for sweetness and visual appeal. If you’re hosting a brunch or afternoon tea, consider serving your brown sugar sandwich cookies alongside a variety of spreads and toppings. Create a DIY cookie bar where guests can assemble their own custom combinations. Offer an array of jams, preserves, honey, peanut butter, or even cream cheese. This interactive setup allows everyone to get creative and tailor their sandwich cookies to their personal taste preferences. Lastly, remember the power of presentation. Serve your brown sugar sandwich cookies on a beautiful platter or individual dessert plates garnished with fresh herbs, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Adding these small touches can instantly elevate the visual appeal of your cookies and make them even more enticing.
No Chill Sugar Cookies (No-Spread)No-Spread Sugar CookiesThe Best Chocolate Sugar CookiesEaster Egg Sandwich CookiesCrispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Frequently asked questions
Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later. You can find my recipes on Pinterest. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Subscribe, and I’ll send you new recipes right to your inbox. Thank you for sharing - Save for later
