Clementine Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Oh my gosh, have you ever tried cookies that taste like little bites of sunshine? These clementine cream cookie sandwiches are a sweet dream. I promise, once you try them, you’ll wanna make them again and again.

I just love how the soft cookies hug that bright, creamy filling. It’s like a happy dance in your mouth. And guess what? They’re super easy to whip up.

So yeah, if you’re craving something fun and fruity, these are it. Let’s jump in and bake some joy together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and Flavorful: The citrusy burst of clementine in both the cookies and the cream filling adds a refreshing twist to classic cookie sandwiches.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday party, or an afternoon tea, these cookies are always a hit.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies come together quickly and with minimal fuss.
• Versatile: Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or simply as a sweet snack to brighten your day.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cookies and filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored, making it perfect for planning ahead.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, make sure you have these tools ready to go. They’ll make the process a breeze!

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To mix your dry ingredients together before incorporating them into the wet ingredients.
• Mixer (Hand or Stand): To cream the butter and cream cheese smoothly.
• Baking Sheets: For placing the cookies to bake.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets and prevent cookies from sticking.
• Wire Rack: To allow your cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Zester: To zest the clementines for that burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious cookie sandwiches:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Aids in leavening the cookies and making them soft.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness of the cookies and balances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – The fat that gives the cookies their rich, tender texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies.
• Zest of 2 clementines – Adds fresh citrusy flavor to the dough.
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binder and gives structure to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile of the cookies.
• 1 tablespoon clementine juice – For an extra layer of citrusy tang.

For the Cream Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – For a creamy, smooth texture in the filling.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds a rich and creamy flavor to the filling.
• 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavor balance.
• 1 tablespoon clementine juice – Gives the cream filling a citrusy kick.
• Additional clementine zest – For garnish and an extra burst of fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheets.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the bowl aside. These dry ingredients will help give the cookies structure and lightness when they bake.

3. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffy texture of the butter and sugar is key to soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Add the egg, clementine zest, and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue to beat until everything is fully combined. The clementine zest will give the cookies a fresh citrus scent and flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar.

Next, stir in the clementine juice. This will enhance the citrus flavor and give the dough a slightly tangy undertone.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies dense rather than light and soft. Once the dough is formed, it should be soft and slightly sticky but easy to work with.

5. Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough at a time. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This will give the cookies enough space to spread while baking.

Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently flatten each dough ball. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and gives them a nice, round shape.

6. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers may appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Cream Filling

While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the creamy filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This process should take about 2 minutes.

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and clementine juice. Continue to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. If you find the filling is too thick, you can add a bit more clementine juice to reach the desired consistency.

8. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches

Once the cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Take one cookie and spread a generous amount of the clementine cream filling onto the flat side. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly.

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little additional clementine zest on top of the cream filling before closing the sandwich. This adds a burst of fresh citrus flavor and makes the cookies even more visually appealing.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Once assembled, your Clementine Cream Cookie Sandwiches are ready to serve! These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a party dessert, or as a special treat, they’re bound to disappear quickly.

Variations for Clementine Cream Cookie Sandwiches

• Add More Citrus: If you love citrus, try using a combination of clementines and oranges for an extra burst of flavor.
• Use Different Fillings: While the clementine cream filling is divine, feel free to experiment with other fillings like lemon curd, orange marmalade, or even chocolate ganache.
• Dip in Chocolate: For an indulgent touch, dip the sides of the cookie sandwiches in melted chocolate. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.

Storing and Freezing

• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. The longer they sit, the softer the cookies will become, as they absorb moisture from the cream filling.
• Freezing: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze both the cookies and the cream filling separately. Simply freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container once solid. You can do the same with the filling, storing it in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to assemble, thaw the cookies and the filling, then follow the recipe steps.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one cookie sandwich (this can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes):

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	280-300 kcal
Carbohydrates	38g
Protein	2g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sugars	23g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	80mg

Conclusion

Clementine Cream Cookie Sandwiches are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds—fragrant, zesty citrus flavors with a creamy, indulgent filling. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a get-together or simply treating yourself to something special.

Easy to make and full of fresh citrus flavor, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll be a hit in your house too!