Cranberry Pecan Sandwich Cookies (Printable)

Buttery cookies with cranberries, pecans, and creamy cheese filling make perfect treats.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Components

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
09 - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped

→ Cream Cheese Filling

10 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until mixture becomes light and fluffy in texture.
02 - Beat egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
03 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing only until flour streaks disappear.
05 - Fold chopped cranberries and toasted pecans into dough until evenly distributed throughout.
06 - Divide dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into rounds using 2-inch cookie cutter.
09 - Place cookie rounds on prepared baking sheets, maintaining 1-inch spacing between each.
10 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges turn light golden, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
12 - Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of filling onto flat side of half the cookies and top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tart cranberries cut through the rich butter cookies creating the most balanced bite
  • These cookies look impressive but are actually quite forgiving to make
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is non-negotiable or your cookies will spread too thin
  • Wait until cookies are completely cool before adding filling or they will slide apart
03 -
  • Use a kitchen scale for measuring flour to avoid common measuring mistakes
  • Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning

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