Ingredients:
For the cookies:
· 1 ½ all-purpose flour
· 1/3 cup cocoa powder
· 1 teaspoon baking powder
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
· 1 cup sugar, divided
· 1/2 cup brown sugar
· 1 large egg, at room temperature
· 1 Tablespoon milk
· 2 teaspoons vanilla
· 1 Tablespoon red food coloring
· Chocolate candies of choice, like kisses/hugs or filled heart candies
· Sprinkles of choice
For the frosting:
· 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
· 8 ounces butter, softened
· 2 teaspoons vanilla
· 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (more or less as needed)
Instructions:
1. Make the cookie dough: Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
2. With a mixer, beat the butter, sugar and the brown sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time and mix until combined. Add milk, and vanilla and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
3. On low speed, slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Finally, beat in the food coloring. Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 2-3 days.
4. Meanwhile, make the cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until combined. Add sugar and beat until frosting is light and fluffy, 5–7 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
6. Assemble the cookies: Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If the cookie dough chilled longer than 3-4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This makes the cookie dough easier to scoop and roll. Roll cookie dough, 1 tablespoon each for full-size cookies and 1 teaspoon for mini cookies, into balls. Using a flat-bottomed glass or cup, press down onto dough balls until flat. If you need, lightly oil or butter the glass or cup to prevent sticking.
7. Bake for 5-6 minutes or until edges appear set. Centers will look soft.
8. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3, then gently press candies onto half of the cookies. These will be the tops of your cookie sandwich.
9. Flip over the bottom cookies so that the flat side will be the inside of your sandwich. Using a pastry bag or spreader, add cream cheese frosting to the middle. Gently press the top cookie down, being careful not to crack them. Sprinkle decorations on the exposed sides of the frosting so that it sticks or roll in sprinkles. Enjoy!
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