Rose Sandwich Cookies bring together soft red velvet texture, piped rosette beauty, and a creamy buttercream center that feels right at home on any dessert table. This recipe focuses on flavor, presentation, and ease, so you can create bakery-style cookies without stress. Whether you enjoy Valentine’s baking or want a fancy cookie recipe that stands out, these Rose Sandwich Cookies deliver both style and comfort in every bite.
Rose Sandwich Cookies shine because they balance cocoa richness with gentle sweetness, while the piped rose shape adds a decorative finish that looks far more complicated than it is. With simple ingredients and quick baking time, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing visual appeal.
Story & Introduction
I first fell in love with Rose Sandwich Cookies while experimenting with piped cookie dough for special occasions. After making spritz-style cookies for holidays, I realized this red velvet version deserved its own spotlight. Rose Sandwich Cookies work beautifully for romantic dinners, showers, and cookie exchanges, especially when you want something more refined than a basic drop cookie. The deep red color, subtle cocoa flavor, and smooth filling create a cookie that feels thoughtful and intentional. Over time, Rose Sandwich Cookies became my go-to when I wanted a Red velvet sandwich cookie that looked polished yet stayed approachable for home bakers.
Print
Rose Sandwich Cookies
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rose Sandwich Cookies are soft red velvet piped cookies shaped like roses and sandwiched with a sweet marshmallow buttercream filling, perfect for special occasions and elegant dessert tables.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1 3/4 cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Marshmallow buttercream for filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the shortening and sugar in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time on medium-low speed until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and red gel food coloring.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Add up to 1/4 cup additional buttermilk if the dough feels too dry.
- Transfer small amounts of dough to a piping bag fitted with a 1M or 2D tip.
- Pipe small rosettes onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until set but still slightly soft on top.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before filling.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of marshmallow buttercream onto one cookie and top with another to form a sandwich.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to maintain proper dough consistency.
- Do not overbake, as the cookies should remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before sandwiching to prevent melting the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Ingredients
These Rose Sandwich Cookies rely on pantry staples combined with cocoa and buttermilk for classic red velvet flavor, and careful measuring keeps the dough pipeable while holding its shape during baking.
-
2/3 cup shortening
-
1 3/4 cups white sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/4 cup buttermilk, plus up to 1/4 cup more if needed
-
1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
This process moves quickly, so having ingredients measured and ready helps maintain smooth workflow and consistent dough texture.
Preparing the Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, then measure all ingredients precisely to maintain the dough’s structure. Cream the shortening and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to avoid overworking. Combine vanilla, buttermilk, and red gel coloring until evenly blended, and whisk dry ingredients separately to prevent cocoa clumps before mixing everything together gently.
Cooking Instructions
Transfer small amounts of dough into a piping bag fitted with a 1M or 2D tip, then pipe tight rosettes onto prepared baking sheets with space between each cookie. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, watching closely as the cookies should look slightly soft on top when done. Cool completely on the baking sheet before moving to prevent breakage and maintain shape.
Tips for Perfect Results
Small adjustments make a noticeable difference in texture, color, and final appearance of Rose Sandwich Cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid adding too much liquid at once, since overly soft dough spreads and loses the rose definition. Skipping parchment paper can cause sticking, and overbaking dries out the cookies, so remove them while they still appear slightly glossy on the surface.
Pro Tips for Better Flavor
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to maintain dough consistency, and allow cookies to cool fully before filling to prevent melting. A smooth Buttercream filling balances the cocoa flavor and adds contrast without overpowering the cookie itself.
Serving and Storage
These cookies hold their shape well and stay attractive for events, making them ideal for gifting or entertaining.
How to Serve
Serve Rose Sandwich Cookies at room temperature on a flat platter to show off the rosette design. They pair nicely with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, and fit naturally into dessert spreads for celebrations or romantic dinners.

How to Store Leftovers
Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, separating layers with parchment paper. Let them sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving to restore softness and flavor.
Conclusion
Rose Sandwich Cookies combine elegance with simplicity, offering a dessert that feels special without requiring complicated steps. With their red velvet base and creamy center, they invite you to slow down, pipe carefully, and enjoy the process as much as the final result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before piping so it flows smoothly through the tip.
Why do my cookies lose their shape while baking?
This usually happens when the dough contains too much liquid or becomes overmixed. Keeping additions gradual and piping small rosettes helps maintain structure.
What filling works best for sandwiching these cookies?
Marshmallow buttercream works well because it stays light and spreads easily, but classic vanilla buttercream also complements the cocoa flavor nicely.
Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.