Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Makes about 2 dozen sandwich cookies

Cookie Dough:
1¾     cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
½       teaspoon kosher salt
16     tablespoons (2 sticks; ½ pound)
          European-style, unsalted butter,
          room temperature and cut into
8        pieces
⅓       cup granulated sugar
¼       cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
½       teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2        large egg yolks, room temperature
1        cup freeze-dried strawberries,
          finely ground and sifted*
Strawberry Filling:
4        tablespoons unsalted butter,
           room temperature
2        ounces cream cheese,
          room temperature
2        cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
          pinch kosher salt
2        tablespoons whole milk,
          room temperature
¼       teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½       cup freeze-dried strawberries,
          finely ground and sifted 

Nutritional information per cookie sandwich:
Calories 201 (47% from fat) • carb. 25g • pro. 1g fat 10g • sat. fat 7g • chol. 43mg • sod. 57mg calc. 8mg • fiber 1g

1. Put the flour and salt in a medium mixing
bowl. Mix on Speed 1 to fully combine,
about 30 seconds. Reserve.
2. Put the butter into a large mixing bowl.
Mix on Speeds 2 to 3 until creamy, then
add the sugars and vanilla extract. Mix on
Speeds 2 to 3 until light, then add the egg
yolks and mix until combined. Add the
dry ingredients and mix on Speed 2 until
evenly incorporated. Add the ground
strawberries and mix until fully combined.
3. Divide dough into two discs. Wrap in wax
paper/parchment, then wrap well in plastic
wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
4. Take dough out of fridge to soften slightly.
Preheat oven to 350°F with two racks
in the lower and upper middle positions.
Line two rimmed baking sheets with
parchment paper.
5. Roll dough out to ¼-inch thickness and
use a 1½-inch round cutter to form small
discs. Put onto baking sheets and chill for
about 10 minutes.
6. Bake chilled cookies for about 12 minutes,
until just set, rotating pans if necessary –
you want to avoid browning of any kind.
Cool cookies completely.
7. While cookies are cooling, prepare the
filling. Put the butter and cream cheese
into a large mixing bowl. Mix on Speeds
2 to 3 to soften and fully combine,
about 1 minute. Add the sugar, salt, milk,
and vanilla extract and mix on Speeds
1 to 3 until light and fluffy. Add the ground
strawberries and mix on Speed 1 until
fully combined.
8. Once cookies are fully cooled, scoop
filling onto the bottom of one cookie, about
1 tablespoon, and then top with another
cookie to make a sandwich. Repeat with
remaining cookies.
* A spice or coffee grinder is the best way to
achieve the finest grind.