Dainty Sandwich Cookies

I absolutely love these treats - decadent chocolate sandwiched between two crisp, buttery cookies. Deliciousness! And the sprinkling of salt and sugar on the tops? Pure genius! It really brings out the flavors of the cookie.

These are surprisingly easy to whip up. I like to roll my dough out between sheets of plastic wrap - I just find it to be easier. However, the dough is easy to work with, so feel free to roll them out strait on the countertop. Either way, roll some out soon : )

Dainty Sandwich Cookies

Adapted from 101 Cookbooks

Makes about 2 dozen, 1 1/2-inch cookies

2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or 12.5 oz Soft White wheat flour)

1 teaspoon baking powder

scant 1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed (or honey sucanat)

2 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon big flaky sea salt (optional)

1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional) (or honey sucanat)

6-7 ounces (I used 12 oz) dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate, chopped

additional equipment: 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter

Preheat oven to 350°, with the racks in the top third of the oven.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl. Set aside

In a separate bowl, beat butter until fluffy and creamy (by hand or with an electric mixer). Mix in sugar and scrape down bowl. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture by hand, being careful not to overmix. If dough seems dry, add the milk. Dump out dough on counter and knead it a few times so it comes together. Divide and form dough into four discs. Wrap in plastic and chill in the fridge until firm, about 30 minutes.

Roll out dough 1/8-inch thick on a floured surface (or between two pieces of plastic wrap). Stamp out using a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Place 1-inch apart on parchment lined cookie sheets. Place in fridge or freezer until well-chilled. Sprinkle with a small pinch of turbinado sugar and sea salt.

Bake for about 7 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. When cookies are cool, and you're ready to assemble the cookies, melt chocolate in double boiler, (or in a bowl placed over a pot of simmering water). Spread 1/2 teaspoon of the melted chocolate (I spread 1 tsp) on one cookie, and spread out almost to the edge. Top with another cookie and press together until chocolate is nearly coming out. Repeat with the rest of the cookies. Allow chocolate to set before transferring to an airtight container. Enjoy!