Homemade Chocolate Cream Sandwich Cookies

### Nara Smith’s Homemade Chocolate Cream Sandwich Cookies: A Delicious Recipe to Try

**Nara Smith**, a rising culinary star who gained widespread attention on TikTok, has captured the hearts of cookie lovers with her homemade version of a classic treat: chocolate cream sandwich cookies, reminiscent of Oreos. According to Smith, these cookies are not only visually striking, with their deep black colour contrasting beautifully against creamy filling, but they also provide a delightful balance of bitter cocoa and sweet creaminess.

In her cookbook titled *Homemade*, Smith emphasises the importance of using black cocoa powder to achieve the signature deep hue and rich flavour of these cookies. For those who may find it hard to source this ingredient locally, she suggests ordering it online, as it plays a critical role in delivering the iconic appearance and taste.

### The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before embarking on this baking adventure, gather your ingredients. For approximately 16 cookies, you will need:

– ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons of sifted black cocoa powder, plus more for rolling
– ¾ cup (about 3 ⅛ oz.) of all-purpose flour, with extra for rolling
– ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, plus an additional pinch
– ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
– 1 cup (8 oz.) of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature, divided
– 1 large egg, also at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, divided
– 1 ¼ cups of sifted powdered sugar
– Whole milk, as needed for consistency

### Step-by-Step Guide to Baking

The process of creating these indulgent cookies begins with the preparation of the cookie dough. In a small bowl, combine the black cocoa powder, flour, and half a teaspoon of salt, whisking the ingredients together before setting the mixture aside.

Next, in the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, or using a handheld mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and ½ cup of the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This should take approximately two to three minutes. Once combined, add the egg and one teaspoon of vanilla, mixing until fully integrated.

With the mixer running on a low setting, slowly introduce the cocoa-flour mixture until just combined. Care should be taken not to overmix, as this can affect the cookie’s texture.

Once the dough is formed, divide it into two equal portions, shaping each into a disc and wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the discs in the refrigerator to chill and firm up for at least one hour, or overnight for better results.

### Baking the Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, allowing it to sit for about five to eight minutes to soften slightly.

Lightly dust a piece of parchment paper with flour before rolling out the dough to a thickness of nearly a quarter of an inch. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out cookies, transferring them to the baking sheets spaced about an inch apart.

Bake the cookies for eight to ten minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through to ensure they bake evenly. It’s important to let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for around 20 minutes once out of the oven.

### Crafting the Cream Filling

While the cookies cool, you can start preparing the filling. In the stand mixer, combine the remaining ½ cup of butter, sifted powdered sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix this on medium speed until smooth and creamy, which should take about one to two minutes. If the filling seems too thick, adding a splash of milk can help achieve the desired consistency.

Once your filling is ready, transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip, or simply snip a corner of a plastic bag if you don’t have a piping bag available.

### Assembling Your Cookies

The final step involves creating the delicious cookie sandwiches. Pipe a scant tablespoon of cream onto the flat side of half of the cookies, then place the remaining cookies on top to form sandwiches.

### Storing Your Cookies

These homemade chocolate cream sandwich cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you wish to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a month.

### Conclusion

With this easy-to-follow recipe from Nara Smith, you can create delightful chocolate cream sandwich cookies that rival store-bought versions. They not only taste divine but also present beautifully, proving that homemade treats can bring joy to any occasion. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit!