I love making these Boston Cream Pie Cookies when I want all the classic flavors of a traditional dessert in a soft, handheld treat. I combine tender vanilla cookies with creamy pastry filling and a glossy chocolate topping to create a cookie that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how these cookies capture the essence of Boston cream pie with their soft texture and rich layers. The smooth vanilla cream pairs perfectly with the chocolate glaze.
I also enjoy how impressive they look once assembled. Even though they seem fancy, I know they are surprisingly simple to prepare and perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cookies:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
For the cream filling:
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate topping:
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
I begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
To make the cookies, I cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I mix in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix it into the wet ingredients. I stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
I scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. I let the cookies cool completely.
For the cream filling, I heat the milk in a small saucepan until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, I whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolk. I slowly pour the warm milk into the mixture while whisking, then return everything to the saucepan. I cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. I remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. I let it cool completely.
To make the chocolate topping, I heat the heavy cream until warm and pour it over the chocolate chips. I let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
To assemble, I spoon or pipe the cream onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to form a sandwich. I spoon the chocolate glaze over the top and let it set before serving.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 12 sandwich cookies from this recipe.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Cooling and Assembly Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
I sometimes use instant vanilla pudding for a quicker filling option. When I want extra chocolate flavor, I dip the tops of the cookies fully into the glaze.
For a richer twist, I add a small splash of espresso to the chocolate topping. If I prefer a softer cookie, I slightly underbake them and allow them to finish setting while cooling.
storage/reheating
I store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Before serving, I let them sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes so the filling softens slightly. I do not recommend microwaving, as it may melt the filling and glaze.
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
I often prepare the cream filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
I avoid overbaking them and store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze Boston cream pie cookies?
I freeze the cookies without filling and assemble them after thawing for the best texture.
Can I use store-bought pudding?
I can use prepared vanilla pudding if I want to save time.
Why does my filling turn lumpy?
I whisk constantly while cooking and keep the heat moderate to prevent lumps from forming.
Conclusion
I love how these Boston Cream Pie Cookies turn a classic layered dessert into a fun and delicious handheld treat. The soft vanilla cookies, creamy filling, and smooth chocolate topping create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whenever I serve them, they always feel like a special homemade indulgence.
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Soft vanilla sandwich cookies filled with creamy pastry filling and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze, inspired by the classic Boston cream pie dessert.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- For the cream filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the chocolate topping:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients, then stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- For the filling, heat milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolk. Slowly whisk in the warm milk, then return mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool completely.
- For the chocolate topping, heat heavy cream until warm and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- To assemble, spoon or pipe cream onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie.
- Spoon chocolate glaze over the top and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake cookies to keep them soft.
- The cream filling can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated.
- For quicker preparation, use instant vanilla pudding as a substitute.
- Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow cookies to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months and assemble after thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
