homemade sandwich cookies

We've all eaten Oreo cookies. They're definitely one of my favorite things. But do you know what aren't my favorite things? Preservatives. Chemicals. Etra nonsense inside my cookie. 
Making them at home helps you avoid all of that. Try it out for an extra special treat. 
Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp black cocoa powder, plus more for dusting 
• 3 tbsp butter melted 
• 5 tbsp softened butter 
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar 
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• 1 large egg 
• 2 tsp vanilla paste
• 1.5 cups flour 
• Vanilla Filling: 
  • 1 cup softened butter 
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar 
  • 1.5 vanilla bean paste 

Directions: 
Prepare dough 

• Mix melted butter with the black cocoa 
• In a stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar and salt until fluffy 
• Beat in cocoa mixture 
• Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined 
• Add flour and beat it until a smooth dough forms 
• Wrap in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for about an hour 
• Dust surface area with the cocoa 
• Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch 
• Use desired shape cutter and cut out your shapes 
• Reform dough and roll again until all dough is used 
• Cook for about 8-10 minutes (depends on size) 

Make filling 

• Beat butter until creamy 
• Add in confectioners sugar (small amount at a time) 
• Add paste and mix until combined 
• Pipe onto one side of the cookie and press another cookie on top
   

Recipe adapted from Bake from Scratch magazine