
There’s something magical about a root beer float. The bubbly sweet concoction that fizzes when poured over several scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream. Which is funny because I drink root beer on its own maybe twice a year, usually when I need a drink on the go. Even then, I don’t choose it unless my only other choice is Pepsi or Mountain Dew. But pour it over ice cream, and I’m all in. Of course, root beer floats aren’t exactly take-along treats, especially out in the hot sun. Last year I made cupcakes. This year I made Root Beer Float Sandwich Cookies – two chewy cookies reminiscent of root beer with vanilla cream in the middle. I’m bringing these babies to our #SundaySupper Summer BBQ event.

I wonder who thought of root beer floats. Did that person think “hey what if I mixed together root beer and vanilla ice cream?” Or maybe it was a happy accident where someone knocked root beer into a bowl of ice cream. I need to shake that person’s hand for inventing it.

A little secret – there is no actual root beer in these cookies. You’re familiar with vanilla extract, yes? I used root beer extract for the flavor. McCormick is the brand I’ve seen most, which you can buy at Walmart in store or online at Amazon. It smells and looks just like root beer.

For the filling, I scraped a vanilla bean pod into the buttercream because I wanted that authentic vanilla bean ice cream flavor and look (although substituting vanilla extract works the same). If you’re feeling really adventurous and don’t have anywhere to go, use a scoop of ice cream to make ice cream sandwiches.

Root Beer Float Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon root beer extract
Vanilla Filling
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Beat in the egg then add the root beer extract. Gradually beat in the flour mixture.
- Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop cookie dough onto the cookie sheets (roughly 1 1/2 inch balls). Bake 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Cool for a few minutes then remove to cooling racks to cool completely.
- For the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar and butter until combined. Add the cream and beat until smooth and creamy. Scrape in the vanilla bean (or add vanilla extract) and beat another minute to combine.
- Spread some of the filling onto one cookie; top with another cookie. Repeat until all of sandwiches are made. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
© Chocolate Moosey. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please rewrite it in your own words or link back to the post for the recipe.
Source: Adapted from Taste Of Home
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If you enjoyed these Root Beer Float Sandwich Cookies, you may also like these other recipes from me:
Debra Elliott says
So yummy in my tummy! Stopping by from #SundaySupper. Happy BBQ
Carla says
Thanks Debra!
Debra Elliott says
Thanks for stopping by too!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
What a great idea! I just love your cookies!! These would be a sure hit!!
Carla says
Thanks Jennifer!
[email protected] & Trinkets says
These cookies are so perfect! I kind of want to give them a hug.
Carla says
Group hug!
Renee says
A friend of mine always orders root beer when we go out for pizza. I’ll have to surprise him with these cookies one day. His birthday is coming up soon…
Carla says
Yes, they make a great birthday treat! I’m sure he’ll love them.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
This recipe is al sorts of brilliant!! Root beer is my favorite!
Carla says
Then you’ll definitely enjoy these cookies!
Emily @ Life on Food says
These look so cute and I love the idea. Root beer floats. I haven’t had one of those in years.
Carla says
Funny. I just had one the other day ;)
Helene D'souza says
Root beer extract? I have never seen that before. I wonder if that is available in Europe. Imagine what else one could make with this. I d for sure start with your sandwich cookies anyway Carla ;)
Carla says
Hmm not sure! I hope you can find some, if not McCormick then maybe a different brand. Hint – you can also make my root beer float cupcakes with the extract ;) And fudge.
Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says
My husband is a root beer FREAK…he would adore these! Next time I turn the oven on, I’ll surprise him with a batch of these fun cookies!!
Carla says
Then he’ll definitely freak out over these cookies haha
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
I love these cookies!!! I have to make them – rootbeer floats are a favorite around here.
Carla says
I have a feeling these cookies will be the new favorite ;)
Laura Dembowski says
These cookies look absolutely amazing! Never thought of root beer cookies. I always love a good sandwich cookie too, because then it means I get too cookies :)
Carla says
I like the way you think :)
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
Root Beer Floats scream summer to me. These cookie sandwiches sounds amazing. So pretty!
Carla says
Thanks Shannon!
Tieghan says
What an awesome post!! I need to play catch up today on all my blog reading! Looks like so awesome stuff has been posted!
Carla says
Haha yea I’ve been quite busy :)
Tara says
I have never seen root beer extract before. I will have to keep an eye open for it. My daughter would go crazy for these!!
Carla says
Hmm hopefully you can find some in Canada!
Rachel @ Runner's Tales says
I love root beer floats and now I really want one! These cookies are perfect for a Summer BBQ.
Carla says
Thanks Rachel!
Liz says
My family like any cookie where there is frosting involved. And the daughter is a huge root beer fan. I’m going to have to track down some extract :)
Carla says
Sounds like a winner in your family!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
Okay, so I’m a little nervous about root beer in cookies, but I love root beer so I know I’d love them. So, just for tests and stuff, you should probably send me a dozen.
Carla says
Don’t be nervous! I better send you a test batch, just in case.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
I think it was probably an accident. Though I never had one, they way it´s described, I can´t wait to try it. The cookie idea is extraordinary Carla! So clever. And I love the color of those cookies.
Carla says
I bet so too. It’s such an odd combination, yet they work beautifully together.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Oh. My. Heavens! These have me drooling. I need to get me some of that extract.
Carla says
Yes you do! Stat!
Heather @ Snookies Cakes says
Those look so good. I love root beer and now I want to go out and get one!
Carla says
I’m out of root beer and cookies. Let’s go!
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
Genius! Classic flavor combo. I want, I want!
Carla says
Thanks Dorothy!
madscar says
Uaaau this is amazing:) Love it!
Carla says
Thanks!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
These are calling my name hard core! And now I’m craving a root beer float!
Carla says
Me too! And I’m out of root beer (and cookies). We better go to the store.
Family Foodie says
This is such a neat idea! I’ve never heard of root beer extract, but these sound heavenly!
Carla says
It’s fun to bake with! You definitely try it out sometime.
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
These look INCREDIBLE. I love your photos and the flavors of this must just be outta this world. Nothing like a portable ice cream float!
Sarah Reid, CNP (@jo_jo_ba) says
We used to be able to find root beer extract around here but no more :-(. LOVE the cookies though
Katie says
These look like dessert goodness indeed! I love a sandwich cookie, and yours sound splendid!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Even though I adore root beer I am always a little skeptical about root beer cooked into things. But the few I have tried I’ve loved so I should give these a shot sometime!
Diana @EatMoveShine says
Fun recipe!!! And love the tip on root beer extract… I had no idea it existed! ;-)
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I love root beer floats! These sound soooo good!
Andi says
I just made these. Using my 1.5T cookie scoop, I got 22 cookie sandwiches. The cookies did not rise or spread and are quite dense. They pack a root beer punch that had my teenage son smiling and antsy for them to cool enough to put the frosting on. I am sure the batch will be gone by the end of the weekend!
Carla says
Are you sure you don’t mean 22 individual cookies, 11 cookie sandwiches?
Andi says
Nope! 22 sandwiches – 44 cookies! The pictures on this page look flatter than mine. No spreading or rising at all. They taste GREAT!!! Here is a picture of mine. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151811250085907&set=a.72936875906.106208.728140906&type=1&theater¬if_t=like
Kara Mathys @Wellnessgrit says
These Sandwich Cookies looks so zesty and tasty! Absolutely love your creative idea! Thanks for sharing!
Carla says
Thanks, Kara! Let me know if you try them.
Monisa says
My husband loved these too much that I had to make it again.
Thank You so much for sharing these lovely cookies recipe with us.
Thanks once again
Carla says
Oh wonderful! Glad you both loved the cookies.
Rimmy says
They made the house smell wonderful and they do taste exactly like a root beer float. These take some time to make but they are certainly worth it. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Malissa says
I’m an extract collector from way back, I love the flavor boost they give, especially in baked goods…these cookies are ingenious, I’ve never tried root beer extract!
Carla says
Oh extract collector? That sounds fun! What’s the most unique flavor you have?