Name: Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned into measuring cups); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sugar for rolling; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup butter (softened); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something about the holiday season that truly warms the heart, and what better way to embrace that warmth than with a batch of Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies? I remember the first time I made these cookies; it was a chilly afternoon, and the scent of spices filled my kitchen, transporting me to a cozy, festive wonderland. The rich aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses wafted through the air, creating an atmosphere that was simply magical. I could hardly wait to take that first bite of these delightful treats, sandwiched together with creamy frosting. Each cookie had a perfect balance of soft and chewy textures, and they quickly became a holiday favorite in my household.

As the years went by, I found myself making these cookies with my family, turning it into a cherished tradition. We would gather around the table, rolling the dough into balls, dusting them with sugar, and laughing together as we eagerly awaited our sweet creations to bake. The joy these Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies brought us was not just about the delicious flavors but also the memories we created along the way. They ended up being more than just cookies; they became a symbol of togetherness and love.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, sharing treats with friends, or simply indulging in a sweet moment alone, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. So, why not whip up a batch of Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies today? I’m confident they will add a touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Oven, Whisk, Baking Sheet

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Festive Flavor Explosion

The delightful combination of spices in these Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies is a flavor explosion that captures the essence of the holidays. Each bite is infused with the warmth of cinnamon, the zing of ginger, and a hint of cloves, wrapping you in cozy feelings. The spices not only taste amazing but also create an inviting aroma that fills your home with festive cheer.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies aren’t just for Christmas; their delightful taste makes them perfect for any winter gathering. Whether it’s a holiday party or a simple family gathering, serving Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies will impress your guests. They’re versatile and can even be decorated for different occasions, making them a fun treat year-round.

Fun for Everyone

Baking these cookies can be a fun family activity. Kids love rolling the dough and decorating the cookies, making it a fantastic way to spend quality time together. You can even turn it into a friendly competition to see who can create the most beautiful sandwich cookie!

Customization Galore

One of the best parts about Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies is that they can be easily customized. You can try different fillings like cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even flavored icing. This versatility allows you to get creative and tailor the cookies to suit your taste or the preferences of your loved ones.

Make Ahead and Freeze

Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also store well. You can make the dough ahead of time, chill it, and even freeze the baked cookies for later enjoyment. This makes them an excellent choice for busy holiday seasons when you want to have treats ready at a moment’s notice.

Satisfying Sweetness

The sweetness of the cream cheese filling perfectly complements the flavorful spice of the gingerbread cookies. The balance between the slight tanginess of the frosting and the sweet, spiced cookies creates a taste experience that is simply irresistible. Every bite leaves you wanting more!

What to Buy for Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

When it comes to making mouthwatering Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies, the quality of ingredients matters. Each component plays a critical role in creating the perfect cookie, balancing flavors and achieving the ideal texture. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich base that is both comforting and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and helps achieve a tender cookie.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor.
1 egg: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
1/4 cup molasses: Adds depth of flavor and that classic gingerbread taste.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cups: Forms the structure of the cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a light texture.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Infuses a warm, spicy flavor.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives the cookies their distinct gingerbread flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a sweet and slightly bitter complexity.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1/2 cup sugar for rolling: Coats the cookie balls for a beautiful finish.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base for the delicious frosting.
1/4 cup butter, softened: Adds creaminess to the frosting.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection.

Making This Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Creating Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and festive cheer. Let’s dive into the steps to make these delicious treats together!

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. The smell of that hot oven will start to build anticipation for the delicious cookies that are about to come out.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon if you’re feeling strong!
Add in 1 egg and 1/4 cup of molasses, mixing until fully combined. The molasses will add not only sweetness but also that deep, rich color characteristic of gingerbread. Take a moment to enjoy the wonderful aroma filling the air!
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This combination of dry ingredients will ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the cookies.
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but that’s just perfect for rolling!
Roll the dough into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter and then roll each ball in 1/2 cup of sugar for rolling. This will create a lovely sugary crust on the outside of each cookie, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are at least 2 inches apart. This is important because the cookies will spread while baking, so allow them space to grow!
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to bake a little while cooling on the sheets, achieving that perfect texture.
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they set up just right, making them easy to frost!
For the frosting, combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and 2 cups of powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Whip the mixture until fluffy and creamy. You won’t believe how delicious this frosting is!
To assemble your Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies, take one cookie, spread a generous layer of frosting on the bottom, and then gently press another cookie on top. Repeat with the remaining cookies!
Once your sandwich cookies are complete, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed immediately or after the flavors meld for a day or two!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make rolling easier.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before creaming them together. This helps create a smooth, creamy frosting.
Cookie Thickness: Adjust the size of the cookie balls depending on how thick or thin you want your cookies. Larger balls will yield thicker cookies, while smaller balls will make them thinner.
Frosting Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your frosting, such as adding lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist.

Tips and Tricks about Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

When it comes to mastering the art of Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies, there are plenty of tips to ensure your baking experience is enjoyable and successful. Let’s explore some useful insights!

Storage: For optimal freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their soft texture.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to three months. Just roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa or spiced tea, making them perfect for cozy gatherings.
Decorate for the Season: Get creative with decorations—add sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate to make them even more festive!
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough slightly. You can also use less frosting for a lighter treat.

Serving This Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

When it comes to serving Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy them! Here are some ideas:

Holiday Parties: Serve these cookies as part of a festive dessert table at your holiday gatherings. They’ll surely be a hit!
Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative box or tin as homemade gifts for friends and family. Everyone will appreciate the personal touch.
Winter Treats: These cookies are perfect for cozy winter evenings. Pair them with warm drinks for a comforting treat.
Cookie Decorating Parties: Invite friends over for a cookie decorating party. It’s a fun way to enjoy the holiday season together!
Seasonal Display: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter or cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece during holiday meals.
Snack Time: Enjoy them as a sweet snack throughout the day. They’re a delightful pick-me-up anytime!

FAQ

While you can use whole wheat flour, it may alter the texture slightly. The cookies might turn out denser, so you could consider mixing half all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a better balance.

If stored in an airtight container, the Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into balls, and freeze them for up to three months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

If cream cheese frosting isn’t your favorite, feel free to use buttercream or even whipped cream for a lighter option. The flavors will still complement the cookies perfectly!

Conclusion

The Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are a beautiful blend of festive flavors and delightful textures, making them a must-try for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season. I encourage you to gather your loved ones in the kitchen and create these delightful treats together; it’s an experience you’ll cherish. With their spicy sweetness and creamy filling, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home!