Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies: A Festive Holiday Classic
Warm spices balanced with tangy filling create unforgettable holiday treats for sharing.
Celebrate the holidays with these gingerbread sandwich cookies, a delightful treat that brings the warmth of spices and the sweetness of a creamy filling to every bite. These cookies are not only visually stunning on any holiday table but also capture the comforting flavors of gingerbread paired with a tangy, rich cream cheese filling. Whether you’re looking to create a memorable addition to a cookie platter or searching for an ideal homemade gift, this recipe delivers festive cheer in every batch.
Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
- Soft, Chewy Texture: The cookies are tender and slightly chewy, making them perfect for sandwiching a creamy filling.
- Balanced Spices: Classic spices like ginger, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and allspice evoke the essence of the holidays.
- Festive Presentation: Cut into stars or your favorite shapes, with a sparkling sugar finish, these cookies are as beautiful as they are tasty.
- Luscious Cream Cheese Filling: A smooth, subtly sweet filling adds just the right contrast to the spiced gingerbread.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the dough and the finished cookies can be prepared ahead for convenient entertaining or gifting.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
Gather these ingredients to create your own batch of festive cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp grated orange zest (optional, can reduce by half if milder flavor is preferred)
- 3/4 cup salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and orange zest until fully combined.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Molasses and Egg: With the mixer on, slowly drizzle in the molasses, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the egg and beat well until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in three batches, mixing just until combined. The dough will be dense and slightly dry.
- Chill the Dough: Divide dough in half, place each between two large pieces of plastic wrap, and roll into 1/4-inch-thick rectangles. Stack on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm—at least 1 hour, and up to 4 hours.
- Cut and Chill the Cookies: Line two baking sheets with parchment. Using a 3-inch star (or other shape) cutter, cut cookies from dough. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and gently press sugar in. Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets and refrigerate for an additional hour.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies until just set but still soft, 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. On low speed, add powdered sugar in batches, followed by vanilla and cinnamon. Beat until very creamy. Spoon filling into a large resealable bag and refrigerate.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Snip a corner off the filling bag and pipe filling onto the bottoms of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Cold dough holds its shape better, ensuring crisp edges and easy handling during cutting.
- Shape Creativity: Experiment with stars, rounds, or festive trees for a holiday motif. Smaller cutters make bite-size treats for parties.
- Uniform Thickness: Rolling the dough evenly ensures all cookies bake at the same rate for consistent results.
- Make-Ahead Options: Prepared dough can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours or frozen for a week. Baked cookies (unfilled) freeze well for later assembly.
- Serving: Dust with additional powdered sugar for a snowy finish or serve at room temperature for the best texture.
Cookie Assembly and Storage
Assembling gingerbread sandwich cookies is simple, but a few tips will help you achieve bakery-worthy results:
- Cool Cookies Completely: Only assemble with fully cooled cookies to avoid melting the filling.
- Use a Piping Bag: For neat sandwiches, use a piping bag or snipped plastic bag corner to distribute the filling evenly.
- Press Gently: When topping the filling with the second cookie, press lightly to avoid filling oozing out.
- Storage: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For the freshest texture, bring to room temperature before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Both cookie dough and cream cheese filling can be made ahead. Store dough tightly wrapped in the fridge and filling in an airtight container.
Creative Twists and Additions
- Orange Zest: The subtle citrus notes brighten the spices—try using lemon zest for a twist.
- Cranberry Sauce: Add a tiny dollop of smooth cranberry sauce for a tart element between layers.
- Alternative Fillings: Swap out cream cheese for buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a marshmallow filling for different flavors.
- Decorative Sugar: Use colored coarse sugar or edible glitter to make cookies sparkle on your table.
Nutritional Information
| Component | Amount (per cookie sandwich) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180 |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sugars | 14 g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary depending on cookie size and filling amount.
Presentation and Gifting Ideas
- Package pairs of cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful hostess gift.
- Stack cookies in decorative holiday tins with parchment paper between layers.
- Use cookie boxes for easy transport and to keep cookies fresh for gifting or parties.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze gingerbread sandwich cookies?
Unfilled cookies freeze exceptionally well for up to 2 months. Place in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container. Assemble with filling after thawing for the best texture.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking and avoid overworking the dough. Using parchment-lined baking sheets also helps cookies keep their shape.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, just add a pinch more salt to the dough and filling to balance the flavors.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store filled cookies in the fridge; layers of parchment prevent sticking. Bring to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Absolutely. The cream cheese filling can be prepared and refrigerated for up to a week. Let it soften slightly before spreading or piping between the cookies.
Final Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
- Adjust spice levels to your preference for a bolder or milder flavor.
- Use fresh spices and high-quality molasses for the richest flavor profile.
- Try sandwiching other fillings—like fruit preserves or chocolate spread—for variety.
- Decorate with icing or melted chocolate for extra flair on special occasions.
Explore More Holiday Cookie Recipes
If you love festive baking, gingerbread sandwich cookies are just the beginning! Branch out with classic sugar cookies, peppermint shortbread, or thumbprint treats. Each adds color and variety to your holiday baking traditions.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a45964077/gingerbread-cookie-sandwiches-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a45896352/gingerbread-sandwich-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/3148163/gingerbread-sandwich-cookies
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41767405/gingerbread-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g63009292/pioneer-woman-cut-out-cookie-recipes/
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