These Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies combine the perfect balance of warm spices and a creamy, smooth filling. The cookies are lightly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, providing a cozy and festive flavor. The cream cheese filling adds a rich and tangy contrast that makes these treats irresistible.
Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are not only delicious but also make for a wonderful gift or treat for family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a holiday tradition, these Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies will be the star of the show. The combination of spiced cookies and creamy filling ensures that every bite feels like a festive celebration.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp ground ginger
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp ground cloves
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1/2 cup molasses
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Cream Cheese Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough will be a bit sticky.
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Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8-inch thickness.
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Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes (such as circles or squares) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to firm up. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
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To make the filling, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Once the cookies have cooled, spread the cream cheese filling on the underside of one cookie and sandwich with another.
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Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies
Perfect for the Holiday Season
Gingerbread cookies are a quintessential part of holiday baking traditions, and these gingerbread sandwich cookies elevate the classic recipe with a modern twist. They are soft and chewy, which is a big difference from the often crunchy gingerbread cookies typically associated with the season. The addition of molasses gives them a rich, deep flavor, while the sweet buttercream frosting adds a smooth and creamy contrast that makes these cookies extra special.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
To ensure your gingerbread sandwich cookies turn out perfectly every time, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind. First, use a cookie scoop to help make your cookies uniform in size. This ensures that all the cookies bake evenly and fit together nicely when it comes time to make the sandwiches. Spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet will also allow the dough to spread properly during baking.
Another important tip is to not overbake your cookies. Because gingerbread dough is often darker, it can be hard to tell when the cookies are fully baked. Even if they seem soft when you remove them from the oven, they will continue to firm up on the baking sheet as they cool. Gently pressing them with a glass or measuring cup while they’re still warm will help create the perfect flat shape for assembling the sandwich cookies.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to easily make substitutions based on what you have available or any dietary restrictions. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but omit the salt in the recipe. If you are vegan or dairy-free, vegan butter can also be substituted. Similarly, if you don’t have molasses on hand, you can swap it with dark corn syrup for a slightly different flavor, though the molasses gives these cookies a distinctive taste that shouldn’t be missed.
For those who are gluten-sensitive, it’s possible to make these cookies gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the dough holds together properly.
Storage and Making Ahead
One of the best things about these gingerbread sandwich cookies is that they can be made ahead of time. The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Once baked and filled, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze well, both before and after baking. If you freeze the baked cookies, just thaw them at room temperature before filling them with the buttercream frosting.
For even more convenience, the dough can be frozen for up to a month, allowing you to bake them whenever you’re in the mood for a freshly made gingerbread treat. Just make sure to let the dough thaw to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Making Mini Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
If you’re looking for a fun twist, you can easily make mini gingerbread sandwich cookies by cutting the dough into smaller sizes. For example, using a 3/4 Tbsp cookie scoop will result in smaller cookies that bake in about 7-8 minutes. These mini cookies are perfect for party platters or for gifting in smaller packages. Just be sure to keep an eye on the baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.
Decorating Your Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
While the cookies are delicious as is, you can also get creative with decorating them. A light dusting of sanding sugar on the cookies before baking adds a delightful sparkle and extra texture. You could also dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate for a festive touch, or even drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
The buttercream filling itself can also be customized by adding a little bit of cinnamon or ginger to the frosting, giving it an extra flavor boost. For a slightly different take, try using a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the gingerbread.
Conclusion
These Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are more than just a treat – they’re a holiday tradition in the making. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas cookie exchange, a festive family gathering, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, these cookies will bring joy to your kitchen. The combination of soft, spiced gingerbread and rich buttercream filling is irresistible, and their soft yet chewy texture makes them perfect for a satisfying bite. By following these tips, variations, and storage suggestions, you’ll be able to enjoy these delicious cookies all season long.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time cookie maker, these Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday repertoire. Happy baking!