These Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are a festive treat! With a spicy gingerbread flavor and a sweet cream filling, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings.
Every bite is like a cozy hug! I love baking a big batch and sharing them with friends. They definitely disappear fast—probably because they’re just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead. I’ve had good results with that!
Unsalted butter: Butter gives the cookies richness. You can swap it for coconut oil or dairy-free butter for a vegan alternative, but it may change the texture a bit.
Molasses: This ingredient adds depth and that classic gingerbread taste. If you’re out of molasses, honey or maple syrup can work in a pinch. However, they will alter the flavor slightly.
Spices: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is key! Feel free to adjust according to your taste; adding more ginger if you love spice, or even a little cardamom for a twist!
Cream cheese: The filling is so creamy, but you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative if you want a dairy-free version.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Perfectly Soft?
Making sure your gingerbread cookies turn out soft can be tricky but totally doable. Here’s how:
- Don’t skip chilling the dough! This helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading.
- Keep an eye on baking time. You want them just set, so they stay soft in the center.
- Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet; this helps them finish cooking without drying out.
With these tips, you’ll have a batch of delicious, soft gingerbread sandwich cookies ready for sharing! Happy baking!
Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus an additional 2 hours to chill the dough. After baking, allow about 10-15 minutes for the cookies to cool before assembling. Overall, plan for around 2 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish, making these cookies a wonderful addition to your festive baking plans!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gingerbread Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This is your spice mix! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough will be thick and deliciously aromatic.
2. Chill the Dough:
Once your dough is ready, divide it in half and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap these disks in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or even up to overnight. This helps the cookies retain their shape when baking!
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
4. Shape and Bake Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter or glass, cut the dough into 2-inch rounds. Transfer them carefully to your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Lightly sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar. Bake these lovely cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they’re set. The edges should be firm, while the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the cookies are cooling, let’s make the filling! In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until they’re smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, and beat well after each addition. Finally, add the vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is fluffy and delightful.
6. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
When the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to assemble! Take one cookie and pipe or spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling onto its bottom. Top it with another cookie to make a sandwich, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly.
7. Serve and Store:
Arrange your beautiful gingerbread sandwich cookies on a serving platter. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature so they’re perfectly soft and flavorful. Enjoy these festive treats with family and friends!
Happy baking, and enjoy these delightful Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies that fill your heart and home with holiday cheer!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Keep in mind that the cookies may be denser, so adding a bit more moisture, like an extra teaspoon of molasses, can help balance it out.
How Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and freeze them; just place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese in the Filling?
If you’re looking for an alternative, mascarpone cheese offers a similar creamy texture but a milder flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese; just adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more powdered sugar if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will stay tasty for up to 5 days. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!