Gingerbread sandwich cookies transform the beloved holiday spice cookie into an irresistible double-decker treat that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. We’ve taken the warm aromatic flavors of traditional gingerbread and created something even more spectacular – tender spiced cookies sandwiched together with creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
These aren’t your ordinary gingerbread cookies. Our recipe delivers the perfect balance of molasses sweetness and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, while the soft texture makes them ideal for holding together with luscious cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream. They’re incredibly versatile too – you can customize the filling flavors or even dip them in chocolate for extra indulgence.
Whether you’re planning your holiday cookie exchange or simply craving something special with your afternoon coffee, these gingerbread sandwich cookies deliver bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen. They store beautifully and actually taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.
Ingredients
These gingerbread sandwich cookies require two distinct components that work together to create the perfect bite. We’ll prepare the spiced cookie base first and then create a smooth cream cheese filling that complements the warm molasses flavors.
For the Gingerbread Cookies
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
Creating perfect gingerbread sandwich cookies requires the right tools to ensure consistent results and professional-looking treats. We recommend gathering all equipment before starting to streamline your baking process.
Mixing bowls serve as our foundation for combining both wet and dry ingredients separately before bringing them together. Large bowls prevent flour clouds and give us ample space for thorough mixing.
Measuring cups and spoons guarantee precise measurements that make the difference between good cookies and exceptional ones. Accurate measurements become especially critical when working with molasses and spices.
A stand mixer or electric hand mixer makes creaming butter and brown sugar effortless while incorporating air for lighter texture. Hand mixing works but requires significantly more effort and time.
Baking sheets provide the surface for our cookies to transform in the oven. We prefer heavy-duty sheets that distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats create a non-stick surface that prevents our delicate gingerbread cookies from sticking and breaking when removed. These tools also make cleanup much simpler.
A cookie scoop measuring 1 1/2 tablespoons ensures uniform cookie sizes that bake evenly and create perfectly matched sandwich pairs. Consistent sizing also makes the final assembly process much smoother.
Finally, a piping bag or freezer ziplock bag allows us to distribute cream cheese filling evenly between cookie layers. Cutting a corner from a ziplock bag creates an improvised piping tool that works just as effectively as professional equipment.
Instructions
Now we’ll guide you through each step to create these delectable gingerbread sandwich cookies with their signature cream cheese filling. These detailed instructions will ensure perfectly spiced cookies with consistent results every time.
Prep the Cookie Dough
We begin by combining all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon orange zest until evenly distributed.
In our stand mixer bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter with ¾ cup packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add ⅓ cup molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed. Mix just until a cohesive dough forms without overworking the mixture.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
We use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into uniform balls weighing approximately 1 to 1.5 ounces each. This ensures consistent baking and professional appearance.
Roll each portion gently between your palms to create smooth, round balls. The dough should hold together well without being sticky. Place the formed dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Gently flatten each ball using a piece of parchment paper and a flat-bottomed cup or glass.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F while preparing the cookie dough. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven for even heat distribution.
Bake the cookies for 7 to 11 minutes depending on your preferred texture. For softer cookies, bake closer to 7 minutes. For slightly firmer cookies that hold up better as sandwiches, bake for 9 to 11 minutes.
Remove the cookies when the edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Cool completely before assembling the sandwiches.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons softened butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Ensure both ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
Gradually add 1½ cups powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream as needed to achieve a spreadable yet firm consistency. The filling should hold its shape when piped but spread easily when pressed between cookies.
Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Sort the cooled cookies into pairs of similar sizes for the most attractive presentation. This ensures even sandwich assembly and professional appearance.
Transfer the cream cheese filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip or use a ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe a generous dollop of filling onto the flat side of one cookie from each pair.
Gently press the second cookie on top, flat side down, until the filling spreads to the edges. Apply light pressure to avoid cracking the cookies while ensuring good adhesion.
Store assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after the first day as the cookies soften slightly and the spices meld with the creamy filling.
Storage Instructions
We know proper storage is essential for maintaining the perfect texture and flavor of our gingerbread sandwich cookies. These delightful treats require exact handling to preserve their soft texture and prevent the filling from compromising their quality.
Room Temperature Storage
Our gingerbread sandwich cookies stay fresh at room temperature for 2–3 days when stored in an airtight container. The storage duration depends on the type of filling we use, with cream cheese fillings requiring more careful handling than buttercream options. We recommend consuming the cookies at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.
Refrigerated Storage
For extended freshness, we store our sandwich cookies in the refrigerator using a tightly sealed container or plastic wrap. This method keeps the cookies fresh for up to one week while preventing the filling from spoiling.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2–3 days | Airtight container |
| Refrigerated | Up to 1 week | Sealed container or plastic wrap |
| Frozen | 1–3 months | Airtight container or freezer bag |
Before serving refrigerated cookies, we allow them to come to room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Freezing Instructions
We can freeze both baked and filled cookies for longer storage periods. Place the cookies in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen cookies maintain their quality for up to one month, though some sources indicate they can last up to three months.
When ready to serve frozen cookies, we thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature until they reach the desired softness. Alternatively, we can freeze baked unfilled cookies and add the filling after thawing and bringing them to room temperature.
Advance Preparation
Our cookie dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days before baking. We let refrigerated dough come to room temperature before baking to ensure the best results and even cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead transforms holiday baking from stressful to seamless when creating these delightful sandwich cookies. We recommend preparing your cookie dough in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This make-ahead approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully while fitting baking into busy holiday schedules.
Cookie Dough Storage: After mixing your gingerbread dough according to our recipe instructions, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerated dough maintains optimal texture and becomes easier to handle when slightly chilled. For longer storage, we freeze portioned dough balls or rolled logs in freezer bags for extended periods.
Freezing Options: When freezing dough, we portion it into individual cookie-sized balls before storing. This method eliminates the need for thawing entire batches. Simply remove desired amounts from the freezer and allow them to thaw slightly before baking. The texture remains consistent with freshly made dough.
Baked Cookie Storage: Unfilled gingerbread cookies store exceptionally well at room temperature in airtight containers for 3-4 weeks. We often prepare large batches of cookies weeks before assembling sandwiches. Store filled cookies in the refrigerator to maintain frosting integrity and prevent spoilage.
Assembly Timing: We recommend baking cookies one day and assembling sandwiches the next. This approach allows cookies to achieve perfect texture while giving you manageable preparation stages. Filled sandwich cookies actually improve in flavor after 24 hours of storage as the filling slightly softens the cookies.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie Dough (Refrigerated) | 2-3 days | Airtight container |
| Unfilled Cookies (Room Temperature) | 3-4 weeks | Airtight container |
| Filled Cookies (Refrigerated) | Best quality | Airtight container |
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving gingerbread sandwich cookies at room temperature to fully appreciate their soft texture and complex spice flavors. The cookies taste best when they reach room temperature naturally after storage since this allows the filling to soften and the spices to bloom.
Temperature and Timing
Allow refrigerated cookies to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This brief warming period ensures the cream cheese filling reaches optimal consistency and the gingerbread cookies achieve their signature tender bite. We find that cookies served too cold lack the aromatic punch that makes these treats so memorable.
Beverage Pairings
Hot beverages create the perfect complement to these spiced sandwich cookies. We suggest pairing them with freshly brewed coffee to balance the molasses sweetness with rich caffeine notes. Black tea offers another excellent option since its mild astringency cuts through the creamy filling beautifully. For non-caffeinated choices consider warm spiced cider or hot chocolate to enhance the winter spice experience.
Presentation Ideas
Display these cookies on a decorative platter or tiered serving tray for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. We arrange them with the filling sides facing up to showcase the attractive contrast between the dark gingerbread and pale cream cheese filling. Fresh mint sprigs or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal without overwhelming the cookies’ natural beauty.
Portion Considerations
Serve one to two cookies per person as these treats are quite rich and satisfying. The generous cream cheese filling makes them more substantial than typical cookies. We recommend cutting larger cookies in half for children or when serving alongside other desserts at holiday parties.
Special Occasion Serving
These cookies shine at cookie exchanges where their homemade appearance and bakery-quality taste impress other bakers. We package individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gift giving. For buffet-style serving arrange cookies on parchment-lined trays to prevent sticking and maintain their pristine appearance throughout the event.
Conclusion
These gingerbread sandwich cookies prove that traditional holiday flavors can be elevated into something truly extraordinary. We’ve shown you how to create bakery-quality treats that combine the warm comfort of classic gingerbread with the indulgence of creamy fillings.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a special treat with your morning coffee. The make-ahead options and storage tips we’ve shared ensure you can enjoy these cookies whenever the mood strikes.
With their perfect balance of spice and sweetness these sandwich cookies are destined to become a cherished addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They’re more than just cookies – they’re edible memories waiting to be made.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes gingerbread sandwich cookies different from regular gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread sandwich cookies feature two soft, spiced cookies filled with creamy frosting like cream cheese or vanilla buttercream. Unlike traditional single gingerbread cookies, these double-decker treats offer a perfect balance of molasses sweetness, warming spices, and rich filling, creating a more indulgent dessert experience.
How long do gingerbread sandwich cookies stay fresh?
At room temperature, store the cookies in an airtight container for 2-3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for 1-3 months. The cookies actually improve in flavor after one day of storage as the spices meld together.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, cookie dough can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors develop. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze portioned dough balls for future baking.
What equipment do I need to make gingerbread sandwich cookies?
Essential equipment includes mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, heavy-duty baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, a cookie scoop for uniform sizing, and a piping bag or ziplock bag for filling application.
What’s the best way to serve gingerbread sandwich cookies?
Serve at room temperature to fully appreciate their soft texture and complex spice flavors. If refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Pair with coffee, black tea, spiced cider, or hot chocolate for the perfect complement to the warm spices.
Can I customize the filling in gingerbread sandwich cookies?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is popular, you can use vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or other creamy fillings. The cookies are also delicious dipped in chocolate. Customize the filling to match your taste preferences or the occasion.
How should I store assembled gingerbread sandwich cookies?
Store assembled cookies in an airtight container. Room temperature storage works for 2-3 days, but refrigeration is recommended for longer storage, especially with cream cheese fillings. Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
