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I’m not sure about you, but having the right gingerbread cookie at Christmas time is very important to me! I’ve been baking my weight in cookies this year and have really been into gingerbread, like more than ever. I’m not sure why, but I’m not going to question it! My being obsessed with something usually ends up in a baking (or cooking) spree, and you all reap the rewards of a very exciting recipe.
These Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are no exception, and my goodness, are they ever delicious. Gingerbread has a warmth and coziness to it that can’t be matched. I love a gingerbread snap, but my preference is a soft gingerbread. Now, take that soft gingerbread and fill it with cream cheese frosting and put another cookie on top; that’s what I am talking about!
These cookies are 100% amazing on their own, but it’s the holidays, so STUFF THAT COOKIE! If classic gingerbread cookies are your comfort zone, consider this the next step that you just need to take. They are still warmly spiced, deeply flavoured with molasses, and wonderfully soft, but the creamy centre takes them straight into holiday cookie territory.
These gingerbread sandwich cookies use classic pantry staples and a few thoughtful details that ensure soft, chewy results every time. Here’s what you’ll need:
These easy gingerbread sandwich cookies come together quickly and easily.
Start by creaming the butter and sugars until smooth and fully combined. Add the molasses, vanilla, and egg, and mix again until glossy and cohesive. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add them to the wet mixture and mix until no floury bits remain. The dough will feel slightly firm, and that’s exactly what you want for soft, chewy cookies.
Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into even balls. Roll each ball briefly between your hands, then coat lightly in sugar before placing it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until the cookies are just set, and the centres look baked through. Halfway through baking, remove the tray and firmly tap it against the counter; this creates those beautiful crackled tops we love on gingerbread cookies. Let the cookies rest briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the filling, cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Add the icing sugar and salt, then beat again until light and airy. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the frosting onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Once assembled, refrigerate the cookies briefly to allow the cream cheese filling to set.
This recipe yields approximately 10 sandwich cookies. If you don’t plan on filling them with the cream cheese icing, you will naturally have more cookies. This recipe can easily be doubled or triple-batched if you’re looking to make more for a crowd or want to gift them for the holidays!
These gingerbread sandwich cookies can be made in stages and are an easy recipe to make ahead. The cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. The baked cookies can also be frozen unfilled. Once assembled, store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for several days and taste even better once the flavours have had time to meld. I highly recommend making these if you’re hosting Christmas dinner. They are super festive, can be made ahead and will have everyone around the table excited for dessert!
These cookies are everything we want from holiday baking. They’re soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and layered with creamy frosting that makes them feel extra special. They look beautiful on a Christmas dessert table, and feel indulgent without being difficult to bake. They taste nostalgic and are perfect for this time of the year. If you’re looking for the best gingerbread sandwich cookies, these are truly the ones you should be making!
How do I keep gingerbread cookies soft? Molasses, brown sugar, and slightly underbaking ensure soft, chewy cookies.
Can I skip the cream cheese filling? Yes. These cookies are fantastic as classic gingerbread cookies without filling.
Can I freeze these sandwich cookies? Freeze the cookies unfilled for best results. Assemble after thawing.
Why does the dough feel firm? A firmer dough helps the cookies hold their shape and stay thick.
Don’t forget to leave a rating and review to let me know how you liked them! Here are some other delicious holiday cookies to bake next:
Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada.
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*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.
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