Festive Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Festive holiday baking reaches new heights with these gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches that weave warm spices into a delightful winter treat.

Rich molasses and fragrant ginger create a tantalizing base for these delectable sandwich cookies.

The crackly exterior gives way to a soft, tender center that melts in your mouth.

vanilla bean frosting adds a luxurious creamy layer between two perfectly spiced cookies.

Each bite brings a symphony of seasonal flavors that dance across your palate.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this charming dessert that promises to become a cherished tradition.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of holiday cheer and bake a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 22

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure for cookies, choose unbleached flour for better texture and richer flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps cookies stay moist, opt for dark brown sugar for more intense flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Classic warming spices that create authentic gingerbread flavor, use freshly ground spices for maximum aroma.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent that helps cookies rise and spread perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.

• Molasses: Signature gingerbread ingredient that provides rich, deep flavor and dark color, select unsulphured molasses for best taste.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients smoothly, whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky texture and adds richness, use high-quality unsalted butter for consistent results.

• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Creates signature crinkle cookie exterior and sweet coating, use fresh, fine-textured sugar.
• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for frosting, select full-fat cream cheese for best consistency.
• Softened Butter: Helps create smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Delivers intense vanilla flavor with beautiful specks, choose pure vanilla bean paste for authentic taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting, sift to prevent lumps.

Tools for Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting

• Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer: Essential for perfectly mixing cookie dough and frosting.
• Paddle Attachment: Helps combine ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Cookie Scoop: Creates uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheets: Provides even surface for baking cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for chilling cookie dough.
• Spatula or Fork: Useful for mixing and incorporating ingredients.
• Piping Bag or Offset Spatula: Helps spread frosting between cookies neatly.

How to Assemble Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting

• Dough Foundation

Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a fragrant spice blend that hints at cozy winter mornings. Combine flour, brown sugar, and warm spices until perfectly blended.

• Butter Integration

Break cold butter into the dry mixture, working it gently with fingertips until the texture resembles soft, crumbly sand. This step brings richness and depth to the cookie base.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in molasses and milk, transforming the crumbly mixture into a cohesive dough. Let the mixer work its magic, blending ingredients into a smooth, aromatic consistency.

• Chilling Pause

Wrap the dough in plastic and rest it in the refrigerator. This cooling period allows flavors to meld and develop a more intense spice profile.

• Sugar Coating

Roll chilled dough into delicate balls, then generously roll each in a sparkling sugar bath. The double coating creates a beautiful crackled exterior that looks like a winter wonderland.

• Baking Transformation

Bake cookies until edges are crisp and centers softly set. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible warm, spicy aroma that promises delicious treats.

• Creamy Filling

Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky smooth frosting, infusing it with delicate vanilla bean essence. Generously sandwich between two cookies, creating a decadent flavor explosion.

Tips to Improve Texture and Spice in Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches

• Swap ground cloves with nutmeg for a milder spice profile that still delivers warm, festive flavors.
• Prepare cookie dough ahead and freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for quick holiday baking anytime.
• Sprinkle crushed candied ginger or chopped pecans on frosting edges for extra crunch and visual appeal that elevates the sandwich cookies.
• Replace butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing delicious taste.
• Adjust ginger and cinnamon quantities to create a more intense or subtle warming sensation, perfect for personalizing the cookie's flavor intensity.

How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Frosting

• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange these delightful cookie sandwiches on a festive cake stand with a dusting of powdered sugar, creating an eye-catching display perfect for Christmas gatherings.
• Gourmet Gift Packaging: Stack several cookie sandwiches in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic ribbon, making an elegant homemade present for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Complementary Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside warm spiced chai tea or rich hot chocolate to enhance the gingerbread's warm, comforting spices and create a cozy winter treat experience.
• Dessert Platter Enhancement: Include these cookie sandwiches as part of a larger holiday dessert spread, nestled between other seasonal treats like peppermint bark and sugar cookies for visual and flavor variety.

Storing Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches

• Smart Cookie Storage Strategy: These delightful sandwich cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Layer between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful crackle texture.
• Cookie Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cookie sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll remain delicious for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for optimal taste and texture.
• Make-Ahead Dough Brilliance: Cookie dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling and coating.
• Frosting Freshness Tip: Cream cheese frosting remains perfect when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. For best results, bring to room temperature and gently re-whip before using to restore its fluffy consistency.

Festive Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Festive gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches with vanilla bean frosting celebrate winter’s warm spices and sweet memories. Rich molasses cookies embrace creamy filling, offering a delightful holiday treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2.25 cups (532 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup + 1 tbsp (127 g) cold, unsalted butter
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 0.67 cup (133 g) firmly packed brown sugar
• 0.5 cup (170 g) unsulphured molasses
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 0.5 tsp ground cloves
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsps milk
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• Granulated sugar (for rolling)
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Blend flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, baking soda, and ground cloves in a mixing bowl until spices and sugar are evenly distributed.
2. Butter Integration: Cut cold butter into dry mixture using fingertips or pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse, pebble-like sand.
3. Dough Formation: Mix molasses and milk into the ingredients at low speed, creating a cohesive dough with consistent moisture.
4. Dough Chilling: Form dough into a compact disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour to intensify flavors and firm the mixture.
5. Baking Preparation: Line baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350°F for optimal baking conditions.
6. Cookie Shaping and Coating: Scoop chilled dough into small spheres, roll first in granulated sugar, then completely coat with powdered sugar.
7. Baking Process: Arrange sugar-coated cookie balls on prepared sheets with sufficient spacing, bake for 10-12 minutes until edges crisp and centers set.
8. Cooling and Stabilization: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for two minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese and butter until silky, gradually blend in powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste to create smooth, creamy filling.
10. Sandwich Assembly: Pipe or spread vanilla bean frosting on cooled cookie’s surface, gently press matching cookie on top to complete the sandwich.
11. Serving and Storage: Enjoy immediately or preserve in airtight container to maintain freshness and delectable quality of gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches.

Notes

• Chill Dough Effectively: Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour to intensify spice flavors and prevent spreading during baking, ensuring dense and rich cookies.
• Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cookies generously in granulated sugar first, then completely coat with powdered sugar to create the signature crinkle effect and beautiful snow-like appearance.
• Precise Baking Window: Watch cookies carefully between 10-12 minutes, removing when edges are slightly crisp but centers remain soft to guarantee a tender, chewy texture.
• Frosting Consistency Matters: Whip cream cheese and butter until ultra-smooth before adding powdered sugar, ensuring a silky, spreadable filling that complements the spiced cookie perfectly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg