Quick & Jolly Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches bring warmth and nostalgia to festive dessert tables with their irresistible charm.

Sweet spices dance through soft, crackly exteriors that promise delightful textures in every bite.

Delicate vanilla bean frosting reinvents these classic cookies into an elegant culinary experience that elevates traditional holiday treats.

Intricate networks of sugar-dusted cracks hint at the rich, molasses-infused interior waiting to surprise you.

Soft, pillowy surfaces create a visual contrast against the intense, complex flavor profile nestled within each cookie.

Winter celebrations become more magical when these delectable sandwich cookies grace your plate.

Rich aromatics and nuanced sweetness combine to create a memorable dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Why Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting Are So Fun

• Spice up Your Holiday Cheer: These gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches burst with warm, comforting spices that instantly transport you to cozy winter moments.
• Master a Showstopping Dessert: The dramatic crinkle texture and powdered sugar coating create a stunning visual effect that looks professionally bakery-made, yet remains surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Creamy Vanilla Indulgence: The luscious vanilla bean cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the robust gingerbread cookies, adding a smooth, luxurious element that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Stress-Free Baking Adventure: With straightforward steps and make-ahead potential, these cookie sandwiches are beginner-friendly and ideal for holiday gatherings, allowing even novice bakers to create impressive treats without complicated techniques.

What Goes into Gingerbread Crinkle Sandwich Cookies

Main Cookie Ingredients:

Flour: Foundational dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread cookies.

Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create a soft, moist cookie texture.

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, crumbly cookie base.

Spice Blend:

Cinnamon, Ginger, Ground Cloves: Classic warm spices that give traditional gingerbread its distinctive, cozy flavor profile.

Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the cookies.

Moisture and Binding Ingredients:

Molasses: Signature gingerbread ingredient that delivers deep, rich flavor and dark color.

Milk: Helps bind the dough and adds slight moisture to the cookie mixture.

Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps cookies rise and creates a soft texture.

Coating and Finishing Ingredients:

Granulated Sugar: Creates a sweet outer coating and helps with cookie surface texture.

Powdered Sugar: Provides a classic crinkle cookie appearance and additional sweetness.

Frosting Ingredients:

Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for the sandwich cookie filling.

Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds intense, authentic vanilla flavor with visible vanilla bean specks.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.

Softened Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth frosting consistency.

How to Make These Spiced Holiday Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Create the Cookie Dough Base

Mix dry ingredients in a mixer bowl until perfectly blended. Incorporate cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Slowly pour molasses and milk, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.

Step 2: Chill and Prepare

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 3: Shape and Coat Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar. Place cookies on baking sheets, spacing them 1½ inches apart.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5: Whip Up Vanilla Bean Frosting

Mix cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste. Beat on low, then high speed until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble Magical Cookie Sandwiches

Pipe or spread frosting on the flat side of one cookie. Gently press another cookie on top to create a delightful sandwich.

Tips for Baking Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1-2 hours to ensure cookies maintain their shape and develop deeper, richer flavors during baking.
• Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cookie dough balls generously in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar, creating a beautiful crackled exterior and sweet, delicate crust.
• Precise Baking Time: Watch cookies carefully and remove from oven when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft, preventing dry or overcooked results.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and butter to soften naturally at room temperature for smoother, more easily blended frosting with no lumps.
• Storage Secrets: Store cookie sandwiches in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain their soft texture and prevent sticking for up to 3 days.

Storing and Serving Gingerbread Sandwiches

• Refrigerate: Store cookie sandwiches in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve soft texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookie sandwiches in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen treats will last 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slightly in microwave for 5-8 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent cookies from becoming tough or losing delicate crinkle texture.

Drinks and Treats to Enjoy with These Cookies

• Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in chai perfectly complement the gingerbread cookies' rich, deep flavors. The creamy, slightly sweet latte balances the cookie's bold taste and creates a cozy, comforting experience.
• Match with Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Decadent hot chocolate with a touch of salt enhances the cookie's molasses and spice notes. The smooth, velvety drink provides a luxurious contrast to the crinkle cookie's crisp texture.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Chilled, creamy vanilla bean ice cream offers a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm spices. The subtle sweetness and silky texture create a delightful harmony with the gingerbread sandwich cookies.
• Complement with Mulled White Wine: A lightly spiced white wine brings out the cookie's complex flavor profile. The gentle warmth and subtle sweetness of the wine elevate the gingerbread's rich, seasonal essence.

Variations for Your Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

• Spiced Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies: Transform the gingerbread cookies by replacing ground cloves with pumpkin pie spice and adding pumpkin puree to the dough for a fall-inspired treat.
• Chocolate Ginger Sandwich Cookies: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cookie dough and add dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version of the original recipe.
• Maple Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies: Swap vanilla bean paste with pure maple extract in the frosting and drizzle maple syrup over the finished cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Nutty Ginger Sandwich Cookies: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough and roll the edges of the frosted cookies in finely chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches showcase holiday magic with rich molasses and warm spices. Creamy vanilla bean frosting nestled between spiced cookies creates an irresistible winter treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2¼ cups (532 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon (127 grams) cold, unsalted butter
• ½ cup (170 grams) unsulphured molasses
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Additional Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup (133 grams) firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• Granulated sugar (for rolling)
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Gather all dry ingredients including flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, baking soda, and ground cloves in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the spices and sugar until evenly distributed.
2. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to create a texture resembling coarse sand with small pebble-like fragments.
3. Introduce molasses and milk into the mixture, gently mixing at low speed until the dough begins to form, ensuring even moisture throughout the ingredients.
4. Shape the dough into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm.
5. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment.
6. Extract chilled dough and portion into small spheres using a cookie scoop, rolling each ball generously in granulated sugar followed by a complete coating of powdered sugar.
7. Arrange cookie balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent merging during baking.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly crisp and centers appear set, allowing cookies to stabilize on the sheet for two minutes post-baking.
9. Transfer cookies to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring optimal texture and structural integrity.
10. Prepare vanilla bean cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste.
11. Once cookies are thoroughly cooled, pipe or spread frosting on one cookie’s flat surface, carefully sandwiching with a matching cookie to create the final delicacy.
12. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and enjoy the delightful gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches.

Notes

• Chill the dough for optimal texture, allowing flavors to meld and prevent spreading during baking.
• Generously coat cookies in two layers of sugar for that classic crinkle effect and sweet, crisp exterior.
• Ensure room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before sandwiching to prevent frosting from melting and maintain structural integrity.
• Roll cookie dough balls uniformly for consistent baking and attractive presentation.
• Store assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg