Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe | Festive Holiday Treats

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Introduction

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are soft, spicy, and filled with a rich cream cheese frosting, making them a festive favorite. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these cookies, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

Gingerbread Cookies

  • Âľ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ÂĽ cup molasses
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 2 ÂĽ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • Âľ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ÂĽ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ÂĽ teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Buttercream

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 8 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

Making the Gingerbread Cookies

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, molasses, and milk to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Shape the Dough: Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, form the dough into small balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes. They should be firm but not overcooked to maintain their soft texture.

Making the Cream Cheese Buttercream

  1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  3. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If too thin, add more confectioner’s sugar.
  4. Final Mix: Add a pinch of sea salt and mix once more until everything is well combined.

Assembling the Sandwich Cookies

  1. Pair the Cookies: Match the cookies in pairs of similar size.
  2. Add Filling: Spread a generous amount of cream cheese buttercream on the flat side of one cookie in each pair.
  3. Sandwich the Cookies: Place the other cookie on top, pressing gently to spread the filling to the edges.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

  • Use Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
  • Measure Ingredients Accurately: For consistent results, measure your ingredients carefully, especially the flour.
  • Do Not Overbake: To keep the cookies soft, avoid overbaking. They should be slightly firm on the edges but soft in the center.
  • Customize Your Filling: While cream cheese frosting is classic, you can experiment with different fillings like vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert table. With their rich spices and creamy filling, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have delicious, festive cookies that everyone will love.