Name: Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 113g; 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150g; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 50g; 1 large egg, room temperature 56g; 1/4 cup dark molasses 70g; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 290g; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp fine salt; 1 cup white sanding sugar or granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 113g; 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 4g; 1/4 tsp fine salt; 2 cups powdered sugar 250g; 2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk, room temperature 30g

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love all things cozy and spiced during the holidays (or honestly, year-round), then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. These cookies are soft, perfectly spiced, and sandwiched with a fluffy vanilla buttercream that’s just dreamy. I’ve made these countless times, and trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to for sharing with friends or keeping on hand for sweet cravings. Ready to jump in? Let’s bake some magic together!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Spice Blend: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves hits just the right note of warmth without overpowering.
Soft Yet Structured Dough: The molasses and brown sugar keep the cookies tender but firm enough to hold together when sandwiched.
Fluffy Vanilla Frosting: The buttercream is light and not too sweet, perfectly complementing the bold gingerbread flavors.
Easy Assembly: Rolling cookies in sanding sugar adds a fun crunch and sparkle, while flattening them when warm ensures flawless sandwiching.

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting, holiday gingerbread cookies, spiced sandwich cookies, homemade gingerbread treats, festive frosting cookies - A stack of sandwich cookies arranged in a pyramid on a white plate, each cookie having two golden-brown textured layers with sugar crystals on the surface and a thick layer of smooth white cream filling in the middle. The cookies show some cracks and rough edges, creating a crunchy look, and the creamy filling is even and slightly raised between the cookie layers. The background is a soft focus with blurred hints of green and red, and the surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe plays its part to create soft, spicy cookies and smooth, sweet frosting. Here’s a quick rundown of why these ingredients are essential and how to pick the best ones.

Unsalted Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps control salt content so you can balance flavors to your liking.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar helps the cookies spread evenly and get lightly crispy edges.
Egg: Binds the dough together for perfect texture and adds tenderness.
Molasses: The key to classic gingerbread flavor, adding a deep, slightly bitter sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base for the dough that ensures it holds its shape.
Ground Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): Fresh spices awaken your senses—make sure they’re not expired for maximum flavor.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and get that just-right texture.
White Sanding Sugar: Adds a festive sparkle and subtle crunch on the cookie surface.
Powdered Sugar: For that silky-smooth frosting texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting with a lovely, fragrant sweetness.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Balances frosting thickness and makes it fluffy.
Salt: A pinch to brighten flavors and balance sweetness in both dough and frosting.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I find playing around with this Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe makes baking way more fun! Whether it’s adding a little extra spice or swapping out the frosting, there’s room to get creative.

Spice It Up: I sometimes add a pinch of black pepper or even cardamom for an unexpected kick—try it to surprise your taste buds!
Frosting Flavors: Vanilla is classic, but swapping in almond extract or even a cinnamon flavor can turn these cookies into something new.
Size Variation: I’ve made mini versions using a smaller scoop which are adorable at parties or for gifting.
Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and a non-dairy milk alternative in the frosting—it still turns out great!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your cookie sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream together room temperature butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Beat them on medium-high speed until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes. This step is key to getting tender, soft cookies so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Egg and Molasses

Mix in the egg and molasses on medium speed until fully combined. You’ll notice the dough darkens and smells wonderfully spiced at this stage. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl with a spatula to get every bit mixed evenly.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients Gently

Sift together your flour, spices, baking soda, and salt (or whisk if you don’t have a sifter). Add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, blending on low just until combined. You want thick dough that’s not overworked to keep those cookies tender and avoid toughness.

Step 4: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies

Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and roll each in sanding sugar to get that pretty, shimmering coating. Space them about two inches apart on your trays—they will spread a bit but not overly much. This step adds a beautiful texture and makes the cookies extra festive!

Step 5: Bake and Gently Flatten

Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges look set but centers are still puffy. Right when they come out of the oven (while still warm), press each cookie gently flat using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass—this makes sandwiching the cookies easier and the texture perfect to bite. Let them cool on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up the Vanilla Buttercream

While the cookies cool, it’s frosting time! Beat butter on medium speed until smooth, then blend in vanilla and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream (or milk), starting on low speed. Adjust consistency by adding a bit more cream if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin. Finish by whipping frosting on medium-high for about a minute to make it light and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Pair the cookies up by size, pipe or spoon a generous dollop of vanilla buttercream onto one cookie, then gently press its partner on top to make a perfect sandwich. Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Use Fresh Spices: I learned that stale spices make a huge difference, so I always check their aroma before baking to ensure bold flavor.
Flatten While Warm: Pressing cookies with a cup right out of the oven saves so much hassle when sandwiching later on.
Consistent Cookie Size: Using a cookie scoop helped me bake uniformly sized cookies that look professional and bake evenly every time.
Don’t Overbake: Letting the cookies cool on the sheet after baking puts me at ease because I know they’ll finish setting perfectly without turning hard.

How to Serve Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra touch of magic with a sprinkle of extra sanding sugar or mini edible gold pearls on top of the frosting for holiday gatherings—it makes them look fancy with minimal effort. Sometimes, I pop a tiny piece of crystallized ginger on top for a zingy surprise that pairs so well with the spices.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a warm drink—my favorite is a cup of cinnamon-spiced chai or a creamy latte. They also play nicely with a charcuterie board featuring cheeses and fresh fruit if you want to stretch your dessert spread beyond just sweets.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I like stacking a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with rustic twine and a cinnamon stick as a cute garnish. Another favorite is layering them in a pretty tin with wax paper between layers for sweet surprises at holiday parties. These presentation tricks get compliments every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep these cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, which keeps them soft and flavorful. If I want them to last longer, the fridge is a safe bet for up to five days. Just be sure to bring them to room temp before enjoying—they taste best then!

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver! I’ve frozen both the dough and the baked cookies. The dough keeps well wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to two days and freezes beautifully for longer. For baked cookies, I freeze unfilled ones in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost fresh—like new!

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth on your cookies, I recommend microwaving a sandwich cookie for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting and warm the cookie without melting everything. It’s like a mini treat straight out of your warm oven!

FAQs

Can I make this Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. I suggest one with xanthan gum included to help mimic the cookie’s texture. Just keep in mind the baking time might vary slightly, so watch your cookies closely.
What’s the best way to keep the frosting from melting?

Keeping your butter and cream cold before mixing helps the frosting hold better. Also, refrigerate the finished sandwich cookies if you’re in a warm environment. Before serving, bring them to room temperature to enjoy the full creamy texture without the frost melting away.
Can I use other spices instead of the traditional ones in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom, star anise, or even a dash of black pepper for a unique twist. Just start with small amounts so you don’t overpower the classic gingerbread flavor.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft and not hard?

Don’t overbake your cookies; remove them when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. Also, store them properly in airtight containers and avoid over-chilling the dough which can make cookies tougher.
What if I don’t have a piping bag for the frosting?

No worries! A freezer-type Ziplock bag works amazingly well; just fill it with frosting, snip a small corner, and pipe away. It’s a kitchen hack I use all the time.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe has become one of my favorites not just because of how delicious it is, but for the comfort and warmth it brings to any occasion. Baking them feels like sharing a little holiday spirit with every bite. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do—truly, nothing beats a homemade cookie filled with love and a fluffy vanilla hug inside. So grab your mixing bowl, fire up that oven, and let’s get baking together!