Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a cozy, delightful treat that combines the spicy warmth of ginger and a luscious creamy filling, this Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are crisp yet tender, with just the right hint of molasses and warming spices that instantly evoke a feeling of comfort. Sandwiching them with a smooth vanilla buttercream transforms a classic ginger cookie into a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you try this Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to sweets for any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly wonderful about this Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Each one plays its part in building the perfect balance of flavors, texture, and visual appeal that makes these cookies so addictive.

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb for the cookie.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that slight crunch on the outside.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for structure and moisture.
• 1/4 cup molasses: Infuses a deep, complex sweetness and classic gingerbread flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their body and chew.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the dough rise and spread just right for a perfect bite.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger: The star spice that delivers a bright, warm zing.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and aromatic depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a hint of spice that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness to intensify the spices’ flavors.
• Additional granulated sugar, for rolling: Gives a sparkling, slightly crisp coating.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates the creamy base of the filling.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a luscious mouthfeel.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Adds a smooth, fragrant layer of flavor to the filling.
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (for filling): Adjusts the consistency for easy spreading and piping.

How to Make Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you perfectly shaped treats every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which gives your cookies a wonderful lightness and delicate crumb texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Molasses

Beat in the egg, then mix in the molasses. The molasses adds rich flavor and moisture, essential for that classic ginger cookie taste. Your dough is starting to take shape here with a beautiful, dark hue from the molasses and spices.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This ensures that the spices and leavening agent are perfectly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor and rise.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender and prevent the cookies from becoming tough.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar Coat

Roll the dough into one-inch balls then toss each in granulated sugar to coat. This step adds a delightful sparkle and a slight crunch to the cookie exterior after baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures a chewy, tender middle with crispy edges.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely is key before assembling so your filling doesn’t melt or slide off.

Step 9: Prepare the Filling

Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fluffy, then stir in vanilla extract. Add one to two tablespoons of heavy cream to reach a spreadable consistency. This luscious buttercream is the perfect sweet counterpoint to the spiced cookies.

Step 10: Assemble Your Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently sandwich it with another. Repeat until all cookies are paired up, creating irresistible double-decker treats.

How to Serve Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, dust your Ginger Sandwich Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon just before serving. You can also roll the edges of the cookies in finely chopped crystallized ginger for a zesty pop. These small details elevate presentation and add an exciting flavor hint.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair exceptionally well with a hot beverage like chai tea, black coffee, or a spiced latte. You might also enjoy them alongside a creamy vanilla ice cream to balance the spicy warmth. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays too, complementing everything from peppermint bark to buttery shortbread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the sandwich cookies neatly on a pretty plate tied with a rustic ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to impress guests at a party. For a playful twist, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and allow it to set. The contrast of flavors and textures makes your Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe even more irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your assembled ginger sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain their tender texture and keeps the filling creamy without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either assembled or just the baked cookie layers. If freezing assembled cookies, separate layers with parchment paper and store in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy fresh-tasting cookies any time.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, avoid microwaving assembled sandwich cookies as the filling may melt. If you prefer a warm cookie experience, gently warm unfilled cookie layers in a low oven for a few minutes and then assemble afterward.

FAQs

Can I use honey instead of molasses?

Honey has a lighter, sweeter flavor and lacks the deep richness of molasses, so the cookies will taste different and may be a little less robust. Molasses is preferred for that authentic gingerbread profile, but honey can work in a pinch with some flavor adjustments.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

This recipe doesn’t call for chilling the dough, and you can bake right away. However, if you find the dough too sticky, chilling for about 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape better.

Can I substitute the spices with a pre-made gingerbread spice blend?

Definitely! Using a gingerbread spice blend can simplify the process and still give you that warm, spiced flavor. Just be sure to use the equivalent amount called for by the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.

What’s the best way to pipe the filling?

A simple piping bag fitted with a round tip works beautifully, but you can also fill a zip-top bag and snip off a corner. This gives you control and a pretty, consistent filling layer between the cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These surfaces help cookies bake evenly and pop off easily without breaking or sticking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Ginger Sandwich Cookies Recipe because it truly delivers on flavor, texture, and that nostalgic feeling of home-baked goodness. Once you master this recipe, it will become a beloved staple for holidays, celebrations, or whenever you need a sweet little pick-me-up. So gather your spices and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious ginger sandwich cookies that everyone will be asking for! Happy baking!

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