Name: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.25 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour; 0.67 cup (133 grams) firmly packed brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.5 cup plus 1 tablespoon (127 grams) cold, unsalted butter, cubed; 0.5 cup (170 grams) unsulphured molasses; 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk; Granulated sugar for rolling; Powdered sugar for rolling; 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, room temperature; 0.25 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches dance with nostalgic winter warmth and festive spirit.

Delicate spices swirl through these irresistible treats, promising a remarkable sensory experience.

Rich molasses and warm spices intertwine, creating a complex flavor profile that captures holiday memories.

Delightful textures contrast between crisp exterior and tender inner crumb, making each bite extraordinary.

Powdered sugar coating adds elegant visual appeal and delicate sweetness to these charming confections.

Soft, pillowy cookies embrace creamy vanilla filling, refineing simple ingredients into something magical.

Baking these delectable treats connects you with cherished traditions and creates new culinary memories.

Craft Festive Holiday Charm: These gingerbread crinkle cookie sandwiches capture the warm, cozy essence of winter celebrations with their rich, spiced flavor profile and delightful powdered sugar coating.
Elevate Texture Delight: The cookies boast a magical crinkle exterior that breaks into a soft, tender interior, complemented by luscious cream cheese frosting creating a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
Master Simple Baking Technique: This recipe offers an approachable method for bakers of all levels, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward steps that transform humble components into an impressive, bakery-style dessert perfect for impressing friends and family during holiday gatherings.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread cookies.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy cookie with rich caramel undertones.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for coating cookies and providing extra sweetness and crisp exterior.
Powdered Sugar: Creates a classic crinkle effect and adds a delicate sweet finish to the cookies.

Spices and Seasonings:

Cinnamon: Warm spice that brings traditional gingerbread flavor and aromatic depth.
Ginger: Classic spice that gives the cookies their signature gingerbread taste and warmth.
Cloves: Adds intense, sharp flavor that complements other warming spices in the recipe.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates soft, tender texture.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Cold and unsalted, provides rich flavor and helps create crumbly cookie texture.
Molasses: Gives deep, dark sweetness and characteristic gingerbread color.
Milk: Helps bind ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
Cream Cheese: Soft and smooth base for creating creamy, tangy frosting.
Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds elegant vanilla flavor to the sandwich cookie filling.

Step 1: Craft the Dry Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:

Flour
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Ginger
Salt
Baking soda
Cloves

Whisk these ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 2: Create Buttery Texture

Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like crumbly, wet sand.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Slowly pour in molasses and milk, stirring continuously until the dough becomes evenly moistened and cohesive.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a smooth disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight to develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Roll and Coat Cookies

Take chilled dough and roll into small balls. First roll in granulated sugar, then coat generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful crinkled finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven and let cookies rest for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until completely smooth.

Step 10: Finish the Frosting

Add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste. Mix on low speed, then increase to high for 2 minutes until frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 11: Create Cookie Sandwiches

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on one cookie. Gently press a second cookie on top, creating a delightful sandwich treat.

Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cookies generously in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar for a beautiful crinkle effect and extra sweetness.
Avoid Overbaking: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft to maintain a chewy, tender texture.
Cream Cheese Frosting Tip: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
Storage Secret: Store cookie sandwiches in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain their soft texture and prevent sticking.

Refrigeration: Carefully place cookie sandwiches in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cream cheese frosting fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
Freezing: Wrap individual cookie sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their delicate crumb and creamy filling.
Reheating: Bring refrigerated cookies to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the cookies soggy and compromise their delightful crinkle texture.

Sip Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in the gingerbread crinkle cookies perfectly complement the rich, creamy chai tea, creating a cozy flavor harmony that dances on your taste buds.
Pair with Mulled Wine: A glass of warm, spiced mulled wine brings out the deep molasses and ginger notes in the cookies, making each bite feel like a festive winter celebration.
Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cool, smooth vanilla bean ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the spicy, warm cookie sandwich, balancing the intense flavors with its creamy sweetness.
Serve Alongside Salted Caramel Mocha: The robust coffee and sweet caramel notes in this drink enhance the cookies' rich, complex spice profile, creating a decadent dessert experience.

Chocolate Ginger Crunch: Enhance the classic recipe by adding cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mixing in dark chocolate chips for a rich, intense flavor profile.
Nutty Spice Sandwich: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for extra crunch and mix ground nutmeg with existing spices to elevate the warm, aromatic notes.
Citrus Zest Kick: Fold in orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, tangy undertone that complements the traditional gingerbread spices, creating a refreshing variation.
Maple Cream Fusion: Replace molasses with pure maple syrup and add a touch of maple extract to the cream cheese frosting for a decadent, woodland-inspired twist on the original recipe.

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Artisanal Bread Making
Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
Creative Dessert Presentation
Flavor Profile Development
Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts.

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.