Get ready to unleash your inner baker with these delightful Gingerbread Men Sandwich Cookies! Perfectly spiced and irresistibly sweet, these charming treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to celebrate the season. Imagine biting into a soft gingerbread cookie, filled with luscious royal icing or your favorite filling, and decorated to perfection! Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in a cozy baking session, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the magic of making these festive cookies that are sure to become a new family favorite!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 sandwich cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- Royal icing for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large stand mixer, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in molasses and egg to the butter mixture, beating until completely incorporated and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
- Chill dough: Divide dough into two equal portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop and dough to firm up.
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and cut cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Bake cookies: Place cut-out cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely: Transfer cookies to wire racks and allow to cool entirely, approximately 30 minutes.
- Prepare filling: While cookies cool, prepare royal icing or desired sandwich cookie filling.
- Assemble sandwich cookies: Match similar-sized gingerbread men, spread filling on one cookie, and sandwich with another cookie.
- Decorate: Use royal icing to add decorative details like buttons, faces, or patterns to the sandwich cookies.
- Store: Place finished cookies in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, and store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours helps the flavors to develop and makes it easier to roll out.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This will also make cleanup a breeze!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges; overbaking will result in a dry cookie.
- Decorate Creatively: Get creative with your royal icing! Use different colors and piping techniques to give each gingerbread man a unique personality.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days!
- Experiment with Fillings: While royal icing is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fillings like cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache for a fun twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
