Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting are the ultimate holiday treat. These cookies combine the warmth and spice of classic gingerbread with the rich creaminess of vanilla bean frosting, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. With their crackled, sugar-coated exterior and the perfect layer of frosting sandwiched between two soft cookies, they’re a festive favorite that will elevate any holiday gathering.

Perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa, these sandwich cookies are as versatile as they are beautiful. The soft, chewy texture of the gingerbread pairs wonderfully with the velvety frosting, delivering a delightful contrast in every bite.

Not only are these cookies visually stunning with their powdered sugar crinkle effect, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and guarantees bakery-quality results at home. Let’s dive into the details and make these holiday-inspired delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Warm and Spiced Flavor
   The rich molasses and gingerbread spices bring a nostalgic, festive flavor to these cookies.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture
   These cookies are tender and soft, making them perfect for sandwiching with creamy vanilla frosting.
3. Festive and Beautiful
   The crinkle effect, achieved by rolling the cookies in powdered sugar, gives them a charming, holiday-ready appearance.
4. Perfect for Gifting
   Packaged in a decorative tin or box, these cookie sandwiches make thoughtful, homemade gifts.
5. Customizable
   Switch up the frosting flavors or add a touch of orange zest or cinnamon to create a unique twist.
6. Kid-Friendly Fun
   Rolling the cookie dough in powdered sugar and assembling the sandwiches is a fun activity for kids.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Assembly Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Yield: 12 sandwich cookies (24 individual cookies)
• Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Vanilla Bean Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
3. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled. The centers should still be slightly soft.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Bean Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla bean paste and heavy cream, beating until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Adjust the cream as needed for your desired texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches

1. Pair the cookies based on similar sizes and shapes.
2. Spread or pipe about 1 tablespoon of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie.
3. Top with another cookie, flat side down, and gently press to create a sandwich.
4. Repeat with the remaining cookies and frosting.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Single Crinkle Cookies
Skip the frosting and serve the gingerbread crinkle cookies as standalone treats. They’re perfect for dunking in milk or coffee.

Mini Sandwich Cookies
Roll smaller dough balls to create bite-sized sandwich cookies, ideal for parties or dessert platters.

Festive Decorations
Dip half of each sandwich cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with holiday-colored sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Citrus Twist
Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the frosting for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spiced cookies.

Stacked Cookie Tower
Stack multiple sandwich cookies on a dessert plate and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for a dramatic presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Chill the Dough Thoroughly
   Chilling the dough is not just a suggestion—it’s essential. It helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls and ensuring the cookies don’t spread too much while baking. For best results, chill the dough for at least 2 hours or even overnight. If you’re in a hurry, pop the dough into the freezer for 30-40 minutes.
2. Generous Sugar Coating
   Rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar is the key to achieving the classic crinkle effect. Don’t skimp on this step! Ensure every part of the dough ball is coated for a striking contrast between the powdered sugar and the cookie’s surface as it cracks during baking.
3. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
   Room-temperature butter and eggs help the dough come together smoothly, creating a consistent texture. Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and may impact the cookie’s softness.
4. Line Baking Sheets
   Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This not only prevents the cookies from sticking but also ensures even baking and easier cleanup.
5. Monitor Baking Closely
   Gingerbread crinkle cookies are best when they’re slightly underbaked in the center. This keeps them soft and chewy, perfect for sandwiching with frosting. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from just right to overbaked.
6. Pair Even-Sized Cookies
   When assembling the cookie sandwiches, pair cookies that are similar in size and shape. This ensures a neat and professional look. You can gently shape the dough balls before baking to help achieve uniform cookies.
7. Adjust Frosting Consistency
   If your frosting feels too stiff, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen it up. Conversely, if it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
8. Make Extra Frosting
   Always make a little extra frosting. It’s better to have more than you need than to run out before finishing the last sandwich. Any leftover frosting can be used for decorating cakes or cupcakes!

Recipe Variations

Spiced Frosting
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the vanilla bean frosting for an extra layer of warmth and spice. This variation complements the gingerbread cookies beautifully and enhances their holiday flavor profile.

Salted Caramel Filling
Swap the vanilla bean frosting for a salted caramel buttercream. To make it, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, a splash of caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. The salted caramel flavor pairs exceptionally well with the spiced gingerbread cookies.

Chocolate Gingerbread Sandwiches
Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate into the cookie dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite. Alternatively, replace the frosting with a rich chocolate ganache for a more indulgent treat.

Peppermint Twist
Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract to the frosting for a festive, minty variation. This combination is perfect for holiday parties or cookie exchanges and pairs wonderfully with hot chocolate.

Orange Gingerbread Cookies
Mix 1 teaspoon of orange zest into the cookie dough for a bright, citrusy twist. Pair with the vanilla bean frosting or an orange-infused frosting for a cohesive flavor profile.

Nutty Sandwich Cookies
Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for added texture and a nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts over the frosting before sandwiching the cookies for a decorative touch.

Lemon Cream Filling
Replace the vanilla bean frosting with a tangy lemon buttercream. The citrusy filling cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, creating a refreshing balance.

Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cookie’s structure.

Vegan Version
Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute, and use a dairy-free frosting to create a vegan-friendly version of these cookies.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration

Store fully assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent them from drying out, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers of cookies and keep the container sealed tightly. When ready to serve, allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften the frosting and enhance the flavor.

Freezing Unbaked Dough

1. Shape the Dough Balls: After chilling the dough, roll it into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the dough balls are firm.
3. Store in Bags: Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy reference.
4. Bake from Frozen: When ready to bake, roll the frozen dough balls in powdered sugar and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. The unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Freezing Baked Cookies

1. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
2. Layer with Parchment: Arrange the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Seal and Freeze: Tightly seal the container or use a freezer-safe bag. The baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
4. Thaw: Thaw the cookies at room temperature for 1-2 hours. For best results, assemble the sandwiches after thawing.

Freezing Assembled Cookie Sandwiches

1. Layer and Seal: Place the fully assembled sandwich cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
2. Thaw Gently: When ready to serve, thaw the sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. This prevents the frosting from becoming too soft or runny.

Reheating Tips

If you’d like to enjoy warm cookies without the frosting, reheat individual cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 minutes. For frosted cookies, avoid reheating, as the frosting may melt.

By following these freezing and storing tips, you can enjoy freshly baked Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches anytime, making them perfect for holiday prep, unexpected guests, or satisfying late-night cravings.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole Wheat Flour
   Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor.
2. Reduce Sugar
   Use less granulated and brown sugar in the cookie dough, or opt for a sugar substitute to lower the overall sweetness.
3. Dairy-Free Option
   Substitute the butter in the cookies and frosting with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk in place of heavy cream for the frosting.
4. Gluten-Free
   Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
5. Fruit-Sweetened Frosting
   Replace the powdered sugar in the frosting with a natural fruit puree, such as applesauce or mashed banana, for a less sugary alternative.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Frosting are the epitome of holiday cheer. With their spiced, chewy cookies and luscious frosting, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a festive party, adding them to a holiday cookie exchange, or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Their versatility and beauty make them ideal for creative customizations, and their warm, nostalgic flavors ensure they’ll become a cherished holiday tradition. Take the time to whip up a batch this season—you’ll be rewarded with the delicious taste of holiday magic in every bite!

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