If you are dreaming of the perfect holiday treat that combines warmth, spice, and a hint of creamy indulgence, these Chewy Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling are here to steal the show. This recipe creates soft, chewy gingerbread cookies infused with cozy spices that pair beautifully with a luscious cream cheese filling, making every bite a festive celebration. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, gift boxes, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies deliver that classic holiday flavor with a delightful chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Chewy Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chewy Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling rely on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create complex, nostalgic flavors. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich molasses adding depth to the spices that evoke holiday cheer, finishing with a creamy, smooth frosting that balances the cookies perfectly.

Unsalted butter (¾ cup): Softened to create a tender dough and add rich flavor.
Brown sugar (¾ cup): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel sweetness to the cookies.
Egg (1 large): Binds the dough together while providing structure and softness.
Molasses (¼ cup): The heart of gingerbread, giving those deep, aromatic notes and chewy texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor, making it warm and inviting.
All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): Forms the base of the dough, ensuring the right balance of chewiness.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly and maintains their softness.
Ground ginger (1 tsp): Provides the essential spicy note signature to gingerbread cookies.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the spice blend.
Cloves (¼ tsp): A little goes a long way to enrich the flavor profile.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and elevates all the spices in the dough.
Cream cheese (6 oz): Softened to create a rich and tangy filling that complements the spice.
Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling to perfection.

How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating tender, chewy cookies because it incorporates air, helping to lighten the dough while ensuring the right consistency.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until they are fully combined. Molasses really infuses these cookies with a rich, deep sweetness that makes them distinctly gingerbread, and the egg provides needed moisture and binding.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices will bring that unmistakable festive aroma and flavor, blending perfectly with the sweet dough.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. This dough will be soft but manageable, setting the stage for those luscious chewy cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap or cover the dough and chill it for about 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fats and helps prevent spreading during baking, making each cookie thick enough to sandwich with the creamy filling.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The secret to chewiness is to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While cookies cool completely, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This filling adds a tangy sweetness that beautifully cuts through the spicy richness of the gingerbread.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. The contrast of soft cookies and creamy filling is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, dust the finished sandwich cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or decorate with tiny holiday-themed sprinkles. A hint of grated orange zest on top adds a refreshing twist that brightens the flavors.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, hot cocoa, or mulled wine. The spices in the cookies echo the warm notes in these drinks, creating an irresistible pairing that speaks straight to cozy winter nights.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the sandwich cookies in a rustic wooden box lined with festive parchment paper, tie them with a red ribbon, or arrange them on a holiday platter alongside fresh cranberries and evergreen sprigs. Presentation not only enhances the experience but also makes a perfect gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep these Chewy Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, store them layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking or frosting smudging.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the unfilled gingerbread cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them completely before adding the cream cheese filling to maintain the perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best served soft and fresh, avoid reheating the sandwich cookies with filling. If you’ve baked the gingerbread cookies alone, a quick 5-10 second warm-up in the microwave can bring back a touch of softness without impacting their chewiness.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture. This will help maintain the chewiness that makes these gingerbread sandwich cookies so special.

How long do the cookies stay chewy?

These cookies stay chewy for about 2 to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. After that, they may firm up, but you can soften them slightly by adding a slice of bread in the container overnight or reheating briefly.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar provides moisture and a rich caramel note crucial to the flavor and texture of gingerbread cookies. Using regular granulated sugar might result in a crisper cookie and miss out on that soft chewiness.

Is the cream cheese filling sweet or tangy?

The filling strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. The cream cheese adds smoothness and slight tartness, which pairs wonderfully with the spicy sweetness of the gingerbread cookies.

Can I add nuts or other flavors to the filling?

Definitely! For a festive twist, fold in chopped toasted pecans, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a splash of orange extract to the cream cheese filling. It’s a fun way to customize the cookies to your own taste.

Final Thoughts

These Chewy Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling have become an absolute favorite in my holiday baking. They capture that cozy, nostalgic feeling of the season with every soft, spiced bite paired with rich, creamy filling. Once you try this recipe, I’m confident it will find a special place in your cookie jar and heart alike. Gather your ingredients, spark your holiday spirit, and enjoy every chewy, scrumptious moment!