Irresistible Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe

Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches – Soft, warmly spiced gingerbread cookies generously filled with a luscious caramel buttercream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce! These festive delights are perfect for adding a touch of magic to your holiday season.

Get ready to discover your new absolute favorite holiday cookie! These Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches are the epitome of cozy indulgence, featuring exquisitely soft and warmly spiced gingerbread cookies that perfectly embrace a luxurious swirl of caramel buttercream. Each bite offers a delightful balance of chewy texture, the comforting warmth of traditional holiday spices, and an irresistible gooey sweetness. It’s no exaggeration to say that if holiday magic had a flavor, it would undoubtedly taste just like these phenomenal cookie sandwiches!

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate festive treat to brighten your holiday season, look no further than these Gingerbread Salted Caramel Buttercream Cookie Sandwiches. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, drawing its inspiration from the enchanting snacks found at Walt Disney World, particularly those delightful bites from Epcot’s Germany Pavilion. Now, you can effortlessly bring a piece of that cherished Disney Parks magic directly into your own kitchen, creating unforgettable moments and flavors right at home.

Looking for more gingerbread and caramel inspiration? Check out these other delightful recipes:

• Chewy Gingerbread Snickerdoodles Recipe
• Festive Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
• Salted Caramel Gingerbread Cake With Buttercream

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwich Recipe

These Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches are not just another holiday cookie; they are a truly special creation designed to delight your senses and bring joy to your festive celebrations. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition:

• **A Symphony of Flavors:** The incredible combination of soft, perfectly spiced gingerbread cookies with a rich, creamy salted caramel buttercream frosting creates a flavor profile that is utterly irresistible. Each component perfectly complements the others, resulting in a harmonious and memorable treat. The warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves from the cookies marries beautifully with the sweet, buttery notes of caramel and the subtle tang of cream cheese in the frosting.
• **The Quintessential Holiday Treat:** These cookie sandwiches are truly perfect for the holiday season. Their festive flavors and comforting aroma evoke cherished memories and create new ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a special treat to share with loved ones, or simply craving a moment of festive indulgence, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. They’re also an ideal choice for a cozy evening, perhaps with a mug of hot cocoa, as you reminisce about your favorite Epcot snack experiences.
• **Bring Disney Magic Home:** Inspired by the delightful confections found at Disney Parks, especially the treats from Epcot’s Germany Pavilion, this recipe allows you to recreate that magical experience in your own kitchen. You don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy a taste of Disney; with these cookies, a touch of that enchantment is just a bake away!
• **Achieve Bakery-Quality Results with Ease:** This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. We provide professional tips and tricks throughout the instructions to ensure you achieve that signature gingerbread softness and a perfectly gooey caramel filling every single time. You’ll impress everyone with these beautiful and delicious homemade treats!
• **Versatile and Shareable:** These cookie sandwiches are not only a fantastic dessert for your own family but also make an incredible edible gift. Package them beautifully for friends, neighbors, or teachers, and spread the holiday cheer with a truly thoughtful, homemade present.

Essential Ingredients for Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches

Crafting these delectable Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their irresistible flavor and texture. For a comprehensive list of quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:

• Granulated Sugar: This essential sweetener pulls double duty, providing the base for our homemade caramel sauce and contributing to the perfect sweetness and delicate crispness of the gingerbread cookies.
• Light Corn Syrup: A secret weapon for the caramel sauce! It’s crucial for preventing crystallization, ensuring your caramel remains silky smooth and gooey without turning gritty. This ingredient is truly non-negotiable for professional-quality caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms both the caramel sauce and the buttercream into something truly luxurious. For the caramel, it creates that rich, creamy consistency, and for the frosting, it contributes to its dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: That special “oomph” that elevates every component. A high-quality vanilla extract deepens the flavors of the caramel, cookies, and buttercream, making everything taste more exquisite and well-rounded.
• Unsalted Butter, Softened: The foundation of both your incredibly tender cookies and your rich, smooth frosting. Using softened butter is key for proper creaming and achieving the right consistency in both elements.
• Room Temperature Butter: Emphasizing the importance of butter being at room temperature, it’s vital for blending seamlessly with sugar to create a light and fluffy base for your cookies and frosting. This ensures perfect results every single time.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the cookie dough together while contributing to the soft, chewy texture that makes these gingerbread cookies so appealing.
• Molasses: The undisputed MVP of gingerbread! This dark, rich syrup provides the deep, complex flavor and signature chewy texture that defines classic gingerbread. It truly embodies the taste of the holidays.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of your cookies. It binds all the ingredients together, providing the necessary body and chewiness without making the cookies tough.
• Ground Ginger: The star spice that gives gingerbread its distinctive, warm, and slightly peppery flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
• Baking Soda: Provides just the right amount of lift, ensuring your cookies have that desirable soft, slightly puffy texture rather than being dense or flat.
• Ground Cinnamon: A classic warm spice that beautifully complements the ginger and cloves, adding a comforting, aromatic layer to the cookies.
• Ground Cloves: Used sparingly, ground cloves deliver a powerful, aromatic punch, contributing to that quintessential, nostalgic holiday gingerbread flavor. A little goes a long way!
• Kosher Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of salt! It balances the sweetness in all elements of the cookie sandwich, making every flavor pop and preventing the treats from being overly cloying.
• Cream Cheese, Softened: This is where the magic happens for the frosting! Softened cream cheese lends a smooth, tangy, and incredibly rich texture to the buttercream, making it utterly irresistible and spoon-worthy.
• Powdered Sugar: The essential sweetener for a fluffy, smooth frosting. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a silky texture that pairs perfectly with the salted caramel.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Magical Cookie Sandwiches

Creating these delightful Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to bring your holiday treat vision to life. Remember, patience and attention to detail will yield the most delicious results!

First, Make the Luscious Caramel Sauce:

Starting with the homemade caramel sauce sets the stage for the rich flavors to come. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic, deep caramel taste.

1. Combine water, sugar, and light corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Use a larger saucepan than you think you need, as the caramel will bubble up when the cream is added.
2. Heat over medium speed until the mixture begins to boil vigorously. Once boiling, it’s vital to resist the urge to stir to prevent crystallization, which can make your caramel grainy. Swirl the pan gently if needed.
3. Continue cooking until the mixture transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color. Immediately remove from heat. Carefully whisk in the warm heavy cream (it will bubble up, so be cautious!), followed by the softened butter, a pinch of salt, and the pure vanilla extract. Stir until completely smooth. Set aside in a separate bowl to cool completely before using in the buttercream or as a filling.

Next, Prepare the Soft Gingerbread Cookie Dough:

These gingerbread cookies are designed to be soft and chewy, with a perfect blend of spices. Proper mixing is key to their delightful texture.

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and both types of sugar (granulated and dark brown) on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.
2. Mix in the large egg, pure vanilla extract, and molasses until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. Continue to scrape the bowl as needed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer on low speed. Mix only until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the dough comes together. The dough will be soft but easy to handle.

Chill and Bake Your Perfect Gingerbread Cookies:

Chilling the dough is an important step that helps prevent excessive spreading and allows the flavors to deepen, ensuring a beautifully shaped and flavorful cookie.

1. Using a cookie scoop (a 3-tablespoon scoop is ideal for evenly sized cookies), scoop the cookie dough into uniform balls. Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
2. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This quick chill helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
3. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare additional baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Once chilled, arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced 2-3 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool. For perfectly flat cookies (ideal for sandwiches), gently press the tops with a flat spatula immediately after removing them from the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack.

Craft the Creamy Caramel Buttercream:

This frosting is a dream come true, combining the tang of cream cheese with the richness of caramel. Its light and fluffy texture makes it the perfect complement to the spiced gingerbread.

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and softened cream cheese together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is exceptionally creamy, smooth, and lump-free. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting on low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar from forming, then increase to medium. Once fully combined, mix in a portion of your cooled homemade caramel sauce, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for another 3-5 minutes until the frosting becomes wonderfully light, airy, and fluffy.

Assembly – Bringing Your Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches Together

This is the fun part where all your hard work comes together! Assembling these cookie sandwiches is simple and creates a stunning, delicious treat.

1. Ensure all your gingerbread cookies are completely cooled to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent the buttercream from melting and sliding.
2. Using a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip (or a ziploc bag with a corner snipped off for a simpler approach), pipe a thick rim of the salted caramel buttercream frosting onto the flat side of half of your cooled cookies. Create a sturdy border to form a “well” in the center.
3. Carefully add a spoonful of the remaining homemade caramel sauce into the center of the frosting well. Don’t overfill, or it might spill out when you press the cookies together.
4. Gently top each filled cookie with another plain gingerbread cookie, pressing down just enough to secure it and evenly distribute the filling without squeezing it out. Repeat this process with all remaining cookies. For an extra touch of festive fun, you can drizzle a little melted white chocolate or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the finished sandwiches, though this is entirely optional.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches

To ensure your Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches turn out absolutely perfect every time, keep these invaluable tips and tricks in mind. A little extra care in these areas can make a big difference in the final product’s taste and texture.

• **Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable**: For both the cookies and the frosting, always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at proper room temperature. This is fundamental for achieving a smooth, homogenous mixture without lumps, leading to a consistently tender cookie and an exceptionally creamy frosting.
• **Precise Caramel Making**: When making the caramel sauce, use a light-colored, heavy-bottomed saucepan so you can easily monitor the color change. Avoid stirring once the sugar mixture boils; simply swirl the pan gently. As soon as it turns golden amber, remove it from the heat and immediately add the warm cream. Overcooking will result in burnt, bitter caramel.
• **Don’t Overbake the Cookies**: To achieve that signature soft and chewy gingerbread texture, it’s crucial not to overbake them. Take the cookies out of the oven when their edges are just set and the centers still look slightly underdone or soft. They will continue to cook slightly and firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
• **Achieving Smooth Buttercream**: For the dreamiest caramel buttercream ever, make sure your butter and cream cheese are very soft. Additionally, sifting your powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture will prevent any gritty lumps and ensure a silky-smooth, fluffy frosting.
• **The Magic of Salty-Sweet**: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the piped buttercream (or on the caramel sauce before topping with the second cookie) adds an incredible depth of flavor. This touch of saltiness perfectly cuts through and enhances the rich sweetness of the caramel and gingerbread.
• **Consistent Cookie Size for Even Sandwiches**: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your gingerbread cookies are the same size. This not only helps them bake evenly but also makes assembling your cookie sandwiches much easier and ensures they look uniform and professional.
• **Chilling the Dough is Key**: Don’t skip the chilling step for the cookie dough. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, helping them maintain their shape and thickness, which is essential for sturdy cookie sandwiches.
• **Easy and Clean Assembly**: For a cute and clean finish, use a piping bag (or a sturdy ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) to pipe the buttercream onto the cookies. This gives you more control and a tidier result than spreading with a knife.
• **Cool Completely Before Assembly**: Ensure your gingerbread cookies are entirely cooled to room temperature before you start frosting and assembling them. Attempting to frost warm cookies will cause the buttercream to melt, leading to a messy and runny filling.

Stock Your Kitchen for Baking Success!

Having the right tools makes all the difference when baking, especially for a detailed recipe like these cookie sandwiches. Here’s everything I used to make this recipe a breeze, ensuring consistent and professional results:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a set of various sizes – a large bowl for mixing the cookie dough and a medium bowl for preparing the luscious caramel buttercream.
2. Electric Mixer: A reliable hand mixer or a sturdy stand mixer is indispensable for effortlessly whipping the buttercream to a light, fluffy consistency and combining the cookie dough ingredients with ease.
3. Cookie Scoop: Essential for ensuring all your cookies are uniformly sized, which promotes even baking and creates beautifully consistent cookie sandwiches.
4. Baking Sheets: Invest in a couple of good quality baking sheets. Always line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for effortless cleanup and to prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies bake perfectly every time.
5. Cooling Rack: Absolutely necessary for allowing your cookies to cool completely and evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy and maintaining their crisp edges.
6. Piping Bag: For neatly piping the caramel buttercream, a piping bag will give you the most control. However, a sturdy zip-top bag with one corner snipped off makes for a great improvised alternative in a pinch!
7. Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: These are handy for smoothing out the buttercream if you’re not piping it, or for spreading the caramel sauce.
8. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are paramount in baking. Ensure you have a full set of both for precise ingredient amounts, which is critical for consistent results.
9. Spatula: A flexible rubber spatula is perfect for mixing, folding ingredients, and scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
10. Airtight Container: Essential for storing your finished cookie sandwiches to maintain their freshness, softness, and delightful flavor for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your gingerbread caramel cookie sandwich baking experience is smooth and successful:

Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time? Absolutely! This is a fantastic way to break up your baking process. You can prepare the cookie dough and store it securely wrapped in plastic wrap or in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough and proceed with the baking instructions. The flavors might even deepen slightly, making for an even more delicious cookie!

Do I need parchment paper or wax paper for baking? For optimal baking results, parchment paper is highly recommended. It provides a non-stick surface, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup incredibly easy. **Wax paper should never be used in the oven** as it has a low smoke point and can melt or even catch fire. Stick to parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for safe and effective baking.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it homemade? Yes, you certainly can if you’re looking to save some time! While our homemade caramel sauce recipe is truly worth the effort for its rich flavor, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce will work well. The key is to ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when mixed into the buttercream and when piped as a filling. Thin caramel sauces might make your frosting too runny or seep out of the cookie sandwiches. Look for a brand that is known for its thick, rich texture.

What if my cookies spread too much? If your cookies are spreading more than desired, ensure your butter is truly at room temperature (not melted) and that you’ve accurately measured your flour (too little flour can cause spreading). Also, double-check that your baking soda is fresh and active. Most importantly, ensure you thoroughly chill the dough for at least 15-20 minutes before baking. A colder dough will spread less.

Can I use different spices in the gingerbread cookies? While the classic combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is traditional, you can certainly experiment! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice would also complement the gingerbread beautifully, adding another layer of warmth. Just be mindful of quantities, as some spices can be quite potent.

Storing and Freezing Your Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches

Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches fresh and flavorful, ensuring you can enjoy them for days to come or save them for a special occasion.

• **Storage**: Once assembled, these cookie sandwiches are best stored in an airtight container. They will stay wonderfully fresh and soft at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a slightly longer shelf life and to prevent the caramel from becoming too soft, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• **Freezing**: You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later! It’s best to freeze the unfrosted gingerbread cookies and the caramel sauce separately. Arrange the baked and completely cooled unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. The homemade caramel sauce can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature, gently warm the caramel (if needed), prepare the fresh cream cheese frosting, and then assemble as directed. This ensures the best possible texture and flavor upon serving.

For more festive and delightful baking ideas, check out these other recipes:

• Caramel Spice Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting
• Best Christmas Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe
• Best Double Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

We truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches. If you loved this recipe, please don’t hesitate to leave a 5-star rating and a comment below! We would absolutely adore hearing your feedback and answering any questions you might have. For more fun baking ideas, delicious recipes, and behind-the-scenes content, make sure to follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. We post so many exciting things on all our platforms!

Recipe

Gingerbread Caramel Cookie Sandwiches

Molly Murphy

Soft, spiced gingerbread cookies filled with a dreamy caramel buttercream and homemade caramel sauce!

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Servings 9 Cookie Sandwich

Ingredients

 

 

For the Caramel Sauce (Do First):

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter added to the caramel at the end

For the cookies:

• 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 -¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• pinch of kosher salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Pinch of salt

• ½ cup salted caramel recipe above

Instructions

 

For the Caramel Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, stir together the water, sugar, and corn syrup.
• Heat over medium until it begins to boil. Once boiling, do not stir to avoid crystallization.
• Continue boiling until the mixture turns golden brown. Be cautious as it can burn quickly.
• Meanwhile, microwave the heavy cream for 1 minute to warm it.
• Once the caramel reaches a golden color, remove from heat and slowly add the warm cream while whisking constantly.
• Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and butter until fully combined.
• Transfer the caramel to a bowl and let it cool.

For the cookies

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula halfway through.
• Add the egg and mix on medium speed until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. Then mix in the vanilla extract, molasses, and water on low speed until evenly combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Ensure there are no flour streaks, but do not overmix.
• Scoop the dough into balls using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop. Arrange the balls on a lined baking sheet or plate, ensuring they don’t touch, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
• While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
• Once chilled, place 9 dough balls on each prepared cookie sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
• Bake the cookies for 11 minutes, or until the edges are set. Once they are hot and out of the oven, use a flat surface and gently press each one so they are flat! Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before assembling.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and smooth.
• Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then beat for another 2 minutes.
• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar. Once combined, add the cooled caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
• Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for 3-5 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assembly

• Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before assembling.
• Pipe a thick rim of cream cheese frosting around the edges of half of the cookies to create a well for the caramel. Be sure the rim is sturdy enough to hold the caramel but not overly thick.
• Fill the frosting well with caramel sauce.
• Top each frosted cookie with an unfrosted cookie and gently press them together to create sandwich cookies. I added melted white chocolate on top for fun, but not necessary!
• Serve and enjoy!

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!