These Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are the perfect combination of warm spices, soft texture, and a creamy marshmallow filling. Each cookie features hints of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and even a dash of pepper for complexity. With a rich chocolate layer and a fluffy marshmallow-creme center, these cookies are a festive treat ideal for holidays, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging in cozy vibes.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1/4 cup shortening

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tablespoons molasses

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Filling:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

• 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

• 2/3 cup marshmallow creme

• 1/2 tablespoon 2% milk

Directions

In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 5–7 minutes). Beat in the eggs and molasses. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, allspice, and pepper. Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll.

Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut using a floured 1 3/4-inch square-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake for 12–14 minutes or until set. Cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. In a microwave, melt the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Spread about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate on the bottoms of half the cookies. Let them sit until the chocolate sets.

For the filling, beat the confectioners’ sugar, whipped topping, marshmallow creme, and milk until blended. Spread 1 tablespoon of the filling over the chocolate-covered side of each cookie. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrients

Per sandwich cookie:

• Calories: 294

• Fat: 13g (8g saturated)

• Cholesterol: 37mg

• Sodium: 187mg

• Carbohydrates: 40g (27g sugars, 1g fiber)

• Protein: 3g

A Symphony of Spices

What makes these gingerbread cookies truly shine is their complex and carefully crafted blend of spices. Cinnamon, ginger, and allspice provide the warm, familiar base that defines classic gingerbread, while the unexpected addition of black pepper introduces a subtle heat and depth. This combination adds a touch of sophistication to the cookie, making them appealing not only to kids but to adults who appreciate nuanced flavor. Every bite is rich with aromatic warmth, making these cookies ideal for chilly weather when you’re craving something comforting yet bold.

The Secret Ingredient: Vanilla Pudding Mix

These cookies have an exceptionally soft and tender crumb, thanks to the inclusion of instant vanilla pudding mix in the dough. While this may seem like an unusual addition, the pudding mix adds moisture and enhances the flavor, resulting in a cookie that stays fresh and soft even after assembling the sandwich. It also lends a creamy undertone that balances the spice and complements the sweetness of the filling and chocolate.

Buttery Dough That Bakes to Perfection

The cookie dough is a harmonious blend of butter, shortening, and two types of sugar—brown and granulated—which gives the cookies a chewy texture with hints of molasses-like richness. The dough rolls out smoothly, making it ideal for shaping and cutting into neat squares. Once baked, the cookies retain their shape while developing slightly crisp edges and a soft, cakey interior. This structural integrity is essential for sandwich cookies, as it holds the filling without crumbling apart.

Rich Chocolate Meets Spiced Cookie

Each cookie is adorned with a generous layer of melted milk chocolate, adding an indulgent layer of sweetness that melts in your mouth. This chocolate coating not only enhances the overall flavor but also acts as a barrier between the spiced cookie and the fluffy filling, ensuring that the texture remains perfect even after refrigeration. The smooth, creamy chocolate contrasts beautifully with the spice of the cookie and the airy marshmallow center, making every bite a complete flavor experience.

A Fluffy Marshmallow Filling That Ties It All Together

The filling is a dreamy blend of confectioners’ sugar, whipped topping, marshmallow creme, and a splash of milk. Light and airy, yet stable enough to hold the sandwich together, this marshmallow center is sweet, fluffy, and slightly tangy. It brings a nostalgic twist to the cookies, reminiscent of classic whoopie pies or s’mores. The contrast of textures between the soft cookie, creamy chocolate, and cloud-like filling makes these treats irresistibly fun to eat.

Easy to Assemble, Fun to Share

Assembling these sandwich cookies is as enjoyable as eating them. Once the cookies and chocolate layers are set, all it takes is a dollop of filling and a gentle press to complete the sandwich. The square shape offers a clean, modern presentation, and the uniform size makes them ideal for sharing or packaging as gifts. You can even get creative with the presentation—tie a few together with ribbon for a cute party favor or stack them high on a dessert tray to impress guests.

Perfect for Holiday Traditions and Baking Events

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking traditions. They’re festive without being overly complicated and offer something a little different from the usual gingerbread men or sugar cookies. These treats are especially well-suited for cookie swaps and bake sales because of their eye-catching look and balanced flavor. They also make great edible gifts—just place a few in a decorative tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present that anyone would love.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Thanks to their whipped filling and chocolate coating, these cookies store beautifully in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling them slightly before serving enhances the texture and helps all the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for several days, making them a great make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules. You can also freeze the cookies (before filling) and assemble them as needed, ensuring fresh-tasting sandwiches every time.

A Treat for All Ages

While these cookies may look like a grown-up treat with their spice and chocolate richness, they’re still soft and sweet enough to be a hit with kids. The marshmallow filling adds that fun, familiar sweetness children love, while the spices are mild enough to appeal to a wide audience. They’re a perfect compromise for families who want to balance fun and flavor in their dessert offerings. And because the cookies are tender and easy to chew, even the youngest dessert lovers can enjoy them.

Creative Variations to Explore

These sandwich cookies are incredibly versatile, offering endless room for experimentation. You can swap out the milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate to suit your taste or dip the cookies halfway in chocolate for a dramatic effect. For a peppermint twist, add crushed candy canes to the chocolate or fold a little peppermint extract into the marshmallow filling. You can also adjust the spice levels to suit your preference—adding more cinnamon for warmth, more ginger for bite, or more pepper for heat.

Nutrition and Indulgence

While these cookies are definitely a treat, they come with the benefit of being made at home, where you can control ingredients and portions. Each sandwich cookie offers a satisfying bite at under 300 calories, making them a fun way to indulge without overdoing it. The inclusion of real butter, molasses, and chocolate ensures a rich, satisfying flavor that beats anything store-bought. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute lower-fat whipped topping or reduce the sugar in the filling while still enjoying the same festive appeal.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are everything a holiday treat should be—warm, sweet, festive, and completely satisfying. With their soft, spiced cookie base, decadent chocolate layer, and fluffy marshmallow filling, they strike the perfect balance between tradition and indulgence. These cookies are easy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite for anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for loved ones, prepping for a party, or simply treating yourself on a cold day, these sandwich cookies deliver the joy and flavor of the season in every bite.