Save Whimsical and fun sandwiches shaped like gingerbread men, perfect for kids lunches, parties, or festive occasions. Soft bread is filled with a sweet cream cheese spread and accented with fruit for a playful, delicious treat.
I first made these gingerbread man sandwiches for my children's holiday party and they were a huge hit with the kids and parents alike.
Ingredients
- Bread: 12 slices soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread
- Cream Cheese Filling: 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened, 1 ½ tbsp honey, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Decorations: 1 small apple, thinly sliced, 1 small banana, sliced, 12–18 raisins or mini chocolate chips, 2 tbsp colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Using a gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from each bread slice (yields 12 cutouts).
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto 6 of the bread cutouts.
- Step 4:
- Layer with thin apple or banana slices as desired.
- Step 5:
- Top each with a second bread cutout to form a sandwich.
- Step 6:
- Decorate the sandwich faces with raisins, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles to make eyes, buttons, and smiles. Lightly press decorations into the bread so they stay in place.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, or wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Save My family loves gathering around the table to make these sandwiches together, creating fun shapes and memories each time.
Notes
Swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a different flavor. For a nutty twist, add a thin spread of nut butter beneath the cream cheese. Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. Pair with fresh fruit or a glass of milk for a balanced snack.
Required Tools
Gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter, mixing bowl, spatula or butter knife, small knife (for slicing fruit)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese) and gluten (bread). For nut allergies, ensure all ingredients are nut-free. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save Enjoy these festive sandwiches as a delightful snack for any occasion filled with fun and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of bread works best for these cutouts?
Soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread works best as it holds the shape well and complements the creamy filling.
- → Can I substitute the honey in the cream cheese filling?
Yes, maple syrup or agave can be used as natural alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I decorate the sandwiches to keep decorations in place?
Lightly press raisins, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles into the bread surface to secure eyes, buttons, and smiles.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using gluten-free bread, you can adapt this for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, they can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 4 hours to maintain freshness before serving.