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.
Making these gingerbread man sandwiches brings back fond memories of festive family gatherings and brightening up kids lunchboxes with a smile.
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 This recipe is a hit at family gatherings, especially when kids decorate their own sandwiches with smiles and buttons.
Notes
For a nutty twist add a thin spread of nut butter beneath the cream cheese. 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 playful and tasty sandwiches that bring smiles to every lunch table.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best for the cutouts?
Soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread works best to easily shape and hold the cutouts.
- → Can I substitute the honey in the filling?
Yes, maple syrup or agave syrup are excellent alternatives to sweeten the cream cheese filling.
- → How do I decorate the sandwich faces securely?
Press raisins, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles lightly into the bread to keep decorations in place.
- → Are there options for dietary restrictions?
Use gluten-free bread for gluten sensitivities and ensure all ingredients align with dietary needs.
- → Can the sandwiches be made ahead?
Yes, they can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving to keep them fresh.
- → What utensils do I need to prepare these cutouts?
A gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter, mixing bowl, spatula, and a small knife for slicing fruit are required.