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.
This recipe brings back fond memories of making festive treats with my children during the holidays, turning snack time into a fun family event.
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
- Cut Shapes:
- Using a gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from each bread slice (yields 12 cutouts).
- Mix Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread Filling:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto 6 of the bread cutouts.
- Add Fruit:
- Layer with thin apple or banana slices as desired.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Top each with a second bread cutout to form a sandwich.
- Decorate Faces:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Save My family loves gathering around to make these sandwiches together, creating fun shapes and decorating them with smiles and buttons that bring laughter and joy.
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 These gingerbread man sandwich cutouts make snack time fun and festive, perfect for sharing with kids or guests at parties.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for the cutouts?
Soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread is ideal to easily cut shapes and achieve a tender texture.
- → How can I make the cream cheese filling sweeter?
Adding honey or substituting maple syrup or agave each adds natural sweetness to the cream cheese mix.
- → Can I add different fruits for decoration?
Yes, thinly sliced apples, bananas, or other firm fruits complement the creamy filling and offer a fresh contrast.
- → What tools are needed to create these shaped sandwiches?
A gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter, mixing bowl, spatula, and a small knife for slicing fruit are essential.
- → How long can these cutouts be stored before serving?
They can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 4 hours without losing freshness or shape.