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 for my children's holiday party and they were an instant hit with both kids and adults 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 This recipe always brings smiles during our family gatherings and makes lunchboxes extra special.
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 sandwiches are both fun and delicious a perfect treat to brighten any lunch.
Recipe Guide
- → What bread types work best for these sandwiches?
Soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread works best to maintain shape and softness, but gluten-free options can be used for dietary needs.
- → Can the cream cheese filling be customized?
Yes, honey can be swapped for maple syrup or agave, and nut butter can be added for a richer flavor beneath the cream cheese.
- → How do you decorate the sandwich faces?
Use raisins, mini chocolate chips, or colored sprinkles pressed lightly into the bread to create eyes, buttons, and smiles for a fun look.
- → How long can these sandwiches be stored?
They can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 4 hours to keep fresh before serving.
- → Are there any common allergens in these sandwiches?
The sandwiches contain dairy from cream cheese and gluten from the bread. Nut allergies should be considered if adding nut butter.