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 reminds me of the excitement on my children’s faces when they see their lunch shaped like gingerbread men.
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 These sandwiches have become a family favorite during holiday lunches and special occasions.
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 This simple recipe adds joy and creativity to any meal in just minutes.
Recipe Questions
- → What bread works best for these sandwich cutouts?
Soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread slices work well, providing a tender base easy to cut and decorate.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese filling?
Yes, you can swap honey for maple syrup or agave and add a thin layer of nut butter for extra flavor.
- → How do I decorate the sandwich cutouts?
Use raisins, mini chocolate chips, or colored sprinkles pressed lightly into the bread to form faces and details.
- → Are these sandwiches suitable for dietary restrictions?
They contain dairy and gluten but can be adapted using gluten-free bread. Always check for allergen considerations.
- → How long can these sandwiches be stored?
They can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 4 hours without losing freshness or decoration.