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Lemon Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies: Your Perfect Summer Treat

Imagine the classic comfort of a gingersnap, infused with the bright, zesty essence of fresh lemon, then generously sandwiched with a silky-smooth vanilla buttercream. These Lemon Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies redefine what a gingersnap can be, transforming a beloved autumn spice cookie into an irresistible summer delight. It’s a symphony of warm spice, refreshing citrus, and creamy sweetness that promises to become your new seasonal favorite.

The Irresistible Charm of These Zesty Delights

You might be wondering, “Just how good can a cookie be?” Let me tell you, the stack of Lemon Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies pictured above vanished with astonishing speed! It was a blink-and-you-miss-it situation, leaving not a single crumb behind. The reason for their swift disappearance? A recent visit from my wonderful niece and nephews from St. Louis. They arrived, they saw, and they absolutely conquered every last cookie. Their enthusiasm was the best kind of affirmation a baker could ask for!

Baking these cookies became a cherished collaboration, especially with my talented niece, Erin. We were both thrilled to whip up something truly special to share, and these cookies quickly became our joint masterpiece. The pressure was on to photograph them quickly, as a line of eager family members had already formed, patiently (or perhaps not-so-patiently!) waiting to get their hands on these beautiful creations. Their eager anticipation only added to the joy of baking.

Transforming a Classic for Summertime Sensation

At first thought, the rich, warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses typically signal cooler weather and cozy fall or winter gatherings. It seemed a little unconventional to pivot such a classic to a summer treat. However, Erin and I were determined to give it a refreshing twist. Our secret? A generous infusion of fresh lemon zest and a vibrant touch of pure lemon oil. This ingenious combination proved to be a game-changer. The bright, tangy lemon cuts through the warmth of the spices, creating a surprisingly light and invigorating flavor profile perfect for sunny days. It was an instant “BAMM!” moment – summertime gingersnap cookie perfection achieved!

The cookies themselves boast a wonderfully chewy texture, a signature characteristic that makes them so satisfying. Each bite delivers that perfect hint of fresh lemon, a bright counterpoint to the subtle warmth of ginger. And to elevate them to true sandwich cookie status, we filled them with the most luxuriously smooth vanilla buttercream. This creamy, sweet filling perfectly complements the spiced lemon cookies, uniting all the incredible flavors into one harmonious, utterly addictive dessert. Can it get any better? I’m convinced the answer is a resounding no! I dare you to try and eat just one – my niece Erin, and nephews Colin and Brendan certainly couldn’t! A huge thank you to Erin for being the perfect kitchen assistant, your Aunt Mare loves you guys! XO

Essential Tips for Baking Your Best Lemon Gingersnap Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process, but a few key tips can ensure your batch turns out perfectly every time. Starting with high-quality ingredients is always beneficial. For the cookies, vegetable oil contributes to a tender crumb, while unsulphured molasses provides that deep, authentic gingersnap flavor without any harshness. The star of our summer twist, fresh lemon zest, offers an aromatic burst, and a good quality lemon oil (or extract) intensifies that vibrant citrus note. Don’t skip the step of rolling the dough in extra granulated sugar before baking; it creates a beautiful sparkling crust and a delightful textural contrast.

The Importance of Chilling Your Cookie Dough

One of the most crucial steps for these Lemon Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies is refrigerating the dough for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling period isn’t just for convenience; it’s vital for flavor development and texture. As the dough chills, the flour fully hydrates, leading to a chewier cookie. More importantly, the cold butter and molasses solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This results in those appealing crackled tops and a perfectly rounded shape. Patience is a virtue here, and it truly pays off!

Baking to Perfection and Cooling Gracefully

When it comes to baking, proper spacing on your parchment-lined baking sheets is essential. These cookies will spread, so give them at least 3 inches apart to prevent them from merging. Bake them until their edges are set and the tops exhibit those signature crackles. They might still seem slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking can lead to a drier, crunchier cookie, losing that desirable chewy quality we’re aiming for. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for just a minute before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and ensures they firm up beautifully.

Crafting the Dreamy Vanilla Buttercream Filling

A sandwich cookie is only as good as its filling, and our vanilla buttercream is nothing short of heavenly. Achieving that perfectly smooth and fluffy consistency starts with room temperature butter. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if it’s too warm, your buttercream might become greasy. Beat the butter on its own until it’s light and fluffy before gradually incorporating the confectioner’s sugar. This slow addition helps prevent a sugar cloud in your kitchen and ensures a well-combined, lump-free mixture. Finally, stir in a good quality vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture until it’s wonderfully light, airy, and spreadable. This attention to detail results in a filling that’s rich, sweet, and melts in your mouth, providing the ideal contrast to the spiced lemon cookies.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: Lemon Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled – and this is key to prevent your beautiful buttercream from melting – it’s time for the fun part: assembly! Take one cooled cookie and, using an offset spatula or a knife, spread about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of your vanilla buttercream onto its flat side. Don’t be shy with the filling; a generous amount makes for a truly decadent sandwich. Then, gently top it with another cookie, pressing down just enough to create an even sandwich without squeezing out all the glorious buttercream. Arrange them on a platter, stand back, and admire your handiwork. These cookies are perfect for sharing, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a warm afternoon. They keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, though their deliciousness means they rarely last that long!

Lemon Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies

Author:
Mary Ann Dwyer

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Prep Time
20 mins

Cook Time
30 mins

Total Time
50 mins

Ingredients

Cookies:

2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar (plus a small bowl of some extra for rolling cookies in before baking)
1 egg
1/4 cup unsulphered molasses
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
1/2 tsp. lemon oil (or 1 tsp. lemon extract)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger

Vanilla Buttercream:

1 cup butter (room temperature)
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and egg. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the molasses, fresh lemon zest, and lemon oil. Set this wet mixture aside.
In a separate, large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to ensure they are well combined and lump-free. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling period is crucial for flavor development and texture.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into uniform balls, approximately 1 ½ to 2 inches in size, depending on your desired cookie sandwich size. Roll each dough ball in the small bowl of extra granulated sugar to coat it evenly. Place the sugared balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 3 inches apart, as these cookies will spread during baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have developed characteristic crackles.
Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. It is essential that the cookies are fully cooled before proceeding to the next step.
For the Vanilla Buttercream: In a large bowl, using a rubber spatula or electric mixer, cream the room temperature butter until it is light and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, beating until smooth. Incorporate the vanilla extract and continue to cream until the buttercream is light, airy, and truly fluffy.
Assembling the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread about 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons of the prepared vanilla buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently place another cooled cookie on top, pressing lightly to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and buttercream.

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Final Thoughts on These Irresistible Bites

These Lemon Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies are truly a celebration of flavor, texture, and the simple joy of baking. The innovative combination of warm spices and bright citrus creates a unique profile that sets them apart from typical gingersnaps, making them perfectly suited for any summer occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a delightful treat to brighten your day, these cookies deliver on every front. Their chewy texture, the refreshing lemon zing, and the creamy vanilla buttercream come together in a symphony of deliciousness that is sure to impress. They are not just cookies; they are an experience, a memory in the making, and a testament to how small tweaks can transform a classic into something utterly new and exciting. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as we enjoyed creating them!