Pin Recipe 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 always loved making these with my kids; assembling the little faces keeps them entertained and eager to try something new and healthy.
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.
Pin Recipe This recipe brings back fond family moments of laughter and creativity as my children decorate their sandwiches with smiles and buttons made from fruit and sprinkles.
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.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories per sandwich: 165. Total Fat: 5 g. Carbohydrates: 25 g. Protein: 4 g.
Pin Recipe These gingerbread man sandwiches are a delightful treat that combines fun shapes with tasty, wholesome ingredients perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for these sandwiches?
Soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread is ideal for easy cutting and a tender bite.
- → Can I substitute the honey in the cream cheese filling?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar make excellent natural alternatives to honey.
- → How do I decorate the sandwiches to keep the toppings in place?
Press raisins, chocolate chips, or sprinkles gently into the soft bread surface so they adhere without falling off.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this snack?
Use gluten-free sandwich bread to accommodate gluten-free diets while maintaining shape and texture.
- → Can these sandwiches be prepared ahead of time?
They can be made up to 4 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.