Sandwich cookies are a delicious treat that comes in many varieties. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of sandwich cookies, from the classics like Oreos to newer options like red velvet and salted caramel.
Whether you prefer your cookies crunchy or soft, filled with vanilla creme or chocolate fudge, this post has got you covered. We’ll highlight key characteristics of each type and help you determine the best sandwich cookie for your cravings or occasion. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Sandwich Cookies
Before we start classifying all the different species of sandwich cookies, let’s go back in time to understand where these tasty sandwich-shaped treats came from.
The first sandwich cookies is believed to have been produced in 1908 by the National Biscuit Company (today known as Nabisco). The Oreo was designed to mimic the wildly popular Hydrox sandwich cookie. I know right, who came up with that unappetizing name?
The original Oreo consisted of two chocolate disk-shaped wafers with a sweet creme filling, which set the standard form we recognize today.
Fun fact: Oreos were briefly produced with lemon meringue and peanut butter fillings in the 1920s before vanilla creme became the staple.
Over the years, different brands have launched their own takes on the winning cookie sandwich formula. There have been many creative twists too in terms of flavors, shapes, fillings, and textures.
Now, you can find gluten-free, keto-friendly, mini, mega-stuffed, and even seasonal sandwich cookies on grocery shelves. The options are endless!
Let’s explore some of the most popular types below.
Traditional Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
We can’t talk about sandwich cookies without paying homage to the OG chocolate sandwich cookie first. Traditional chocolate sandwich cookies consist of two chocolate wafers stuck together with a sweet crème filling.
The most iconic is obviously the Oreo, gobble gobble, but there are actually lots of chocolate sandwich cookies brands and variations to enjoy. Here’s a breakdown:
- Oreos – The one that started it all features two dark chocolate cookies enveloping a characteristic vanilla creme. They now offer over 20 flavors but the original reigns supreme.
- Chips Ahoy – This household name brand launched their take on chocolate sandwich cookies a couple decades after Oreo. They use chocolate chip cookies instead with a sweeter, fluffier filling.
- Newman-O’s – Made with organic ingredients using fair trade chocolate, these are a darker, more grown-up chocolate sandwich cookie.
- Joe Joe’s – For the foodies, Trader Joe’s chocolate wafer cookies are filled with silky chocolate creme or peanut butter.
- Famous Amos – You may know them better for brownies but Famous Amos makes chocolate and chocolate chip cookies sandwiched with rich chocolate fudge.
- Hydrox – The largely forgotten forefather of the Oreo attempts periodic comebacks. They have a crunchier, less sweet profile than modern Oreos.
- Great Value – Almost every generic store brand offers their budget-friendly take like Walmart’s chocolate sandwich cremes.
No matter what you call them – chocolate sandwich cremes, chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate crème oreos, or double chocolate cookies – these treats score high on the nostalgia factor and make the perfect snack mate to a cold glass of milk.
Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
Believe it or not, vanilla cookies actually edge out chocolate cookies in popularity. Vanilla sandwich cookies offer a milder, lighter taste and color for those who find chocolate too rich or sweet. Classic options include:
- Oreo – The #1 bestselling cookie in America also comes in a golden vanilla cookie iteration with the signature vanilla creme center.
- Nutter Butter – While technically peanut butter, the crisp oval cookies have a nice vanilla flavor.
- Nilla – Named after vanilla, these tender rectangular cookies surround a white creme and make the perfect pie crust.
- Gramma’s – Like a soft, homemade sugar cookie, these grandma-style treats envelop a fluffy vanilla filling.
- SnackWell’s – For a lighter option, these cookies are made with reduced sugar and fat.
- Famous Amos – Besides chocolate, they also offer vanilla and nut flavors sandwiched with creme.
- Pepperidge Farm Chesapeake – Subtly sweet with a hint of molasses, they contain a satiny smooth filling.
Vanilla sandwich cookies tend to be more versatile for crafting and layering into desserts too. Overall, you can’t go wrong with that sweet comforting burst of vanilla.
Fruit Flavored Sandwich Cookies
Why stop at just chocolate and vanilla? Fruit flavored sandwich cookies offer a refreshing vibrant twist. Popular fruits used include citrus flavors like orange and lemon and berries like strawberry and raspberry. Ben & Jerry even collaborated on a grape ice cream flavor! Fruit variations to try:
- Oreo – They sell special editions like strawberry cheesecake as well as mango & cream and limeade.
- Nabisco Newtons – With a tender fig cookie, the filling tastes like sweet jam.
- Keebler – Produces seasonal options like key lime pie cookies.
- Tastykake – Specializes in fun flavors like lemon crumb and wildberry.
- Annie’s – Organic bunny cookies with a tangy raspberry or lemon burst inside.
- Mi-Del – Makes old fashioned ginger snaps with ginger marmalade filling.
- Peak Freans – Owns the McVitie’s brand including tangy orange cookies.
Fruit adds nice acidity and sweetness to contrast rich cookies. Citrus cookies also pair perfectly with tea or coffee.
Nut Butter Sandwich Cookies
For those who love the combination of nuts and chocolate, nut butter sandwich cookies will satisfy those flavor cravings. Besides just peanut butter, cookie brands incorporate other nut butters like almond, cashew and hazelnut chocolate spreads. Delicious options include:
- Reese’s – Perhaps the most beloved pairing, these chocolate peanut butter cups turned into sandwich cookie form.
- Tagalongs – The iconic Girl Scout cookies features chocolate peanut butter patty centers.
- Nutter Butter – While making a strong case for America’s favorite sandwich cookie, they recently introduced a chocolate hazelnut version.
- Pirouette – Made a layered chocolate hazelnut wafer with crispy creme.
- Primula – Uses an almond coffee paste filling between chocolate cookies.
- Lotus Biscoff – Though technically a spice biscuit, the cinnamon cookies with caramelized spread taste reminiscent of speculoos.
- Tate’s – Makes soft baked double chocolate cookies with an almond butter filling.
Peanut butter or other nut spreads between cookies conjures up nostalgia while providing more nutrition.
Creamsicle Sandwich Cookies
Why choose between chocolate or vanilla when you can experience both at the same time? Creamsicle sandwich cookies feature one chocolate cookie paired with one vanilla cookie bonded by a sweet creme center. Fun options:
- Oreo – They sell both chocolate & golden cookie combo packs so you can make your own creamsicle experience.
- Joe Joe’s – Trader Joe’s offers a scrumptious creamsicle edition with a tangy orange filling.
- Newman-O’s – Makes organic vanilla & chocolate wafer creams with keeper crispy wafers.
- Mi-Del – Another ginger snap brand providing spice cookies with vanilla/chocolate creme halves.
- Benton’s – Classic shortbread textures in chocolate and vanilla sandwiches.
This twosome gives you permission to play favorites and satisfy multiple flavor cravings in one bite.
Seasonal and Special Edition Sandwich Cookies
What’s more fun than enjoying cookies associated with your favorite holidays and events? Brands have turned specialty flavored sandwich cookies into big business capitalizing on seasonal, limited batch releases. Some merry editions found during holiday times:
- Peppermint Oreos – Most popular, these festive cookies filled with bits of crunchy peppermint candy cane arrive around Christmas.
- Pumpkin Spice Oreos – During fall, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger fill vanilla cookies.
- Red Velvet Oreos – Red cookies with cream cheese bits evoke Valentine’s day.
- Carrot Cake Oreos – Reminiscent of Easter with carrots and cream cheese in golden cookies.
- Lemon Oreos – Tangy, citrusy flavor perfect for summer.
- Gingerbread Joe Joe’s – Trader Joe’s seasonal treat stuffed with a molasses flavored center.
- Candy Corn Oreos – Filled with a white vanilla creme base and candy sprinkles.
- Cookie Butter Joe Joe’s – A returning favorite each winter made with speculoos spice cookie butter.
Of course Oreo and Trader Joe’s aren’t the only brands capitalizing on occasion cookies. During the spring, keeps eyes peeled for jelly bean or peeps sandwich cookies. Come October, you’ll find plenty of spiderweb or monster face creations. No matter the time of year, special edition sandwich cookies make great gifts or dessert additions. They spread joy and prove cookies really do make everything better.
Less Common Sandwich Cookie Flavors
While traditional chocolate, vanilla, fruit, nut, and seasonal varieties account for most sandwich cookies you’ll see, some brands get really creative with more adventurous fillings and ingredients. Here are other funky sandwich cookie flavors floating around:
- Maple – sweet maple syrup makes a nice creme pairing for gingerbread or cinnamon cookies.
- S’more – chocolate cookies with marshmallow filling and graham cracker bits.
- Neapolitan – Vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate layers in one cookie.
- Funfetti – Vanilla cookies colored and sprinkled to resemble cake.
- Churro – Cinnamon sugar cookies with sweet creamy dulce de leche caramel.
- Coconut – Tropical coconut shreds mixed into vanilla filling.
- Cheesecake – Tangy cream cheese filling with bits of graham cracker or chocolate cookie wafers.
- Birthday Cake – Rainbow sprinkles galore mimicking the ultimate celebratory dessert.
- Decadent fudge – Cookies overloaded with thick, rich chocolate put the “sandwich” back in cookie.
- Spiced eggnog – Sweetened cream spiked with nutmeg, vanilla, and rum extract.
- Stuffed pretzel – Pretzel crisps surround smooth, sweet cream cheese.
- Chocolate salted caramel – For the salty-sweet devotees who can’t resist this flavor combo.
Have you spotted any oddball sandwich cookie flavors in the wild? Part of the fun is discovering adventurous new flavor mashups by daring brands.
Benefits and Downsides of Sandwich Cookies
Now that we summarized the different categories and varieties of sandwich cookies, let’s review general pros and cons. We’ll also call out benefits particular to certain types.
Pros:
- Convenient, portable size
- Individually packaged options good for snacking, lunch boxes, picnics etc.
- Taste consistently sweet and enjoyable
- Stimulates feelings of nostalgia and comfort
- Fun seasonal editions and gift giving sets
- Choosing fillings provides flavor preferences
- Dip in milk or coffee for added sensory experience
- Used in wide range of dessert recipes for added sweetness
- Nut butter types offer extra protein and nutrition
Cons:
- Often made with refined ingredients like vegetable oils and high fructose corn syrup
- Contain chemical preservatives to extend shelf life
- High in processed sugars and unwanted additives
- Can lack fiber compared to some whole food options
- Easy to overindulge leading to excess calories or blood sugar spikes
To mitigate cons, check labels and choose cookies made with less artificial additives when possible or space out consumption by combining with more nutritious foods. Dark chocolate or nut-based sandwich cookies tend to be slightly healthier thanks to antioxidants and protein. Those avoiding gluten, dairy or eggs can usually find allergy-friendly options too.
Determining the Best Sandwich Cookies For You
Sandwich cookies check a lot of boxes in the snack food department – easy to eat, highly tasty, even nostalgic. But with so many types and options on shelves nowadays, how do you determine the optimal cookie choice for your needs and preferences? Here are some factors to consider:
- Flavor – Do you want just chocolate or vanilla or something more adventurous? Combination of complementary textures and taste is key.
- Dietary Needs – Check nutritional labels for things like calories, sugar, gluten/allergens, organic claims etc.
- Purpose – Everyday snack, dessert garnish, gift, event, holiday, making ice cream sandwiches?
- Ingredients – Simplicity can speak volumes when it comes to quality. But you may value exciting mix-ins like nut butters or candy pieces too.
- Affordability – Unfortunately cookies aren’t an essential food group. Find the best value whether it’s bulk or seasonal coupons.
- Brand Philosophy – Do you care about things like non-GMOs, fair trade or local producers? Many niche cookie brands cater to specific values.
- Appearance – Adorable shapes, designs and decorations entice young and old. Goes hand-in-hand with experiential flavors.
Consider all these purchasing criteria to narrow down your preferred sandwich cookie type. And never feel guilty enjoying these delightful cookie sandwiches – just practice moderation to keep your health goals balanced.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
We crunched through a lot of cookie information today! Sandwich cookies provide the perfect bite-sized snack or dessert with nearly endless varieties to suit any preference nowadays. You can’t go wrong picking between chocolatey, fruity, nutty or seasonal flavors.
Beyond traditional Oreos and Chips Ahoy, brands like Trader Joe’s, Famous Amos and Annie’s also offer exciting gourmet cookie combinations. Pay attention to specialty ingredient callouts like fair trade chocolate, organic wheat, or reduced sugar. Upcoming holiday sandwich creations tempt tastebuds too.
What’s your favorite type of sandwich cookie? Do you look for adventurous flavors or stick with the classics? Share your thoughts below!
