Festive Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies With Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Spiced Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Warm, spicy ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frosting dance between festive comfort and sweet indulgence.

Holiday memories flood back with each delectable bite of these delightful treats.

The robust molasses creates a deep, rich backdrop for the creamy, nutmeg-kissed frosting filling.

Delicate yet bold, these cookies capture the essence of winter celebrations.

Soft, chewy cookie layers embrace a luscious eggnog cream that melts seamlessly on your palate.

Each sandwich cookie promises a moment of pure seasonal bliss.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible dessert that turns ordinary baking into a memorable experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 141 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the perfect cookie base, choose unbleached flour for better flavor.
  • Ground Ginger: Adds warm, spicy kick that defines the cookie's character, opt for fresh, aromatic ground ginger.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers sweet and woody undertones, look for high-quality Ceylon cinnamon for depth.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Brings subtle warmth and complexity, freshly grated nutmeg offers superior flavor.
  • Ground Cloves: Introduces intense, pungent spiciness, select whole cloves ground just before use.
  • Baking Soda: Ensures cookies rise and spread evenly, check freshness by testing with vinegar.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, tender texture, select high-fat European-style butter for superior taste.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes, choose dark brown sugar for intense flavor.
  • Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients and provide structure, use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out spice flavors, pure vanilla extract offers most authentic taste.
  • Molasses: Contributes deep, complex sweetness, blackstrap molasses provides robust flavor.
For Frosting and Finishing:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting, sift to prevent lumps.
  • Eggnog: Delivers festive holiday flavor, choose high-quality, creamy eggnog.
  • Rum Extract: Optional boozy enhancement, adds depth without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and mixing frosting smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowls: Two needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheets.
  • Cookie sheets: For baking the ginger molasses cookies.
  • Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly after baking.
  • Spatula or scraper: Useful for scraping down bowl sides and smoothing frosting.
  • Dough Preparation

Mix dry ingredients like flour, warming spices, and baking basics in a roomy bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until silky smooth. Fold in eggs, vanilla, and rich molasses. Gently incorporate flour mixture until just combined. Wrap and chill dough in refrigerator for a relaxed 30-minute rest.

  • Cookie Shaping

Warm dough slightly at room temperature. Roll small dough balls and coat in sparkling sugar crystals. Arrange on lined baking sheets with plenty of breathing room. Bake until edges become golden and centers look barely set.

  • Dreamy Frosting Creation

Whip softened butter until cloud-like and fluffy. Gradually blend powdered sugar, creating a silky base. Splash in festive eggnog and optional rum essence. Adjust consistency for perfect spreadability.

  • Cookie Sandwich Magic

Generously spread creamy frosting on cookie bottom. Tenderly press matching cookie on top, creating delightful sandwich treats. Each batch yields around 16-18 irresistible holiday nibbles perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Tips for Bold Ginger-Molasses Flavor

  • Cookie Customization Tips
  • Increase or decrease ground ginger and cinnamon to match your personal flavor preference, making the cookies more or less bold.
  • Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and saving time during busy baking sessions.
  • Swap eggnog for maple syrup or cream cheese for different flavor profiles that complement the warm spice of the cookies.
  • Sprinkle crushed candied ginger or finely chopped pecans on frosted edges for added texture and visual appeal.
  • Keep sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How to Present These Holiday Cookies

  • Pair with Festive Beverages: Serve these ginger molasses sandwich cookies alongside warm mulled wine or a chilled glass of holiday eggnog for a delightful flavor combination.
  • Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday platter with other seasonal treats like peppermint bark and cranberry truffles to impress guests at your winter gathering.
  • Gift in Charming Packaging: Pack the sandwich cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them a perfect homemade gift for neighbors, colleagues, or holiday hosts.
  • Enjoy with Afternoon Tea: Complement these spiced cookies with a rich black tea or creamy latte for a cozy afternoon snack that brings warmth to chilly winter days.

Cookie Storage Instructions Post-Frosting

  • Refrigerate Smartly: Store unbaked cookie dough in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze for Later: Place completed sandwich cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen cookies maintain top quality for 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Keep Frosting Fresh: Store leftover eggnog frosting in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip briefly before using to restore smooth consistency.
  • Serve with Care: Keep assembled sandwich cookies in a single layer at room temperature for 2-3 days. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain optimal texture and flavor. Use an airtight container to prevent cookies from becoming stale.
Print
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Festive Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies With Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Festive Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies With Eggnog Frosting


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Molasses sandwich cookies combine warm ginger spices with creamy eggnog frosting for winter celebrations. Home bakers can craft these festive treats that merge classic holiday flavors into one delightful dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 tbsps (90 ml) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 23 cups (240360 g) icing sugar (sifted)
  • 34 tbsps (4560 ml) eggnog
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) rum extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation of Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl to evenly distribute spices.
  2. Butter Mixture Creation: Cream butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth, then blend in egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses until fully integrated.
  3. Dough Formation: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture on low speed, ensuring a uniform consistency without flour pockets. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours to enhance flavor development.
  4. Cookie Shaping and Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove chilled dough, letting it soften slightly if needed. Roll dough balls in granulated sugar, place on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake for 8-10 minutes until tops are set.
  5. Cooling Process: Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Frosting Preparation: Beat softened butter until creamy, gradually incorporate powdered sugar and eggnog, adjusting consistency as needed. Optional rum extract can be added for extra flavor.
  7. Cookie Assembly: Spread frosting on cookie bottom and sandwich with a second cookie, creating a delectable ginger molasses treat.

Notes

  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate dough 30 minutes to 24 hours to enhance spice depth and improve cookie texture.
  • Sugar Coating Trick: Roll cookie balls in granulated or turbinado sugar for a delightful crispy, sweet exterior and beautiful sparkle.
  • Room Temperature Recovery: If dough is chilled over 2 hours, let sit 20 minutes before shaping to ensure easy handling and even baking.
  • Frosting Flexibility: Adjust eggnog frosting consistency by adding powdered sugar or eggnog until smooth and perfectly spreadable for ideal sandwich cookie assembly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 141
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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