Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies Recipe

The Best Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Ginger molasses sandwich cookies blend warm, nostalgic spices with rich, deep sweetness in a delightful culinary creation.

These remarkable treats capture the essence of comfort baking with their robust, aromatic profile.

Soft, chewy cookies emerge from traditional techniques that enhance simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Delicate spices weave through each tender morsel, creating layers of complex flavor moments.

Creamy filling nestled between two perfectly balanced cookie halves elevates this dessert from ordinary to sublime.

Bakers seeking a sophisticated yet approachable sweet experience will find these cookies irresistibly charming.

Professional and home cooks alike can master this delectable recipe with confidence.

Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies That Pack a Punch

  • Spice Up Your Baking: These ginger molasses cookies burst with warm, aromatic spices that create a cozy, comforting flavor profile perfect for chilly days.
  • Sandwich Sensation: The creamy eggnog frosting nestled between two soft, chewy cookies transforms a simple treat into an indulgent dessert experience that delights taste buds.
  • Quick and Easy Holiday Charm: Minimal prep time and straightforward ingredients make these cookies a stress-free way to create delicious homemade treats that look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Festive Flavor Explosion: The combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg delivers a classic holiday taste that captures the essence of seasonal baking with minimal effort.

Your Ingredient List for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie dough.
  • Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light and crisp.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
  • Egg and Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients and contribute to soft cookie texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • Molasses: Gives a rich, dark color and deep caramel-like sweetness.
Frosting and Finishing:
  • Granulated Sugar: For rolling cookies before baking, creating a crisp exterior.
  • Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Eggnog: Adds festive flavor and moisture to the frosting.
  • Rum Extract: Provides a hint of warming, complementary flavor.

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses. Beat until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients on low speed. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Chill Cookie Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Roll dough into balls. Coat each ball in granulated sugar.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place cookie balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just set.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on baking trays for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare Frosting

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, eggnog, and rum extract. Adjust consistency as needed.

Step 11: Assemble Sandwich Cookies

Spread frosting on the bottom of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.

Yield: 16-18 sandwich cookies

Tips for Keeping Ginger Cookies Chewy and Rich

  • Master the Chill: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth during baking.
  • Sugar Coating Secrets: Roll cookie balls generously in granulated sugar for a delightful crackly exterior and sweet crunch.
  • Precision Baking: Remove cookies from oven when edges are just set to maintain a soft, chewy center.
  • Frosting Flow: Adjust icing sugar and eggnog amounts gradually to achieve the perfect smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Storage Smarts: Store sandwich cookies in an airtight container between parchment layers to preserve moisture and prevent sticking.

How to Store Ginger Molasses Cookies the Right Way

  • Refrigerate Carefully: Place ginger molasses sandwich cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delicate flavor.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies will stay fresh for 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime.
  • Thaw and Refresh: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For a just-baked taste, warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their original softness and warmth.

Best Drinks and Sides for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

  • Pair with Spiced Rum Eggnog: The warm, rich eggnog frosting complements the cookies' spicy ginger and molasses flavor, creating a cozy winter treat that feels like a festive hug.
  • Match with Cinnamon Chai Latte: The cookie's warm spices blend perfectly with the aromatic chai, enhancing the ginger and nutmeg notes while providing a comforting, creamy contrast.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cool, smooth vanilla cuts through the cookie's intense spice, balancing the dessert with a refreshing and sweet counterpoint.
  • Enjoy with Mulled Wine: The deep, spiced red wine echoes the cookie's warm spices, creating a rich and sophisticated dessert pairing that warms you from the inside out.

Unique Flavors to Add to Ginger Molasses Cookies

  • Spiced Maple Sandwich Cookies: Replace molasses with pure maple syrup for a lighter, more delicate flavor profile. Swap rum extract for maple extract to enhance the woodland essence.
  • Gluten-Free Ginger Comfort Cookies: Use almond flour or gluten-free blend instead of regular flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Vegan Zingy Sandwich Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use dairy-free icing made from plant-based butter and powdered sugar.
  • Chocolate-Dipped Winter Cookies: After assembling sandwich cookies, partially dip each in melted dark chocolate. Sprinkle crushed candied ginger or sea salt on chocolate for extra crunch and complexity.
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Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Spicy-sweet ginger molasses sandwich cookies blend classic comfort with sophisticated flavor. Creamy filling nestled between rich, chewy cookies creates an irresistible treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) molasses
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Binding and Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 34 tablespoons eggnog
  • 23 cups (240–360 grams) icing sugar, sifted

Optional Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare dry ingredients by thoroughly whisking flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
  2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed until achieving a smooth, fluffy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Incorporate whole egg, additional egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and dark molasses into the butter mixture, blending until ingredients are completely integrated and the batter appears cohesive.
  4. Gradually fold the reserved dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix the cookie dough.
  5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. Scoop the chilled dough into portions, gently rolling each into a uniform ball and coating with granulated sugar.
  8. Arrange cookie dough balls approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart on prepared baking sheets to allow proper spreading during baking.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies are just set and edges appear slightly golden, avoiding overbaking to maintain a soft texture.
  10. Allow cookies to rest on baking trays for 10 minutes to stabilize, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare the frosting by beating softened butter until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
  12. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then blend in eggnog and rum extract, adjusting liquid and sugar quantities to achieve desired consistency and flavor profile.
  13. Once cookies are thoroughly cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with a second cookie.
  14. Repeat the frosting and sandwiching process with remaining cookies, yielding approximately 16-18 delectable sandwich cookies.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
  • Roll cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a delightful crackly exterior and extra sweetness.
  • Bake cookies just until edges are set to maintain a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Space cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and prevent merging.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and more consistent cookie texture.
  • Adjust frosting consistency by adding more icing sugar or eggnog to achieve perfect spreadability.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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