Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

If you’re looking for the perfect treat to bring some warmth and joy into your home, look no further than these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings! This recipe is a delightful blend of soft, chewy cookies filled with a creamy eggnog frosting that will make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply a treat to enjoy during a quiet evening at home, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

What makes these cookies so special? They combine the rich flavors of ginger and molasses with the festive taste of eggnog frosting. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion when you want something sweet without too much hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: The warm spices in these cookies create an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and warms your heart.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved! They’ll love helping to sandwich the cookies together and decorating them with frosting.
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Perfectly Festive: These cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings or any time you want to spread cheer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ginger molasses sandwich cookies feature simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful treat!

For the Cookies:

• 2 and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
• 1/3 cup turbinado or granulated sugar

For the Eggnog Frosting:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 2-3 cups icing sugar (sifted)
• 3-4 tablespoons eggnog
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add Some Zest: Consider adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, for a bright flavor twist.
• Change Up the Frosting: Swap out eggnog for cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
• Mix in Some Extras: Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

How to Make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that all those delicious spices are evenly distributed throughout your dough. Set this mixture aside while you work on creaming the butter and sugar.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until there are no lumps left. This process is crucial because creaming adds air into your mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Next, add in your egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Turn down the mixer speed to low as you gradually beat in the flour mixture until everything comes together. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl! Once mixed well, cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Chilling helps develop flavor and improves texture.

Step 4: Bake Your Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. If your dough has chilled longer than two hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Use a cookie scoop to form balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll them in turbinado or granulated sugar before placing them on lined sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just set on top!

Step 5: Make the Eggnog Frosting

While those delicious cookies cool on a wire rack, let’s whip up that dreamy eggnog frosting! In a medium bowl, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar by half-cupfuls until you reach about two cups mixed in. Then stir in eggnog one tablespoon at a time until you get that perfect smooth consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Now comes the fun part—sandwiching those lovely cookies together! Take one cooled cookie and spread about one tablespoon of frosting on its bottom side before gently placing another cookie on top. Repeat until you’ve made about 16-18 delightful sandwiches!

Enjoy every bite of these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Baking these delectable ginger molasses sandwich cookies is a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can make it even better!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only enhances the flavors but also makes it easier to handle. A well-chilled dough will result in cookies that maintain their shape and have a lovely chewy texture.
• Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices can lose potency over time. Using fresh ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg ensures your cookies are bursting with flavor, making each bite a fragrant delight.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be soft when you take them out of the oven, as they’ll continue baking slightly while cooling on the tray. This prevents them from becoming hard and crumbly.
• Experiment with Frosting Texture: Depending on how you like your frosting, feel free to adjust the amount of icing sugar or eggnog. A thicker frosting can be piped for decoration, while a thinner version spreads easily for a classic sandwich cookie look.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture and softness.

How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Presenting these scrumptious cookies can be just as exciting as making them! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to the frosting for a pop of color that brightens up each sandwich.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting adds an aromatic touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Drizzle of Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate over the sandwiches before serving.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: This warm beverage complements the spices in your cookies beautifully and creates a cozy dessert pairing perfect for chilly days.
• Chai Tea: The blend of spices in chai tea echoes those in your cookies, offering a harmonious flavor experience that enhances the overall treat.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds adds a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla or spiced ice cream served alongside provides a delightful creamy contrast to your chewy cookies.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your cookie experience but also impress anyone lucky enough to share these treats with you! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough or even the finished cookies in advance, allowing you to savor their delightful flavors whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie dough, shape it into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• If you have baked cookies, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow thawing at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; just be cautious not to overheat them.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some answers to common inquiries about Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings!

Can I use different spices in my Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings?

Absolutely! While ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a delightful flavor profile, feel free to experiment with your favorite spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.

How do I make my Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings more festive?

You can enhance the festive appeal by adding colorful sprinkles on top of the eggnog frosting or dusting them lightly with additional powdered sugar before serving!

What’s the best way to get soft Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings?

To ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.

Can I substitute molasses in this recipe?

While molasses gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives. However, this may slightly alter the taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings! They’re not only delicious but also bring warmth and joy during any season. Enjoy every moment spent baking these treats—whether it’s for yourself or sharing them with loved ones. Happy baking!