Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings Recipe

Say hello to a holiday treat that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your cookie exchange: Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings. Imagine chewy, spiced cookies bursting with ginger and molasses, gently hugging a dreamy cloud of eggnog buttercream. Each bite is a cozy embrace of festive flavors—warming, nostalgic, and just a little bit decadent. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or your own sweet tooth, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved seasonal tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here really comes down to a few pantry staples and cozy spices, each thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of warming flavors, soft texture, and holiday nostalgia. Let’s break down why every one of these ingredients earns its spot in the lineup for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings!

• All-purpose flour: Lays down the foundation for tender, chewy cookies that hold up to sandwiching.
• Ground ginger: The true star that brings zingy warmth to every bite and pairs beautifully with molasses.
• Cinnamon: Adds sweet depth that rounds out the spice profile.
• Ground cloves: Just a hint for a subtle, slightly smoky earthiness—don’t skip it!
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy, nutty sweetness that ties the spices together.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies puff and stay beautifully soft in the center.
• Salt: A tiny bit brings out all those lovely warming flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Brown sugar: Keeps the cookies chewy and adds a subtle caramel note.
• Egg & egg yolk: The extra yolk makes the cookies rich and chewy—trust me, it’s worth it!
• Vanilla extract: Brings out all the flavors and adds pure, home-baked aroma.
• Molasses (not blackstrap): The source of deep, rich color and a quintessential, gentle sweetness.
• Turbinado or granulated sugar: Rolling the dough balls in this gives each cookie a sparkly, crunchy exterior.
• Butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy, dreamy base for the eggnog frosting.
• Icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Whips up into a fluffy, smooth buttercream with perfect sweetness.
• Eggnog: Infuses the frosting with festive spirit and rich flavor—plus, it makes it irresistibly creamy.
• Rum extract (optional): Adds a hint of holiday kick, making the buttercream taste just like a cup of classic eggnog.

How to Make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

In a spacious bowl, whisk the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly mixed. This step helps ensure every cookie will be perfectly spiced and consistently tender. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab a second large bowl and beat together your softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer. Creaming creates that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and infuses the cookies with buttery caramel flavor. Beat until no lumps remain—smooth is the goal!

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Molasses

Beat in the egg, extra yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses. This combination brings richness, moisture, and that gorgeous dark color that tells you these are true Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings. Mix until fully blended and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Turn your mixer down low and gently incorporate the dry mixture into the wet, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Your dough will turn thick and fragrant, absolutely packed with spicy-sweet aroma!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and slide it into the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Chilling helps the flavors meld, keeps the cookies thick, and prevents spreading too much in the oven. If you chill longer than 2 hours, let the dough sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before scooping.

Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350F. With a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each), then roll in turbinado or granulated sugar so the outsides bake up sparkly and crisp. Space the dough balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the tops are set. Allow them to rest briefly on the pan before moving to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Make the Eggnog Frosting

While your cookies cool, whip up that decadent frosting! Beat softened butter with icing sugar (start with 2 cups, adding it gradually). Next, drizzle in eggnog one tablespoon at a time, along with a dash of rum extract if you’re using it. Add more icing sugar or eggnog for the right creamy-but-spreadable consistency. The result: a buttercream that’s festive and fluffy, perfect for sandwiching.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Spread about a tablespoon of frosting on the flat side of a cooled cookie, then gently press another cookie on top. Repeat with all your cookies. You’ll wind up with 16–18 decadent Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings, just waiting to be devoured!

How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Garnishes

Crown each cookie sandwich with a dainty dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon for an elegant finish. A small star of piped buttercream on top can also make them feel bakery-worthy. These thoughtful touches really take Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings from homemade to showstopper at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, spicy chai, or (naturally) a tall glass of eggnog to highlight their holiday spirit. They’re also delightful served alongside fresh fruit or a platter of mixed holiday cookies for delicious variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies in clear gift bags tied with festive ribbon for a homemade gift that’s equal parts heartfelt and decadent. Or arrange the sandwiches on a cake stand surrounded by twinkling fairy lights for a holiday dessert table showpiece. For a playful twist, serve mini versions as cookie “sliders” at your next holiday party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making them even more irresistible a day or two after baking.

Freezing

Both the unassembled cookies and finished sandwiches freeze beautifully! Place cookies or filled sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While you don’t want to actually heat the frosted sandwiches, allowing chilled or frozen sandwiches to come to room temperature softens the cookies and makes the frosting luscious again. If just warming the cookies (unfrosted), five seconds in the microwave brings a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the cookies and frosting a day or two ahead. Store cookies and frosting separately, then assemble close to serving for best texture—or assemble sandwiches and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Can I use store-bought eggnog for the frosting?

Yes! Any good-quality store-bought eggnog will work perfectly in the buttercream and deliver that classic holiday flavor.

Can I use blackstrap molasses?

It’s best to avoid blackstrap molasses, as it’s more bitter and intense. Regular (mild) molasses will keep your cookies perfectly balanced and tender.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Chilling the dough and not overbaking are key! Also, storing the sandwiches in an airtight container—maybe with a slice of bread—helps maintain that dreamy chewiness.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! Children love rolling dough balls and sandwiching cookies—plus, it’s a fun way to get the whole family involved in making memorable holiday treats.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about biting into Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings—a celebration of holiday comfort, warmth, and a bit of nostalgia. If you’re looking for a treat to charm everyone at your next gathering (or just brighten a December afternoon), give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and anyone you share with) will thank you!

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