Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
If you love a cozy holiday treat that perfectly balances spice, sweetness, and creamy frosting, you are going to adore this Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe. These soft, chewy ginger molasses cookies are rolled in sugar for a delightful crunch, then generously sandwiched with a luscious eggnog-infused frosting that brings that signature festive flavor to every bite. This recipe combines classic winter spices with a nostalgic twist of eggnog frosting, making it an irresistible addition to your seasonal baking lineup or any time you want to savor a warm, comforting cookie experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these incredible cookies, and luckily, they are simple staples with a few special touches. Each element plays a key role in building the rich flavors, tender texture, and festive flair of this Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger: Provides the warm, zesty kick essential for ginger cookies.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet, aromatic note that complements the ginger beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings a subtle depth and holiday-inspired spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Offers a hint of nuttiness and warmth to the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: For lightness and the perfect bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep molasses flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and the perfect sugar roll coating.
- 1/4 cup molasses: The star ingredient that delivers bold, robust flavor and dark color.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough for structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the spices with a smooth, sweet undertone.
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a crisp sugar crust on each cookie.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): The creamy base for the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): For sweetness and smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons eggnog (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with festive, classic holiday flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the eggnog and balances sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for frosting): Adds a subtle spice to the frosting.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweet frosting, making each bite perfect.
How to Make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will carry those warm spices through each cookie, so mixing well is key to even flavor distribution.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving the cookies their tender texture while building a rich base of sweetness and depth from the brown sugar’s molasses content.
Step 3: Add the Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix molasses, the egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars. Beat until everything is smooth and well combined. The molasses gives these cookies their characteristic bold flavor and dark color, while the egg and vanilla add moisture and richness.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. This step is important because overmixing can lead to tough cookies. The dough should feel soft but firm enough to roll into balls.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies
Using a scoop or spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to coat thoroughly. This sugar coating will create a delightful, slightly crunchy exterior once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create an even surface. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Whip Up the Eggnog Frosting
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then pour in the eggnog, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Beat everything together until smooth and fluffy, making a luscious, festive frosting perfect for piping or spreading.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the eggnog frosting on the flat side of half the cookies. Top each frosted cookie with another cookie to form charming sandwich treats. The contrast between the spicy cookies and creamy frosting is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of ground nutmeg or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest over the frosting adds a beautiful aroma and an extra layer of holiday cheer. You can also press a few crushed candied ginger bits on the frosting’s edge for a delightful surprise in every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot cocoa, or even a glass of classic eggnog to double down on that signature flavor. They also work well alongside a festive cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar and mild havarti to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack the sandwich cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon. You can also arrange them on a holiday-themed platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine to create a charming winter centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This method preserves the soft, chewy texture while keeping the eggnog frosting fresh and creamy. If you prefer a firmer frosting, chilling the cookies is also a good option.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie sandwiches unassembled by storing the cooled cookies and frosting separately. Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the frosting in a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, thaw both and assemble fresh for best texture.
Reheating
Since these are sandwich cookies with frosting, reheating is not recommended as it may cause the frosting to melt and lose its texture. Instead, enjoy them at room temperature for the best taste and experience.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make the Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan egg replacer. For the frosting, use vegan butter and a dairy-free eggnog or almond milk with holiday spices. The flavors will still be wonderfully festive!
What is the best way to roll the dough balls in sugar?
Chilling the dough slightly before rolling helps prevent it from being too sticky. Then, simply pour granulated sugar into a shallow bowl and roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated. This step adds a lovely texture contrast once baked.
Can I use homemade eggnog for the frosting?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog adds a fresh, personalized touch and can make the frosting even more flavorful. Just be sure your eggnog is thick and not too runny to maintain the right frosting consistency.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these sandwich cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. Beyond that, the texture and frosting may begin to degrade, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make a gluten-free version, keeping in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking the Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe — the comforting spices, the sweet molasses, and that creamy frosting make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a chilly afternoon treat, or a special gift, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to anyone lucky enough to try them. Give this recipe a go and make your kitchen smell like the coziest time of year!
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Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies 1x
Description
These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting are a delightful holiday treat combining soft, spiced ginger cookies rolled in sugar and sandwiched with a creamy, festive eggnog-flavored frosting. Perfect for gatherings or cozy winter snacking.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until fully combined to evenly distribute the spices.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until smooth and well combined for a cohesive dough.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring thoroughly to form a soft dough without overmixing.
- Form cookie balls: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to give a slight sparkle and crispness to the cookie exterior.
- Prepare for baking: Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart, then gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to shape the cookies.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Cool the cookies on the baking pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it is smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping.
- Assemble sandwiches: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the eggnog frosting onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwich cookies.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter for easier creaming and smoother dough.
- Molasses gives the cookies their signature deep flavor; use unsulfured molasses for a less bitter taste.
- Rolling the cookies in granulated sugar before baking adds a nice texture contrast.
- The frosting can be adjusted in consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more eggnog to thin.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American