Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Oh, dear friends, let me take you on a little journey through time to the moment I first fell in love with ginger molasses sandwich cookies. Picture this: a crisp winter afternoon, the air crisp yet inviting, and my cozy kitchen filled with the intoxicating aromas of warm spices mingling together. It was holiday baking season, a cherished tradition in my family, and I decided to put a twist on a classic. The result? Ginger molasses cookies with velvety eggnog frosting nestled between them—each bite a delightful explosion of holiday cheer!

As I pulled those beautifully golden cookies from the oven, I couldn’t resist the warm, spiced aroma that wrapped its way around me like a snuggly blanket. Just one nibble of those cookies was enough to transport me back to childhood memories of caroling and cozy evenings by the fire. Each sandwich we created heightened the experience—a crunch from the ginger-spiced cookies, encasing the creamy richness of the eggnog frosting. Friends, my heart—and my tastebuds—were utterly smitten! And, I promise, you’ll feel the warmth of the season too when you whip up these cookies in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip these up in no time, making them perfect for those busy holiday moments!
• Flavorful: The fusion of ginger, molasses, and nutmeg creates a cozy and festive flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a hit at parties and family gatherings—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
• Customizable: Add your own twist with different spices or make them your own!
• Charming Presentation: These adorable sandwich cookies are sure to impress, and you can even gift them or share with loved ones.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies—be sure to spoon and level for accuracy!
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavener! It gives your cookies that delightful rise, ensuring a soft center.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: The star spice—adds warmth and that essential ginger zing!
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A cozy hug of flavor that complements the ginger perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: These not-so-secret spices add depth to the cookie’s aromatic profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all those warm flavors!
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the cookies rich and tender—bring it to room temperature for easy creaming.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a lovely caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
• 1/4 cup molasses: The magic ingredient that gives those cookies their delightful chewiness and deep color.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together while also contributing to the texture!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting scent of vanilla that just screams “home.”
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For a fluffy and sweet frosting—who can resist?
• 2 tablespoons eggnog: Adds creamy richness and festive flavor to the frosting.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Just to keep that lovely vanilla flavor going!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat and Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. The aromas of the spices dancing through the air will instantly make your kitchen feel like a holiday haven!

2. Cream Together

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. The texture should be divine! Then, stir in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. The deep, rich color of the molasses mixes beautifully with those lovely light hues!

3. Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—keep it a little light and fluffy, just like a warm holiday hug!

4. Drop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them space to breathe. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re perfectly golden. The smell of ginger and spice will have you lingering by the oven!

5. Frosting Time

For the frosting, beat together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. The texture should be creamy, a little indulgent, just like the holiday spirit!

6. Sandwich and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the eggnog frosting on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another. And voilà! You have a scrumptious treat ready to warm the hearts of those you love.

Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and egg are at room temperature to ensure the best mix.
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different—keep an eye on your cookies for that beautiful golden brown.
• Chill for Chewiness: If you prefer a chewier cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Parchment Paper: This is a game changer—your cookies will slide right off and stay perfectly soft!

Flavor Variations

• Swap out the spices for other festive flavors—think nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of peppermint!
• Try adding chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
• Make the frosting with a splash of bourbon or rum for a fun adult-only version!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your ginger molasses sandwich cookies on a festive platter, perhaps nestled beside a cozy cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea. They make fabulous gifts, too—wrap them up in a pretty box or tin for a lovely treat to share with neighbors or friends!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can whip up the cookie dough ahead of time. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. The cookies also store well in an airtight container for about a week—just be sure to layer parchment paper between them to keep that frosting intact!

Leftovers

Leftover cookies? No worries! Crumble them into ice cream for a delightful ginger-brown sugar treat, or blend them into a festive milkshake for a delicious dessert!

Freezing

Absolutely! These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for an hour or so. You can also freeze the frosting separately!

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For a bit of a crispy edge, just a few minutes in a 350°F oven will do wonders!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give the cookies a heartier texture and flavor. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, so keep an eye on the consistency.

Can I replace molasses with honey or maple syrup?
You can! Just remember that it will alter the flavor profile slightly, so embrace that lovely twist!

Is it necessary to chill the dough?
It’s not required, but chilling the dough can help prevent spreading and make it easier to handle.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious adaptation.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting as I do. Don’t be shy—whip up a batch for yourself, your family, or a cozy gathering with friends. May your kitchen be filled with aromas of nostalgia and warmth, and as you gather around to enjoy these delightful cookies, may they bring you the warmth of cherished memories and create new ones! Happy baking, my friends!