Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect treat that sings with holiday spirit and cozy warmth, let me introduce you to these incredibly delightful Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting. These cookies are a beautiful combination of spicy ginger, deep molasses, and a hint of winter spices, all sandwiched between luscious eggnog buttercream. They bring a perfect balance of chewy and soft textures, with a frosting that adds a creamy, festive finish. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies never fail to impress and become an instant favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might think these cookies are fancy, but the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and classic, each playing a special role to create that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the warm spices to the rich molasses, and the creamy eggnog frosting, every item on the list is essential for nailing that holiday magic in every bite.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for tender cookies.
• Ground ginger: The star spice delivering that signature zing and warmth.
• Cinnamon: Adds a sweet warmth that complements the ginger beautifully.
• Ground cloves and nutmeg: These spices deepen the flavor complexity and bring cozy holiday vibes.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a chewy-soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates richness and aids in that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs perfectly with molasses.
• Egg and egg yolk: Bind the dough and add a wonderful tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Brings sweetness depth and rounds out all the spices.
• Molasses (not blackstrap): The heart of these cookies, giving a deep, robust flavor and beautiful dark color.
• Turbinado or granulated sugar: For rolling the dough balls, giving a delightful sugary crust.
• Eggnog: Adds creamy holiday flavor to the frosting.
• Icing sugar: Creates the perfect smooth and sweet texture for the frosting.
• Rum extract (optional): A little extra holiday spirit that boosts the frosting’s festive flair.

How to Make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together all your dry ingredients—flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt—in a large bowl. This blend of spices is what infuses the cookies with that signature cozy warmth, so take a moment to enjoy the inviting aroma as you mix.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat your softened unsalted butter and brown sugar on medium speed until creamy and lump-free. This step is key for the lightness and chewiness of the cookies. The brown sugar’s molasses content pairs perfectly with the added molasses later on.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Molasses

To that creamy mixture, add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses. Continue to beat until everything is smoothly combined, creating a richly flavored, dark batter that promises the classic molasses cookie depth.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Lower your mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing, then cover the dough with cling wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough balls approximately 1.5 tablespoons each and roll them in granulated or turbinado sugar; this step adds a subtle crunch and sparkle to the cookies’ surface. Arrange them at least 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the tops are just set but still soft to the touch. Let cool for a bit on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Eggnog Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip up the luscious eggnog frosting by beating softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted icing sugar, then stir in eggnog a tablespoon at a time until you get a creamy spreading consistency. The optional rum extract boosts the festive flavor, making your frosting taste like pure holiday joy.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Finally, spread about a tablespoon of eggnog frosting on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Repeat until all cookies are paired together. You’ll end up with roughly 16 to 18 irresistible sandwich cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring one by one.

How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or finely grated nutmeg atop the frosting for a pretty, aromatic touch. You can also dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for that fresh snow-kissed look, enhancing the festive presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of spiced tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a chilled glass of eggnog for a perfectly complementary party spread. Their spicy sweetness shines against rich drinks, making for a cozy and comforting pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Package the Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting in a festive tin or tied up with a simple ribbon for a homemade gift that everyone will adore. Stack them on a holiday dessert platter alongside peppermint bark and chocolate-dipped pretzels for an irresistible seasonal spread that dazzles guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the frosting from sticking.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, these sandwich cookies freeze beautifully. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you prefer slightly warm cookies, briefly microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting. This warms the spices and molasses, enhancing their cozy flavor without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?

It’s best to use regular molasses rather than blackstrap because blackstrap has a much stronger, more bitter flavor that can overpower the cookies. Regular molasses provides a nice balance of sweetness and rich, deep flavor perfect for this recipe.

What if I don’t have rum extract for the frosting?

The rum extract adds a lovely festive note, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can simply omit it. The frosting will still taste fantastic with the eggnog and vanilla flavors carrying the show.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the dough for up to 24 hours before baking enhances the flavors and improves the texture, making the cookies even more delicious. Just keep it covered tightly in the fridge until you’re ready.

How do I prevent the sugar coating from melting during baking?

Rolling the dough balls in granulated or turbinado sugar right before baking helps create a pretty crunchy coating. Make sure the dough is well chilled and don’t let it sit out too long before baking, which can cause the sugar to dissolve.

Can I make the eggnog frosting dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the butter for a vegan butter alternative, and use a dairy-free eggnog or a spiced non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. This way, everyone can enjoy the festive frosting without missing out on flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting, they’ll quickly earn a special spot in your cookie rotation. They embody everything wonderful about the holiday season in cookie form—warm spices, rich molasses, and that dreamy, creamy eggnog frosting that ties it all together. So grab your apron and bake up a batch to delight friends, family, and yourself. You won’t regret the cozy happiness these cookies bring!

Print