Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting combine warm, spicy molasses cookies with a creamy, festive eggnog buttercream. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are soft with a slightly crisp edge and layered with a luscious, smooth frosting spiced with a hint of rum extract.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling time of 30 minutes)
- Yield: 16-18 sandwich cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Ginger Molasses Cookies
- 2 and 3/4 cups 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 rolling)
For the Eggnog Buttercream
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2–3 cups icing sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar until no lumps remain and the mixture is fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses until fully combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Chill dough: Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours. If chilling longer than 2 hours, let dough sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Form cookies: Scoop dough into 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in turbinado or granulated sugar and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the tops are just set but not browned. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make eggnog frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually beat in 2 cups of sifted icing sugar, then add eggnog 1 tablespoon at a time. Add rum extract if using. Adjust consistency and sweetness by adding more icing sugar or eggnog as needed to create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting on the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie. Repeat until all are assembled, making about 16-18 sandwich cookies.
Notes
- Use molasses that is not blackstrap for a milder flavor and lighter color.
- Chilling the dough for longer enhances flavor and texture but allow coming to room temperature if chilled over 2 hours for easier scooping.
- Use turbinado sugar for a pretty crunchy coating and extra texture on the cookies.
- The rum extract is optional but adds a nice festive flavor to the eggnog frosting.
- Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- These cookies can be frozen either baked (unfrosted) or assembled; thaw completely before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ginger molasses cookies, molasses sandwich cookies, holiday cookies, eggnog frosting, festive cookies, Christmas cookies, sandwich cookies