Name: Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies With Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.75 cups all-purpose flour; 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 (170 grams) 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 (113 grams) molasses (not blackstrap); 1/3 cup turbinado or granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2.5 cups (300 grams) icing sugar, sifted; 3/4 tablespoons eggnog; 1/4 teaspoon rum extract (optional)

Soft, chewy cookies dance with bold winter spices in this ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frosting that promises pure holiday magic.

Warmth radiates from every bite of these delectable treats.

Fragrant molasses and zingy ginger create a robust base for the creamy, nutmeg-kissed frosting.

Each cookie sandwiches layers of rich, seasonal flavor between two perfectly spiced rounds.

Dark, complex molasses mingles with sweet eggnog for a dessert that captures festive cheer.

Bakers seeking a memorable holiday confection will adore this irresistible recipe.

Prepare to indulge in a sweet celebration of the season’s most comforting flavors.

FAQs

What gives these cookies their distinctive flavor?

The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, spicy profile that’s perfectly balanced with the rich molasses. These traditional holiday spices work together to give the cookies their deep, complex taste.

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, allows the spices to meld together, and makes the dough easier to handle. It also helps develop a more intense flavor and creates a better texture for rolling and cutting the cookies.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. This makes these cookies great for holiday baking or when you want to spread out your cookie-making process over a couple of days.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly crisp edges and a soft center. The cookies should be just set and have a slight crackle on top. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Why Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies Stand Out

Dive into a festive flavor explosion with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg that capture the essence of holiday baking.
Elevate your baking skills with a sophisticated sandwich cookie that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, yet is surprisingly simple to make.
Enjoy a fun, interactive cooking experience that brings everyone together, with steps easy enough for kids to help and delicious enough for adults to love.
Make the dough in advance and refrigerate, allowing flexible baking time that fits perfectly into busy holiday schedules and reduces last-minute stress.

What You Need for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cookie.
Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create a rich, festive flavor profile for the cookies.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a tender texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture to the cookie dough.
Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor.
Molasses: Gives the cookies a deep, complex sweetness and dark color.

Frosting Ingredients:

Eggnog: Brings a classic holiday flavor to the sandwich cookie frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting base.
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and tanginess to the frosting.
Nutmeg: Provides a traditional eggnog spice note to the frosting.

How to Make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

The spice blend creates a warm, inviting aroma that promises delicious cookies ahead.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter and brown sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy mixture.

This process takes about 2-3 minutes and creates the perfect base for your cookies.

Add in:

Egg
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Molasses

Continue mixing until everything blends into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Combine and Chill Dough

Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.

The dough should come together beautifully without becoming tough.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes or up to a full day.

This resting time allows flavors to mingle and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 4: Prepare Eggnog Frosting

While the dough chills, whip up a creamy eggnog frosting that will take these cookies to the next level.

In a clean bowl, blend:

Softened cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Eggnog
Vanilla extract
Ground nutmeg

Whisk until smooth and perfectly spreadable.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll out the chilled dough and cut into circular shapes.

Bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, creating a crisp exterior with a soft center.

Step 6: Assemble Sandwich Cookies

Once cookies cool completely, spread a generous layer of eggnog frosting between two cookies.

Gently press together to create the perfect sandwich cookie that bursts with holiday flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your ginger molasses sandwich cookies on a festive plate.

These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night in with a warm drink.

Tips for Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Frosting

Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor complexity and improve cookie texture, making it easier to shape and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
Use fresh, high-quality ground spices and level them carefully in measuring spoons to ensure a balanced, aromatic flavor profile in your ginger molasses cookies.
Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which typically takes 2-3 minutes, to create a smooth base that guarantees tender, well-textured cookies.
Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing to prevent tough cookies and maintain a delicate, soft texture.
Adjust eggnog frosting thickness by adding powdered sugar or liquid to achieve the perfect spreadable texture for sandwich cookie filling.

Storing and Reheating Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Transfer completely cooled cookies to an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delicious flavor.
Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring they remain fresh and delectable when thawed.
Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their taste and texture.
Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing them to return to their original soft and delightful state.

Pairings for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Perfect Flavor Companions for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies:

Sip Spiced Rum Toddy: Warm rum cocktail with cinnamon stick and honey complements the deep molasses and ginger spices, creating a cozy winter drinking experience that echoes the cookie's warm flavor profile.
Pair Bourbon Vanilla Cream: Rich, smooth bourbon-infused vanilla ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the dense, spicy cookie, balancing the intense gingerbread notes with subtle sweetness.
Match Mulled Wine Blend: Traditional European-style mulled wine with orange zest, cloves, and star anise perfectly mirrors the cookie's warm spice elements, offering a festive and complementary beverage that enhances the dessert's complex flavor layers.
Serve Chai Latte Alongside: Creamy, spiced chai tea echoes the cookie's ginger and cinnamon undertones, creating a harmonious taste combination that feels like a comforting winter embrace.

Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend like almond or rice flour, ensuring the same spicy warmth and texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
Dairy-Free Eggnog Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk in the frosting, creating a creamy lactose-free version that maintains the classic holiday flavor profile.
Vegan Spice Cookie Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and create a coconut cream-based frosting for a completely animal-product-free treat.
Low-Sugar Holiday Option: Reduce brown sugar by half, use monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate sugar-free eggnog flavoring to craft a lighter, diabetic-friendly cookie that still captures festive essence.

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

Cozy Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

FAQs

Why Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies Stand Out

What You Need for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies