Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, then these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are just what you need. They remind me of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and love, where every bite brings back sweet memories. These cookies are not only deliciously soft and chewy, but they also make for the perfect dessert to share at family get-togethers or cozy nights in.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive celebration, these cookies will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Imagine sinking your teeth into two spiced ginger molasses cookies filled with creamy eggnog frosting—pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these delightful cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the flavor and fun of these sandwich cookies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared ahead of time, making it easy to bake whenever you’re ready.
• Festive Flavor: The warm spices combined with creamy frosting create a comforting taste that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly delicious. Gather these items before we dive into the baking!

For the Cookies

• 2 and 3/4 cup 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 the Eggnog Frosting

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 2-3 cups icing sugar (sifted)
• 3-4 tablespoons eggnog
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative! Here are some fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise inside the cookies.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added texture.
• Frosting Flavors: Swap out the eggnog for other flavored creamers like pumpkin spice or cinnamon for a new take on frosting.

How to Make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential because blending the dry ingredients ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. This process helps create a fluffy texture by incorporating air into the mixture. Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses; continue mixing until everything is well combined. Now’s when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Turn down your mixer to low speed and gradually beat in the flour mixture until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Cover this delightful dough with cling wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to help solidify it before baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. If your dough has been chilling longer than two hours, let it sit out for about 20 minutes first. Form balls of dough about 1.5 tablespoons each—using a cookie scoop works wonders! Roll them in sugar before placing them two inches apart on your baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just set on top.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While those lovely cookies cool down on wire racks, prepare your eggnog frosting! Beat soft butter until creamy in a medium bowl. Gradually add sifted icing sugar one half-cup at a time until well blended. Then mix in eggnog one tablespoon at a time until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding more icing sugar if necessary—this frosting should be spreadable yet fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Time to bring it all together! Take one cookie and frost its bottom with about one tablespoon of frosting before topping it off with another cookie. Repeat until you’ve assembled around 16-18 delicious sandwich cookies.

Now all that’s left is to enjoy these delightful Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings!

Pro Tips for Making Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Baking is all about precision and a little creativity, so here are some tips to ensure your ginger molasses sandwich cookies turn out perfectly!

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough allows the flavors to meld together and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This results in soft, chewy cookies instead of flat ones.
• Use Fresh Spices: Make sure your ground spices are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lose their potency, which may lead to bland cookies. Fresh spices give a vibrant taste that truly enhances each bite.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be set at the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Customize Your Frosting: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or flavor of your frosting by adding more icing sugar or eggnog until you reach your desired consistency and taste. This flexibility allows you to make it just right for your preference.
• Mix Up Your Fillings: While eggnog frosting is delicious, you can also experiment with other fillings like vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting for variety. This keeps things exciting for everyone tasting your cookies!

How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

These delightful ginger molasses sandwich cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy night in. Here’s how to present them beautifully and elevate your dessert experience!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie adds an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
• Crushed Candy Canes: For a festive crunch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the frosting before assembling the sandwiches. It adds a pop of color and delicious minty flavor.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Hot Apple Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider complements the ginger flavors beautifully and makes for a comforting pairing during chilly evenings.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a lovely contrast in temperature and texture, making every bite even more indulgent.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies with its natural sweetness and acidity.
• Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea harmonize wonderfully with the flavors in these cookies, providing a cozy drink that enhances your dessert experience.

Enjoy sharing these scrumptious ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frostings with friends and family—they’re sure to be loved by all!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are perfect for meal prep! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time, bake the cookies when you’re ready, and whip up the frosting to enjoy fresh treats throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Store them for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
• If you’ve already assembled the sandwiches, try to keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze unbaked cookie dough, scoop the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• For assembled sandwich cookies, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, let frozen cookies thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• If you prefer warm cookies, bake frozen dough balls directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings!

Can I use a different frosting instead of eggnog?

Yes! While eggnog frosting complements these cookies perfectly, feel free to use vanilla or cream cheese frosting as an alternative.

How do I know when my Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are done baking?

The cookies are done when the tops are set but still soft. They will firm up while cooling on the tray!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, your ginger molasses sandwich cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my cookies?

Yes! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to customize your ginger molasses sandwich cookies.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find joy in making these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings! They’re not just delicious but also bring a sense of comfort during cozy gatherings. Enjoy creating these delightful treats and sharing them with loved ones; they’re sure to be a hit. Happy baking!