Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Chewy, spiced, and truly irresistible, these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting are pure holiday magic in every bite. Imagine two beautifully crinkled, warmly spiced ginger-molasses cookies hugging a sweet, festive eggnog buttercream—each bite is a cozy winter hug you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, treating your coworkers, or just sneaking one with your morning coffee, this recipe strikes that delightful balance of nostalgic flavor and whimsical fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting couldn’t be easier, and each addition is thoughtfully chosen to create incredible flavor and texture. From warm ground spices to lusciously creamy butter and the distinct holiday edge of eggnog, these key players will make each cookie memorable.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of every great cookie, giving structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
• Ground ginger: Brings that classic, zippy warmth you want in every ginger cookie.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complexity, making the spice blend truly shine.
• Ground cloves: Just a pinch, but it makes all the difference for a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Ground nutmeg: Essential for both cookie and eggnog flavors—it ties the two together beautifully.
• Baking soda: Provides just the right amount of lift for a tender, chewy texture.
• Salt: Always crucial to balance sweetness and highlight every other flavor.
• Unsalted butter: For rich flavor and silky texture in both cookies and frosting; always soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and extra moisture for irresistibly chewy cookies.
• Large egg: Keeps the cookies cohesive and tender; using an extra yolk means more chewy decadence.
• Large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect chewy crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds another layer of cozy aroma that rounds out the spice beautifully.
• Molasses (not blackstrap): Lends that signature deep flavor, gorgeous color, and soft texture—avoid blackstrap, which is too bitter.
• Turbinado or granulated sugar: For rolling each dough ball, giving your cookies an irresistible sparkly crunch.
• Icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sifts into your buttercream, making it dreamy and smooth.
• Eggnog: The star of the frosting—brings genuine holiday flavor and creamy decadence to every bite.
• Rum extract (optional): Optional, but if you love that classic eggnog flavor, a couple drops are magic.

How to Make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This simple step is like setting the stage for your flavor symphony—ensure everything is evenly distributed so every bite is packed with spice and perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed. Don’t rush this step—the goal is to get an ultra-creamy, lump-free base, setting the tone for chewy, tender cookies. The aroma alone will have you ready for that first taste.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Molasses

Mix in the egg, extra yolk, vanilla extract, and rich, dark molasses. With each addition, you’ll notice the dough turning a gorgeous golden-bronze color. This is where your cookies get their signature holiday depth and chewy texture!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. It will come together into a soft, fragrant dough. Be sure to pause and scrape down the sides so every bit gets incorporated—no dry pockets allowed!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with cling wrap and chill your dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Chilling not only develops flavor, but also makes the dough easier to scoop and shape, ensuring your sandwich cookies bake up thick and chewy.

Step 6: Shape, Roll, and Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your cookie sheets with parchment or silicone mats. If your dough has chilled for more than two hours, let it sit out for 20 minutes so it’s scoopable. Use about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie, roll each ball in turbinado or granulated sugar, and space them out to allow for spreading. Bake until tops are just set—about 8 to 10 minutes—then let them cool before transferring to a rack.

Step 7: Make the Eggnog Frosting

As the cookies cool, beat your softened butter until creamy, then gradually add icing sugar, eggnog, and a splash of rum extract if using. Alternate sugar and eggnog until the frosting is smooth, spreadable, and just the right amount of sweet. This luscious filling is what transforms simple ginger cookies into Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting perfection.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches

Pair up cookies by size, then generously spread about a tablespoon of eggnog frosting onto the bottom of one. Top with another cookie and give them a gentle press, just until the filling peeks out. Congratulations—you made a batch of Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting! You’ll have 16 to 18 magnificent sandwiches ready to dazzle.

How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting

Garnishes

A light dusting of extra icing sugar over the tops creates an instant snow-dusted effect, making these cookies look like they belong on a holiday dessert table. You can also dip half of each cookie sandwich in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with festive sanding sugar or a pinch of extra nutmeg for a boutique bakery touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these decadent Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting alongside a steaming mug of chai, spiced cider, or—of course—a tall glass of eggnog. They also shine on a homemade cookie platter nestled next to simple shortbreads, chocolate crinkles, or classic sugar cookies for an impressive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, stack a few cookie sandwiches in a clear cellophane bag tied with festive ribbon, or nestle them in a decorative tin lined with parchment. For a party, arrange them on a platter with a sprinkling of edible gold stars and a garnish of holly leaves. You could even pile them high on a cake stand as an edible centerpiece… guaranteed conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay irresistibly soft, with the flavors becoming even more delicious as they meld together.

Freezing

Both the dough and the finished cookie sandwiches freeze beautifully. Freeze the dough balls (unbaked) or the fully assembled cookies in a sealed container for up to two months. If freezing sandwiches, place wax or parchment paper between layers to keep them tidy when you thaw.

Reheating

If you love a slightly warm, gooey filling, let frozen or chilled cookies thaw at room temperature, then pop them in a low oven (about 200°F) for just a couple minutes. This gently softens the frosting without melting it, recreating that just-baked coziness.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses in the cookies?

It’s best to avoid blackstrap molasses because it’s much more bitter and strong, which can overpower the other warm spices and sweetness in your cookie. Regular molasses will give you that classic, mellow cookie flavor perfect for ginger treats.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Simply substitute a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure it includes xanthan gum for texture, and check all other baking ingredients for their gluten-free status.

Is there a way to make the frosting without eggnog?

Absolutely! Replace eggnog with heavy cream or milk (even a dairy-free alternative). Add a pinch of extra nutmeg and a drop of rum extract to recreate the flavor profile that makes Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting so special.

Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?

You can! Just adjust your dough ball size and baking time—smaller cookies may only need 6–7 minutes, while larger ones could need up to 12. Keep an eye out for set tops and slightly puffed centers for best results.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

If your kitchen is especially warm or you’ve made them ahead, it’s a good idea to refrigerate the assembled sandwiches to keep the eggnog frosting stable. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for the dreamiest holiday cookie that instantly brings a smile, look no further than Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting. Let their tender chew, sparkling edges, and creamy filling kick off new traditions at your table. Bake a batch, share the love, and don’t forget to steal one (or two) for yourself—you’ll be glad you did!

Print