Laura Mariano
Why Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Are the Ultimate Holiday Treat
Welcome to the coziest corner of holiday baking! These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting are everything you crave during the festive season—warm spices, creamy indulgence, and nostalgic flavors that evoke memories of snowflakes and twinkling lights. Imagine biting into a chewy ginger molasses cookie, rich with cinnamon and cloves, only to be met with a luscious layer of eggnog-infused frosting. It’s a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, hosting a holiday party, or simply curling up by the fire with a mug of cocoa, these cookies deliver comfort and cheer. Their elegant sandwich style makes them a standout on any dessert tray, while the flavor combination feels like a hug from the holidays themselves. Let’s dive into the magic of this seasonal showstopper!
What Are Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting?
These delightful treats feature two soft, spiced ginger molasses cookies embracing a generous layer of creamy eggnog buttercream. The cookies are inspired by classic gingerbread—rich with molasses, ginger, and warm spices—while the frosting channels the festive spirit of eggnog with hints of nutmeg and vanilla. Together, they create a harmonious blend of chewy and creamy, spicy and sweet. Their sandwich form adds a touch of elegance, making them perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings. Loved for their nostalgic flavor and irresistible texture, these cookies are a seasonal favorite that captures the essence of winter celebrations. Whether you’re a fan of traditional holiday desserts or looking to try something new, this recipe offers a delicious twist on two beloved classics.
Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup dark molasses (for deeper flavor and richer color)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Eggnog Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp eggnog
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 oz cream cheese (for tangier frosting)
- ½ tsp rum extract (for extra eggnog flair)
- White chocolate drizzle (for decoration)
These ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s soft, spiced, and perfectly festive.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape & Bake: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar if desired, and place on baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool: Let cookies cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
For the Frosting:
- Beat butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then eggnog, vanilla, and nutmeg.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assemble:
- Pipe or spread frosting onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
- Optional: Chill cookies before assembling to prevent frosting from melting.
Taste & Texture Profile
These cookies offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The ginger molasses cookies are chewy and deeply spiced, with warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The dark molasses adds richness and depth, making each bite feel indulgent. The eggnog frosting is creamy and smooth, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of nutmeg that evokes holiday cheer. Together, they strike a perfect balance—spicy yet sweet, soft yet satisfying. The sandwich format adds a luxurious feel, making them ideal for festive occasions. Whether served with hot cocoa or tucked into a cookie tin, these treats are sure to impress.
Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies Recipe – Holiday Treat with Eggnog Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag or spatula
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup dark molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp eggnog
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ½ tsp rum extract or bourbon
- White chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl: flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Scoop and roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Make frosting: Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble: Pipe or spread frosting on one cookie, top with another. Optional: drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Notes
- Use dark molasses for richer flavor and color.
- Add a pinch of black pepper for a bold gingerbread kick.
- Chill cookies before assembling to keep frosting firm.
- Let cookies rest overnight for flavors to meld beautifully.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment layers to prevent sticking.
