Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season or any festive occasion. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are sandwiched with a creamy eggnog frosting that adds a rich flavor. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm spices and molasses creates a comforting flavor profile.
• Festive Treat: These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and make great gifts.
• Easy to Make: The step-by-step instructions ensure that even beginner bakers can achieve delicious results.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Pair them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Perfectly Soft & Chewy: Chilling the dough leads to tender cookies that stay fresh longer.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delectable ginger molasses sandwich cookies, you will need a few essential tools to streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes allows for easy mixing and separating ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures that your butter and sugar blend smoothly without lumps.
• Cookie sheets: Good quality sheets help distribute heat evenly for perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

These ginger molasses sandwich cookies feature two super soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies sandwiched with eggnog frosting.

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)

How to Make Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In another large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses; continue mixing until well combined.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low; gradually beat in the flour mixture until fully incorporated.
• Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• If the dough has chilled for over 2 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
• Scoop out dough balls approximately 1.5 tablespoons in size using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in granulated/turbinado sugar before placing them on the lined sheets about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set on top. Allow cooling on trays for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 3: Make the Eggnog Frosting

• While cookies cool down, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy.
• Gradually add in icing sugar about 1/2 cup at a time until you’ve incorporated at least 2 cups.
• Slowly mix in eggnog one tablespoon at a time along with optional vanilla extract until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

• To assemble each sandwich cookie, spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting on the bottom of one cookie.
• Place another cookie on top to create a delightful sandwich. You should end up with about 16–18 sandwiches total.

Enjoy these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings as a delightful treat throughout the festive season!

How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frostings make a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Tea: A warming chai or spiced tea pairs well, enhancing the ginger notes.
• Hot Chocolate: For a sweet twist, serve alongside a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

Add a Festive Touch

• Plate them Decoratively: Arrange cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
• Gift them: Package in decorative boxes for homemade gifts during holidays or special occasions.

Create Cookie Stacks

• Layering: Stack two or three cookies on top of each other, drizzling melted chocolate over them for an indulgent treat.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert twist.

How to Perfect Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frostings, consider these handy tips.

• Bold Chilling Time: Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes to ensure chewy cookies.
• Bold Consistency Check: Make sure the frosting is smooth but thick enough to hold its shape when spread.
• Bold Baking Temperature: Preheat your oven properly. An accurate temperature ensures even baking and prevents spreading.
• Bold Measurement Accuracy: Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurement, especially for flour and sugar.
• Bold Cookie Scooping: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are uniform in size for even baking.

Best Side Dishes for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Serving these delightful ginger molasses sandwich cookies can be enhanced by pairing them with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Bold Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses adds a savory contrast to the sweet flavors.
3. Bold Nut Mix: Spiced or candied nuts provide crunchy texture and a hint of saltiness that pairs well.
4. Bold Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies served with hummus offer a healthy crunch alongside dessert.
5. Bold Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a creamy, tangy side that complements the cookies.
6. Bold Spiced Applesauce: This warm side dish enhances the ginger flavor and adds moisture to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind while making Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for precision.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and stop once you no longer see flour.

• Ignoring cooling time: If you move cookies too soon from the baking sheet, they may break apart. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

• Frosting too early: Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt. Allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

• Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Frost after thawing for the best texture.

Reheating Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power; check frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different spices in my Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings?

Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite spices like cardamom or allspice for unique flavor variations.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The tops of your cookies should be set and slightly cracked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and chill the dough up to 24 hours in advance or freeze the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

What can I substitute if I don’t have eggnog?

You can use heavy cream mixed with a bit of vanilla extract or a dairy alternative like almond milk with vanilla for similar flavor profiles.

How should I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover eggnog frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to one week; simply re-whip before using again.

Final Thoughts

Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are a delightful treat perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings. Their soft, chewy texture paired with creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different spices or frostings, making this recipe versatile enough for any palate!