Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are the perfect treat for any occasion. Their soft, chewy texture combined with creamy eggnog frosting makes them a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices in the ginger molasses cookies creates a warm and comforting taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet eggnog frosting.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies without hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a special treat any time of year. They also make great gifts!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are not only tasty but also have a satisfying chewy consistency that makes them irresistible.
• Customizable Frosting: You can adjust the sweetness and consistency of the eggnog frosting to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop
• Wire rack for cooling

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugar mix smoothly for a better cookie texture.
• Cookie scoop: Using a scoop helps form uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

To prepare the Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings, gather these ingredients:

For the Ginger Molasses 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 Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a separate large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed:
1. Beat together the butter and brown sugar until no lumps remain.
2. Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and molasses; continue mixing until well combined.
3. Reduce mixer speed to low; slowly beat in the flour mixture until fully combined.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
5. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

When ready to bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. If dough has chilled for over 2 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
3. Form dough into balls about 1.5 tablespoons in size using a cookie scoop.
4. Roll each ball in granulated or turbinado sugar.
5. Place on lined sheets 2 inches apart and bake for 8–10 minutes until just set on top.
6. Cool on trays for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Eggnog Frosting

While cookies cool:
1. In a medium bowl beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth.
2. Gradually add icing sugar about half a cup at a time until two cups have been mixed in.
3. Mix in eggnog one tablespoon at a time along with optional vanilla extract until desired sweetness and consistency is reached.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool:
1. Frost the bottom of one cookie with about one tablespoon of frosting.
2. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
You should end up with about 16–18 delicious sandwiches!

How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

These delightful Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are perfect for any festive occasion. They can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their flavor and presentation.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside rich hot chocolate for a sweet indulgence during colder months.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Include these cookies on a dessert platter with other holiday favorites for an inviting display.
• Decorated Plate: Arrange the cookies on a beautifully decorated plate, garnished with cinnamon sticks or festive sprinkles.

For Gift Giving

• Gift Box: Package the cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbons for thoughtful gifts.
• Cookie Jars: Fill mason jars with cookies and add a personalized label for an extra special touch.

How to Perfect Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Perfecting your Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough not only enhances flavor but also helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for optimal flavor. Old spices can dull the taste of your cookies.
• Measure Accurately: Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be set but still soft in the center when done.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add powdered sugar or eggnog gradually to achieve your desired frosting thickness for easy spreading.

Best Side Dishes for Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

Pairing side dishes with your Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies and add color to your table.
2. Cheese Platter: Serve a selection of cheeses to complement the spiced flavors of the cookies, creating an interesting contrast.
3. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A mix of nuts and dried fruits provides a crunchy texture and enhances the overall taste profile.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a light, creamy counterpart to the cookies.
5. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider pairs beautifully, echoing similar flavors found in the cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate fondue as a dipping option, adding an indulgent twist to your snack time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking ginger molasses sandwich cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough: Not chilling the dough can lead to flat cookies. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Boldly overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft.
• Boldly using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
• Boldly neglecting oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven properly.
• Boldly forgetting to line cookie sheets: Skipping parchment paper or silicone mats may cause sticking. Use these liners for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store ginger molasses sandwich cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

• Freeze individual sandwich cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds, watching closely to avoid overheating.
• Bold Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, keeping an eye on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frostings.

How do I ensure my Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings are chewy?

To achieve a chewy texture, avoid overbaking and ensure you use room temperature butter and eggs.

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Yes! You can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar and use oat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a different flavor profile.

How long do Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frostings last?

When stored properly, these cookies last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.

What is the best way to decorate my Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies?

You can add sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies for an extra festive touch.

Final Thoughts

Ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frostings are perfect for any occasion. Their delightful blend of spices creates a cozy treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or using different types of frosting!