The Coziest Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

Soft, chewy ginger molasses cookies create a warm holiday memory that dances between spicy and sweet.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen inspired this delightful treat.

Molasses brings deep, rich undertones to each perfectly crisp bite.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg nestle beautifully within the dough.

Creamy eggnog buttercream adds a luxurious twist to the classic cookie.

Seasonal comfort arrives in every delectable morsel.

Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream That Impress

• Celebrate Seasonal Spice: Dive into a festive cookie experience packed with warm, comforting spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg that capture the essence of holiday cheer.
• Master Bakery-Style Technique: Learn professional baking methods like creaming butter, chilling dough, and creating perfectly cracked cookie surfaces that elevate your home baking skills.
• Create Impressive Sandwich Cookies: Craft beautiful, bakery-worthy sandwich cookies with a luscious eggnog buttercream filling that looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert.
• Enjoy Festive Flavor Combination: Indulge in the perfect marriage of rich molasses cookies and creamy eggnog buttercream, bringing together two beloved holiday flavor profiles in one delightful treat.

Ingredients for Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure to the cookie.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create a rich, festive flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie caramelization.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Molasses: Creates a deep, caramel-like flavor and contributes to the cookie's soft texture.

• Powdered Sugar, Butter: Form the creamy base of the eggnog buttercream.
• Vanilla Extract, Nutmeg: Add depth and warmth to the buttercream flavor.
• Eggnog: Provides a festive holiday taste to the buttercream filling.

• Granulated Sugar: Used for rolling the cookies to create a sparkling exterior.

How to Prepare Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream

Step 1: Mix Dry Flavor Makers

Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and salt into a medium bowl. This magical blend will create the spicy foundation of your delicious cookies.

Gently combine the ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer, whip softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Beat for about 3 minutes, allowing air to dance into the mixture and create a tender cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Liquid Gold

Drop in the egg and molasses, beating until they merge seamlessly with the butter-sugar blend.

The molasses will infuse rich, deep flavors that make these cookies irresistibly delicious.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overwork the batter.

Step 5: Chill and Relax the Dough

Cover the cookie dough and slide it into the refrigerator for a solid hour.

This resting period allows flavors to mingle and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 6: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F (190°C).

This high temperature will help create those beautiful crackly cookie tops.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar Coat

Scoop out dough and roll into small balls.

Give each ball a luxurious roll in granulated sugar, creating a sparkling exterior that’ll catch everyone’s eye.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place sugared dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until tops crack and centers remain soft.

Step 9: Cool Down

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Patience is key for the perfect cookie sandwich.

Step 10: Craft Creamy Eggnog Frosting

In a clean mixer bowl, beat butter until fluffy.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg

Beat until smooth, then slowly introduce eggnog, adjusting sugar to create a spreadable consistency.

Step 11: Create Cookie Sandwiches

Match cookies by size.

Pipe or spread eggnog buttercream on one cookie’s flat side, then gently press a matching cookie on top. The result?

A festive, flavor-packed treat that screams holiday cheer!

Tips for Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream

• Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure even spice distribution in the cookies.
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy for a softer, more tender cookie texture.
• Chill dough for at least an hour to enhance flavor development and make handling easier.
• Roll cookie balls in granulated sugar before baking to create a sparkling, crisp exterior.
• Adjust eggnog buttercream consistency by carefully adding powdered sugar or eggnog to achieve the perfect spreadable texture.

Flavor Variations on Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free eggnog alternative for a vegan-friendly version. Replace traditional buttercream with cashew-based frosting.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Add xanthan gum to improve cookie texture and binding.
• Spice Lovers' Variation: Increase ground ginger and add cayenne pepper for a warming, spicy kick. Incorporate ground cardamom for extra depth of flavor.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free eggnog and reduce overall sugar content in buttercream.

Pairing Ideas for Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream

• Create a classic holiday cocktail using rum, eggnog, and a sprinkle of nutmeg to complement the cookie's warm spices and enhance the eggnog buttercream's flavors.
• Brew a rich, creamy chai tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger that mirrors the cookie's spice profile and provides a comforting warm beverage pairing.
• Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cookies to balance the intense molasses and spice notes, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.

Storage Advice for Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain buttercream's texture and prevent spoilage.
• Freeze Whole: Wrap individual cookie sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Freeze Components: Separately freeze unfrosted cookies and buttercream in sealed containers. When ready, thaw cookies at room temperature and buttercream in refrigerator, then assemble fresh.
• Counter Storage: Keep unsealed at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Place in single layer on plate, covered loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What makes the spices in these cookies special?

The combination of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg creates a warm, complex flavor profile that captures the essence of holiday baking, providing a rich and aromatic taste experience.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps solidify the butter and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring the cookies maintain their shape and develop those characteristic surface cracks.

• Can I make the buttercream ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the eggnog buttercream up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using, giving it a quick whisk to restore its smooth consistency.

Ginger Molasses Cookies With Eggnog Buttercream

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Rich ginger molasses cookies with eggnog buttercream showcase classic holiday flavors in one delightful treat. Spicy cookies paired with creamy frosting will satisfy seasonal cravings when you want something special to share.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) molasses
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) eggnog
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
• 5 to 7 cups (600–840 g) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and salt into a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents. Set mixture aside for later use.
2. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes to incorporate air into the batter.
3. Mix in egg and molasses, beating until fully integrated, allowing the molasses to provide moisture and rich flavor while the egg binds the dough.
4. Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until dough just comes together without overmixing.
5. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour to allow ingredients to meld and make the sticky dough easier to handle.
6. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the ideal temperature for developing signature cookie surface cracks.
7. Scoop chilled dough into 1-inch balls, rolling each thoroughly in granulated sugar to create a sparkling exterior.
8. Place sugared dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until tops crack and centers remain soft.
9. Transfer baked cookies to wire rack, allowing complete cooling before frosting to prevent buttercream melting.
10. Prepare eggnog buttercream by beating softened butter until fluffy. Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Gradually add eggnog, adjusting sugar consistency as needed to create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
11. Match cooled cookies by size. Pipe or spread eggnog buttercream on one cookie’s flat side, then sandwich with a matching cookie to create a balanced, flavorful treat.

Notes

• Adjust the spice quantities to suit personal taste preferences, ensuring the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves complement each other without overpowering the cookie’s delicate flavor.
• Choose a high-quality, robust molasses for deeper, more complex flavor that enhances the cookie’s richness and provides a beautiful dark color.
• For easier handling, use slightly damp hands when rolling the cookie dough balls, preventing the sticky mixture from clinging to your fingers.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, and use dairy-free butter and plant-based eggnog to create a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains the recipe’s classic taste profile.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 212
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 106 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg