Name: Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons eggnog; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for frosting)

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These ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frosting are the perfect holiday treat. Soft, chewy, and warmly spiced, the cookies pair beautifully with a creamy, festive eggnog filling. They’re the kind of cookie that feels nostalgic yet special enough to impress at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends two classic holiday flavors into one indulgent cookie. The ginger molasses cookies are spiced just right—sweet, warm, and slightly chewy—while the eggnog frosting adds a creamy richness with just a hint of nutmeg. I find these cookies make the holidays feel extra cozy, and they’re always the first to disappear from the cookie tray.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Molasses
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Eggnog
Vanilla extract

Directions

I start by creaming together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
I mix in the egg and molasses until well combined.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
I slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
I chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
I scoop the dough into balls and roll them in sugar before placing them on a baking sheet.
I bake at 350°F until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center.
While the cookies cool, I prepare the frosting by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla, and a touch of nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
Once the cookies are fully cooled, I spread or pipe the frosting on one cookie and sandwich it with another.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18 sandwich cookies. From start to finish, I spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes, including chilling, baking, and assembling. The baking time is roughly 8–10 minutes per batch.

Variations

I sometimes add a little orange zest to the frosting for a citrus twist that brightens up the flavors. If I want extra spice, I increase the ginger or cinnamon in the cookie dough. For a more subtle filling, I replace the eggnog with heavy cream but keep the nutmeg for that holiday touch.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting keeps best chilled. If I want to serve them at room temperature, I simply take them out about 20 minutes before serving so the filling softens. These cookies also freeze well—both unassembled cookies and finished sandwiches can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. I add the frosting just before serving so they taste fresh.

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Absolutely, I always use store-bought eggnog for convenience, and it works perfectly in the frosting.

Can I make these cookies without molasses?

I don’t recommend leaving it out since molasses gives the cookies their rich flavor and chewy texture. If necessary, I substitute with dark corn syrup, but the taste won’t be quite the same.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

I always chill the dough before baking. This helps keep the cookies thick and chewy instead of flat.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, I’ve doubled it many times without any issues. I just make sure to chill the dough well and bake in batches.

Conclusion

I find these ginger molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog frosting to be the ultimate holiday cookie. They’re soft, flavorful, and filled with festive cheer in every bite. I love making them for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa by the tree. These cookies bring together the best holiday flavors in one sweet little package.

Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting