Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies: A Warm and Spicy Holiday Delight

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of molasses and ginger—two ingredients that bring warmth, depth, and a little sweetness to the table. When transformed into a delicious, spiced cookie, these ingredients become even more magical. Enter the Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookie: a perfect blend of soft, chewy gingerbread cookies filled with a luscious, creamy molasses filling. These cookies are an ideal choice for the holidays, bringing together the bold flavors of ginger and molasses in every bite, with a smooth, sweet filling that makes them irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply indulging in a special treat, Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies deliver both comfort and sophistication. Their deep, spiced flavor and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture make them an unforgettable dessert that will surely become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

In this article, we’ll explore why Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies are a must-try recipe, walk you through a simple and foolproof method for making them, and share tips, tricks, and variations to help you make the best version of this spiced classic. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of rich molasses, warm ginger, and spices is the essence of holiday baking. These cookies bring a comforting sweetness that’s perfect for cold weather.
• Perfect for Sharing: These sandwich cookies are a delightful treat to share with friends and family during the holidays. Their unique presentation and delicious flavor make them stand out at any gathering.
• Customizable Filling: The creamy filling can be adjusted to suit your preferences—whether you prefer a tangy cream cheese filling, a silky buttercream, or something with a hint of citrus zest, you can make these cookies your own.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Impressive Presentation: Despite being relatively easy to prepare, Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies have a professional look and taste that will impress your guests or recipients when packaged as a gift.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (30 minutes for prep, 15 minutes for baking, plus cooling)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 18 sandwich cookies (36 cookie halves).
• Nutrition Facts (per sandwich cookie): Calories: 210, Protein: 2g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 9g.

Ingredients

For the Ginger Molasses Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough. Be sure to spoon and level the flour for the most accurate measurement.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a slightly puffed texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: The key spice in ginger molasses cookies, providing a warm, slightly peppery flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, aromatic warmth that complements the ginger.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A small amount of cloves adds depth and complexity to the spice profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Optional, but a touch of allspice can elevate the flavor and make the cookies even more aromatic.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances out the spices.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened, so it incorporates easily into the dough.
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar: Provides moisture and a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the molasses.
• 1/2 cup molasses: A key ingredient for the cookies, giving them a deep, robust flavor and chewy texture.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and flavor that balances the spices.

For the Creamy Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese: Softened, to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Softened, for a rich, creamy texture.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it a smooth texture.
• 2 tablespoons molasses: Enhances the flavor of the filling and ties it into the ginger molasses cookies.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
• Pinch of salt: Helps balance the sweetness of the filling.

Optional Garnishes:

• Sugar for rolling: You can roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a sparkling finish.
• Cinnamon: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the filling after the cookies are assembled adds a beautiful visual touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

FIRST STEP: MAKE THE COOKIE DOUGH

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice (if using), and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies light and chewy.
3. Add the Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. The molasses will give the dough its rich color and flavor.
4. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. The dough should be thick but soft. If the dough feels too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

SECOND STEP: FORM THE COOKIES

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Roll the Dough into Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If you want extra sparkle, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. This step is optional but adds a nice touch.
3. Place the Dough on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake.
4. Flatten the Dough: Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently flatten each dough ball into a thick disk. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and have a nice, round shape.

THIRD STEP: BAKE THE COOKIES

1. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re set and slightly firm to the touch. They should look cracked on top and golden brown around the edges.
2. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies need to cool fully before assembling the sandwich.

FOURTH STEP: MAKE THE CREAMY FILLING

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar and Molasses: Gradually add the powdered sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the filling is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The molasses adds a nice depth of flavor to the filling and ties it into the cookies.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness or molasses according to your preference. If the filling is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up.

FIFTH STEP: ASSEMBLE THE SANDWICH COOKIES

1. Pair the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, pair them up based on size. Select two cookies that are similar in size and shape to make the sandwiches uniform.
2. Spread the Filling: Use a butter knife or a small offset spatula to spread a generous amount of the molasses cream filling on the bottom of one cookie. Top with the second cookie to form a sandwich.
3. Press Gently: Press the two cookies together gently to spread the filling to the edges. Be careful not to press too hard, as the cookies may break.
4. Optional Garnish: If desired, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or extra powdered sugar over the completed sandwich cookies for a beautiful finishing touch.

FINAL STEP: ENJOY AND SERVE

Serve the Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated to keep the filling firm and fresh. These cookies also freeze well, making them a great make-ahead treat for the holidays.

How to Serve Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, but they truly shine during the holiday season. Here are some ways to enjoy and serve them:

1. As a Holiday Treat

Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread. Pair them with a cup of hot chocolate, eggnog, or spiced cider for a cozy, festive treat.

2. At a Cookie Exchange

These cookies are unique and sure to stand out at any holiday cookie exchange. Their combination of spiced cookie and creamy filling is something different from the

usual sugar cookies or chocolate chip varieties.

3. As a Gift

Package these cookies in a festive tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift. The beauty and flavor of the Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies make them an ideal gift for friends, family, or coworkers.

4. With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

Pair these cookies with your favorite warm beverage—whether it’s a cup of tea, coffee, or a spiced latte. The warm flavors of ginger and molasses are a perfect complement to a cozy afternoon.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies are delicious on their own, here are a few variations you can try to put your own spin on them:

1. Chocolate Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Add a little cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist. The deep chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the spices and molasses, making for a rich and indulgent cookie.

2. Pumpkin Spice Filling

For a fall-inspired variation, swap out the molasses filling for a creamy pumpkin spice filling. This variation would be perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

3. Citrus Zest Filling

Add a hint of lemon or orange zest to the filling for a refreshing, tangy contrast to the spiced cookies. This variation brings a bright, fresh note to balance out the richness of the molasses.

4. Spicy Crystallized Ginger

For an extra burst of ginger flavor, chop up crystallized ginger and mix it into the dough. This will add a chewy texture and an extra kick of ginger to each bite.

5. Maple Cream Filling

If you love maple flavor, substitute the molasses with maple syrup in the filling for a subtly sweet and slightly woody flavor that pairs wonderfully with the gingerbread cookies.

Tips for Perfect Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

1. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
2. Use Softened Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy texture for both the dough and filling.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can result in cookies that are too hard. They should be soft and slightly chewy with a crisp edge.
4. Make-Ahead: These cookies can be made ahead of time. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, and the cookies themselves can be frozen for up to 2 months.
5. Roll the Dough in Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking creates a beautiful, sparkling finish and adds a little extra sweetness to each bite.

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Conclusion

Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies are the ultimate combination of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors. With their tender, chewy texture and rich molasses filling, these cookies are sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday baking traditions. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or making a batch to enjoy with loved ones, these cookies will leave everyone asking for the recipe. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and let these delicious cookies bring warmth and cheer to your holiday season!