For the Cookies
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Eggnog Frosting
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cookies
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Molasses:
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Shape and Bake
Form the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten:
Gently press each ball down with the bottom of a glass or your palm to flatten slightly.
Bake:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Cool:
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Eggnog Frosting
Make the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
Add Eggnog and Flavor:
Mix in the eggnog, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more eggnog; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a layer of eggnog frosting on the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
Serve
Enjoy:
Serve the Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting as a festive treat during the holiday season!