Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream
A festive dessert combining soft, spiced ginger molasses cookies with creamy eggnog buttercream. These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, or edible gifts and offer a delightful balance of warmth from spices and sweetness from the frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup water
For the Eggnog Buttercream:
– 1 cup softened unsalted butter
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup eggnog
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
Optional Add-ins: Lemon zest, rum extract, sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
– In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
– In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg, and water. Gradually mix in dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
– Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
- Bake the Cookies:
– Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
– Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, coat them in granulated sugar, and place on prepared sheets.
– Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for crackled surfaces and set centers. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting:
– Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble:
– Frost cooled cookies using a piping bag or zip-top bag. Garnish with additional nutmeg.
Notes
– Do not overbake; remove cookies when centers are just set.
– Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading.
– Adjust molasses and sugar levels to balance sweetness and spice.
– Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted or frosted cookies for longer storage.
– Roll dough balls in coarse sugar for extra crunch and festive flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Sugar: ~25g
- Sodium: ~100mg
- Fat: ~8g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~2g
- Cholesterol: ~30mg