Spiced Ginger Molasses Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Buttercream: A Festive Delight 🎄✨

Spiced Ginger Molasses Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Buttercream: A Festive Delight 🎄✨

These Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream capture the warmth and joy of the holiday season. The soft, chewy cookies are infused with cozy spices and rich molasses, while the creamy eggnog buttercream adds a delightful finishing touch. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these cookies are the perfect festive indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

1. Classic Holiday Flavors: The ginger, molasses, and cinnamon blend beautifully with the creamy eggnog frosting.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies are perfectly tender, providing an ideal canvas for the buttercream.
3. Versatile and Adaptable: Perfect for cookie swaps, dessert trays, or as a stand-alone treat.
4. Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to fit dietary needs or personal preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60 ml) molasses (not blackstrap)
• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each one in granulated sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are cracked and set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Add the eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, beating until the buttercream is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more eggnog if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

1. Once the cookies have cooled completely, pipe or spread a layer of buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie.
2. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and buttercream.

Storage Options

1. Room Temperature: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to a week to maintain freshness. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
3. Freezing: Freeze unassembled cookies and buttercream separately for up to 1 month. Thaw and assemble when ready to enjoy.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free eggnog alternative.
2. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
3. Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the cookie dough for additional warmth.
4. Decorative Touch: Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with holiday-themed sugars for a festive look.

Tips for Success

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavors.
2. Soft Buttercream: Whip the butter thoroughly to ensure the buttercream is smooth and fluffy.
3. Balance the Flavors: Use a high-quality eggnog for the best taste, as it’s a key component of the buttercream.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! The cookies can be baked and stored for up to a week. Assemble with the buttercream just before serving for the freshest results.

Q: Can I omit the buttercream?
A: Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the buttercream adds a festive touch.

Q: How do I prevent my cookies from becoming hard?
A: Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.

Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio