Indulge in the holiday spirit with these Ginger Molasses Cookies featuring creamy Eggnog Buttercream. A festive treat made with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and a delightful eggnog-flavored frosting perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Every Christmas, my family looks forward to my Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream, a recipe I started tweaking from an old family favorite years ago. The story begins one snowy evening, when, in a twist of fate, I ran out of the usual cream cheese for my cookie filling. With a carton of leftover eggnog in the fridge, inspiration struck. The resulting eggnog buttercream was a hit, and since then, it’s become a tradition. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re a piece of home—sweet reminders of that happy accident and the joy of improvisation in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream
Introducing the ultimate holiday treat: Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream! These cookies bring together the warm, spicy flavors of ginger and molasses with a luscious eggnog-infused buttercream that captures the essence of the festive season. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Holiday Spirit: Each bite marries traditional Christmas spices with the rich, creamy taste of eggnog.
- Perfect Texture: The cookies are soft and chewy, providing the perfect canvas for the smooth buttercream.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy night in by the fireplace.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various spices or decorations to suit your taste or festive theme.
Ingredients Notes
When making our Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream, each ingredient plays a pivotal role in crafting the perfect holiday cookie:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature to ensure your cookie dough and buttercream are smooth and spreadable.
- Molasses: Dark molasses gives the cookies a rich, caramelized depth. Don’t substitute with blackstrap molasses, as it can be too bitter.
- Spices: The blend of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg offers a classic holiday warmth. Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavors even more.
- Eggnog: For the buttercream, choose a high-quality eggnog that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be prominent.
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How To Make Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream
Begin by whisking together your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and spices—to ensure they’re well mixed and will incorporate evenly into your dough. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy before adding the egg and molasses, creating a rich base. Gradually mix in your dry ingredients to form the dough, then chill it to enhance the flavors and make it easier to handle. When ready, shape the dough into small balls, roll them in sugar, and bake until just cracked on top. For the buttercream, whip the butter until light before slowly incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and eggnog until smooth. Assemble by piping or spreading buttercream between two cookies, creating a delightful sandwich cookie perfect for holiday indulgence.
Storage Options
These Ginger Molasses Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored to maintain their delightful texture and flavor. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unassembled cookies and buttercream separately for up to a month, then thaw and assemble before serving to ensure the best taste and texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak it based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences:
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and a vegan eggnog alternative for both the cookies and the buttercream.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.
- Spice Adjustments: Tailor the spice levels to your liking, or add a pinch of cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
- Decorative Touches: Dress up these cookies with a drizzle of white chocolate or sprinkle them with festive-colored sugars for a more decorative presentation.