Warm Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Fluffy Buttercream

Prepare to rediscover your favorite holiday treat, because what you thought was the pinnacle of perfection in a cookie is about to be surpassed. Our Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies, lovingly embraced with a lavish layer of creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, are not just a cookie; they are a Christmas revelation. Imagine the softest, most perfectly spiced ginger molasses cookies transformed into an exquisite sandwich, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly become your new holiday tradition.

Two ginger molasses sandwich cookies with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, stacked on a white plate, exuding holiday cheer.

Life, much like baking, often throws delightful surprises our way. Just yesterday, I found myself in a bit of a comedic culinary mix-up, arriving late for kindergarten pick-up – a familiar scenario for many busy parents. To atone for my tardiness, and because my kitchen is currently in a whirlwind of recipe testing, I carried a plate of these very cookies as an offering to Truman’s teacher. I hurried into the classroom, scanning for my son, only to find Ms. Valencia and a single child remaining. “Where’s Truman??” I asked, a flicker of panic igniting within me. The thought of him being forgotten was a momentary jolt.

A close-up shot of a single perfectly baked ginger molasses cookie, rich brown with a crinkled, sugar-dusted surface, hinting at its soft, chewy texture.

Then, the realization dawned on me, much like the slow unfolding of a perfectly baked cookie. It was Thursday, and Thursdays are for playdates. Every single Thursday, my wonderful friend Jen picks up Truman from school to enjoy an afternoon with her son. Every. Thursday. My internal monologue quickly descended into self-deprecating remarks: “Why did I even come here? I’m so forgetful!” But Ms. Valencia, with a warm smile, instantly brightened my spirits. “You came here to bring me these delicious cookies, of course,” she responded, graciously accepting the platter. It was a gentle reminder that sometimes, even our most disorganized moments can lead to unexpected sweetness. And these cookies certainly delivered on that front.

A bitten ginger molasses cookie reveals its soft interior and chewy texture, coated with sparkling sugar.

Indeed, there’s always a silver lining, especially when it involves freshly baked goods. And speaking of silver linings, today I am beyond excited to unveil what I consider my absolute, undeniable, ALL-TIME FAVORITE Christmas cookie recipe. You might be thinking, “Karen has probably declared many recipes her favorite before.” And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong! But I assure you, these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies aren’t just a favorite; they redefine the category. They truly stand alone, transcending all other contenders. I SWEAR. Yes, they even outshine the beloved Butter Pecan Cookies, a statement I can barely believe I’m making aloud!

A neat stack of three Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies, showcasing the luscious vanilla buttercream filling nestled between the two soft, spiced cookies.

These exquisite cookies have a special place in my family’s holiday traditions, thanks to my Aunt Shirley and my amazing cousins who often bake them. While it’s not precisely Aunt Shirley’s original recipe, it shares a very similar spirit and undeniable deliciousness. I honestly don’t recall encountering them much during my childhood, but perhaps my younger self simply hadn’t yet developed the refined palate to truly appreciate their magic on a bustling Christmas cookie plate. Now, however, I have seen the light, and there’s no going back. Whenever these gems make an appearance, I confess, I’m the one subtly tucking a few into my purse when no one’s watching. It’s a move reminiscent of Uncle Frank in Home Alone, urging his wife to stash the real crystal from first class into her bag – “That’s real crystal. Put ’em in your purse. Put ’em! Put ’em! Put ’em!”

My unwavering conviction that these are indeed my ultimate Christmas cookies comes from a rigorous, albeit delicious, testing process. With multiple types of cookies constantly cycling through my kitchen for recipe development, these are consistently the first to disappear. I’ve even been known to stash a few secret reserves in the freezer, ensuring a private, delightful treat that perhaps not everyone in the household (sorry, Eric!) is aware of. Their magnetic appeal is simply irresistible.

A close-up of a stand mixer paddle coated in rich, creamy vanilla buttercream, showcasing the smooth texture of the frosting.

Crafting the Perfect Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their incredible taste but also in their surprising simplicity. The process is straightforward, culminating in a truly impressive treat. It all begins with two perfectly baked, tender Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies, which serve as the ideal canvases. These are then generously filled and gently pressed together with a thick, luxurious schmear of the best, creamiest all-butter vanilla buttercream frosting you can imagine. The result is a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and utterly soft textures that melt in your mouth.

Hands carefully spread a generous layer of creamy vanilla buttercream frosting onto the flat side of a ginger molasses cookie, preparing it for its sandwich partner.

Take a moment to observe the edges of these cookies in the photos. While a picture can convey much, it can’t quite capture the profound softness I’m describing. Let me assure you: these edges are incredibly tender, a critical feature for any superior sandwich cookie. We’ve all experienced the frustration of biting into a sandwich cookie with firm, crispy edges, only to have the delicious filling squish out the other side in an ungraceful cascade. That’s a common annoyance we actively avoid with this recipe.

A pair of beautifully assembled ginger molasses sandwich cookies, showing the delightful thickness of the vanilla buttercream filling.

With these exceptional Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies, that culinary mishap is a thing of the past. Your teeth will glide effortlessly through the soft cookie layers and into the dreamy vanilla buttercream, all in one smooth, satisfying motion. Before you know it, the exquisite, double-cookie wonder is completely devoured. This moment of pure bliss might leave you pondering philosophical questions, like whether consuming two sandwich cookies equates to eating four individual cookies, given the two-cookie construction. But then, rationality gives way to pure enjoyment, and you’ll inevitably reach for another. After all, calories don’t truly count during the Christmas season; it’s simply the enchanting magic of the holidays at play!

A close-up of a single ginger molasses sandwich cookie, perfectly round and sugar-dusted, revealing a generous layer of white buttercream filling.

As the holiday season draws near, it’s the perfect time to bring this irresistible treat into your home. These cookies are not just a dessert; they are an experience, a delightful way to spread cheer and create lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to make some magic. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! December is almost here, bringing with it all the joy and deliciousness of the season.

To embark on this delightful baking journey, you’ll first need the foundation: our renowned Perfectly Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies. Click here to get that essential recipe, which forms the heart of these incredible sandwich cookies!

More Irresistible Christmas Cookies You’ll Adore!

Beyond our cherished Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies, the holiday season offers a plethora of baking opportunities. Here are some other festive favorites that are sure to delight:

  • Pariserwafiers (Swedish Cream Wafer Cookies): These delicate treats hold a special place as my *other* favorite Christmas cookie sandwiches. They feature perfectly light, almost pie-crust-like wafers, filled with a delicate buttercream. A true European classic!
  • Soft Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Pecan Frosting: If you’re a fan of warm spices and rich, nutty flavors, these cookies are a must-try. The frosting, infused with maple and pecan, is an absolute game-changer. Seriously, this frosting is killer!
  • Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: For those who love the classic holiday combination of chocolate and mint, these cookies are simply beautiful and utterly delicious. They are a festive showstopper, perfect for any holiday platter.
  • The Softest Sugar Cookies of Your Life (That Hold Their Shape): Say goodbye to spread-out, shapeless sugar cookies! This recipe guarantees the softest sugar cookies that astonishingly maintain their intricate shapes. They are, without question, the best sugar cookies you’ll ever bake.
  • Butter Pecan Cookies: A simple yet incredibly rich Swedish classic. These buttery, nutty cookies are a timeless favorite and remain one of my personal go-to recipes for their comforting flavor.
  • Homemade Rolo Cookies (30 Minutes): Indulge in the gooey, caramel-filled center of these quick and easy Rolo cookies. You’ll love that delightful, surprise caramel burst in every bite.
  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: For the ultimate chocolate lover, these crinkle cookies are ultra-fudgy, intensely chocolatey, and sport a beautiful cracked sugar coating.
  • Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A fun and creative twist on two beloved desserts, these cookies bring the delightful swirled aesthetic and warm cinnamon flavor of a cinnamon roll to a soft sugar cookie.
  • Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies: If you or your friends are absolute caramel fiends, this is THE cookie to make. The balance of sweet and salty, combined with a luscious caramel filling, is truly unforgettable. Promise!
  • Peppermint Sandwich Cookies from In Katrina’s Kitchen: A wonderful external resource for another take on classic holiday sandwich cookies.
  • Maple Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies with Bourbon Maple Filling from Country Cleaver: An exciting and flavorful variation for those looking for something a little different, featuring a rich bourbon maple filling.

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Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Average Rating: 4.54 out of 5 stars from 30 votes

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 8 mins | Cookie Time: 2 hrs 23 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs 51 mins

Servings: 15 sandwich cookies

Close-up of stacked sandwich cookies with a creamy white filling between two sugar-coated, brown cookies.

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You thought Ginger Molasses Cookies couldn’t get any better, but you were wrong. Smash them together with a thick schmear of vanilla buttercream frosting and they turn into Molasses Sandwich Cookies, my favorite Christmas cookie! They are soft and perfect.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 recipe for Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies

For the Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup salted butter, softened*
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
  • 4-6 tablespoons cream, or milk, divided
  • 2 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, good quality
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional (taste it!)

Instructions

  1. Click here to get the recipe for Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies. Bake them exactly as the recipe states. Do NOT overbake! You need these cookies to be nice and soft so that when you bite into them with the frosting in between, they do not crunch. They should be super soft, even on the edges. You should get about 30 cookies. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, use the whisk attachment (if available) to beat the softened butter until it is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add half of the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Beat well until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
  4. Add the remaining powdered sugar and another 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Continue to beat until smooth and creamy.
  5. Stir in the salt (if using) and vanilla extract. Beat thoroughly for another minute to ensure the flavors are well distributed and the frosting is airy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl once more.
  6. If the frosting seems too thick, add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but spreadable.
  7. To assemble the sandwich cookies, generously frost the flat side of one ginger molasses cookie. Gently press the flat side of another ginger molasses cookie on top, creating a delicious sandwich.
  8. For the best texture and flavor, allow the cookie sandwiches to sit in a covered airtight container for about an hour before serving. This resting period allows the frosting to slightly soften the cookies even further, enhancing their tender chewiness. You can even prepare them a day ahead of time for optimal results.
  9. Store the finished cookies in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days. In our experience, they rarely last that long!
  10. These cookies also freeze exceptionally well. While the presentation might be slightly less perfect for gifting after freezing, they are absolutely delicious for personal enjoyment. Freeze them for up to 2 weeks, then thaw them on the counter in a sealed container before serving.

Video

You can find a video tutorial for these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies on our website, demonstrating each step of the baking and assembly process.

Notes

*If you have ever found regular frosting to be too salty for your taste, then by all means, opt for unsalted butter. However, for me, the richness of salted butter, often with an extra pinch of salt, is what truly elevates all my buttercream frostings. If you’re hesitant, start with unsalted butter and add salt to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cookie

  • Calories: 307 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 38 mg
  • Potassium: 57 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Vitamin A: 437 IU
  • Vitamin C: 1 mg
  • Calcium: 17 mg
  • Iron: 1 mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 307

Keyword: buttercream frosting, Cookies, Ginger, molasses, sandwich cookies

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