Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Posted on May 7, 2025

If you’re craving a cozy, spiced treat that feels like a warm hug, these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies are exactly what you need. Imagine two soft, chewy ginger cookies hugging a dreamy vanilla buttercream center—sweet, spicy, and perfect for the holidays or a midday pick-me-up. Not only do these cookies deliver big flavor, but they also fill your kitchen with that nostalgic, cinnamon-clove scent we all love.

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Why You’ll Love Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies are everything you want in a homemade treat—soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. The molasses gives them a rich, deep flavor, while the ginger and spices add a cozy warmth that’s hard to resist. The creamy vanilla filling takes them to the next level, turning simple cookies into something truly special. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a holiday tray, or just craving something sweet and spiced, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

These sandwich cookies come together with simple baking staples and a touch of spice. You’ll need ingredients for both the ginger molasses cookies and the creamy filling in between. Here’s everything you need:

For the Ginger Molasses Cookies:

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
Granulated sugar (for rolling)

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (as needed for texture)

Instructions

These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of bakery-worthy sandwich cookies in no time.

To Make the Cookies:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg (if using), baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just incorporated.
Roll & coat: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

To Make the Filling:

Beat the butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat until fluffy and smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.

To Assemble:

Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe about a tablespoon of filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
Top with a second cookie, gently pressing to create a sandwich.

Servings and Timing

These Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies are perfect for sharing—or not! The recipe makes about 18 sandwich cookies (36 individual cookies), depending on the size you scoop.

Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time (optional but recommended): 30 minutes
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Assembly Time: 10–15 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to make these cookies your own? Here are some fun and helpful tips to tweak the recipe or boost the flavor:

Chill the dough: For thicker, puffier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom for an extra kick of warmth.
Citrus twist: Add a bit of orange zest to the cookie dough or filling for a fresh, zesty contrast.
Cream cheese filling: Swap the buttercream for a tangy cream cheese frosting if you want something less sweet.
Mini version: Use a smaller cookie scoop and pipe less filling for bite-sized sandwich cookies.
Gluten-free? Try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—the texture stays surprisingly soft.
Roll in sparkle: For festive flair, roll the cookie dough in coarse sugar or sprinkles before baking.

Storage

These cookies store beautifully—if you manage not to eat them all in one sitting!

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot to maintain the soft texture.
Refrigerator: If your filling includes cream cheese, store the cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw and fill when ready to serve. You can also freeze the fully assembled cookies—just wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container.

FAQs

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble them with filling just before serving for the best texture.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required, but it helps control spreading and gives you a slightly thicker, chewier cookie.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Totally! While homemade buttercream is best, store-bought vanilla or cream cheese frosting works in a pinch.

What kind of molasses should I use?

Use unsulfured molasses like Grandma’s Original. Avoid blackstrap molasses—it’s too bitter for cookies.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture will still be soft and chewy.

How do I stop the cookies from being too hard?

Don’t overbake! Take them out when the centers still look slightly soft—they’ll continue to set as they cool.

What’s the best way to get uniform cookies?

Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly and press gently to flatten if needed before baking.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, gifting a sweet treat, or just craving something warm and cozy, these Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies are guaranteed to impress. With their chewy texture, bold spices, and creamy filling, they strike the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Best of all? They’re simple to make and endlessly customizable.

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

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