The Story & Intro
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about molasses sandwich cookies. Every time I bake them, I’m instantly transported back to my grandmother’s small stone kitchen in Crete. Even though molasses wasn’t a typical Greek ingredient in her recipes, she loved experimenting, and these cookies were one of our shared discoveries. She’d always tell me that cooking isn’t about perfection it’s about the joy we bring to the people we love. And honestly, that’s exactly how I still feel every time I make these molasses sandwich cookies today.
Hi, I’m Marilyn, and if you’ve been baking with me for a while, you know I’m all about simple, flavorful recipes that feel warm and comforting. These molasses sandwich cookies check every box they’re soft, spiced, and filled with a creamy frosting that makes each bite melt in your mouth. The smell alone fills the whole house with holiday coziness. But what I love most is that this dessert brings people together. Whether I’m sharing them with neighbors or serving them after dinner with my family, these cookies always disappear faster than I expect.
What makes molasses sandwich cookies so special is how well they balance sweetness with deep, warm flavor. The molasses brings a rich, slightly earthy taste, and the spices cinnamon, ginger, and cloves give them a festive flair. They taste like winter evenings, cozy sweaters, and laughter at the kitchen table. They’re perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or just as a treat to brighten a regular weekday.
Simple, delicious, and heartfelt just how I love recipes to be.
Your 100-Word Story Version (For the Recipe Card)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from the beautiful island of Crete, where I learned from my grandmother that cooking is about love more than perfection. These molasses sandwich cookies remind me of the afternoons we spent baking together, laughing as we made the kitchen messy. Their warm spices and rich molasses flavor feel like home to me, and I love sharing them with others. This recipe is simple, cozy, and perfect for anyone who wants a sweet treat that’s full of heart. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop small tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
- Place each ball on the baking sheet and gently flatten the tops with your fingers.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool completely before assembling.
Make the Filling
- Beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, molasses, and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add heavy cream in small amounts until your filling is fluffy and spreadable.
Assemble
- Spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie.
- Top it with a second cookie and gently press together.
- Repeat for all cookies and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Molasses sandwich cookies are soft, sweet, and incredibly comforting all on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even better:
- Serve chilled for a firmer texture and richer flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the edges of the filling for a fun twist.
- Pair them with hot chocolate, milk, or a warm latte for the perfect cozy treat.
- Wrap individually and turn them into adorable holiday gifts.
These cookies store well in the fridge and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Notes & Tips
- Don’t overbake! These cookies should stay soft.
- Want a thicker filling? Add a little extra powdered sugar.
- Prefer a lighter flavor? Use less molasses in the filling.
- Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats—perfect for parties!
Recipe Card
TIME COOK
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Bake: 10 minutes
- Assemble: 10 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
INGREDIENTS
(Full ingredient list provided above.)
INSTRUCTIONS
Follow the complete step-by-step method above.
NOTES
Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
NUTRITION (Per Sandwich Cookie – Approx.)
Calories: 230
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 31g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Molasses sandwich cookies aren’t just a sweet treat they’re a little bite of comfort and memory. They’re soft, spiced, and incredibly satisfying, the kind of dessert that brings people together around a warm kitchen table. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays or just craving something cozy, this recipe is the perfect blend of simple, creative, and nostalgic. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. Cooking is all about sharing love, and these cookies do exactly that.