Molasses Cream Pie Christmas Cookies You’ll Love

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What kind of recipe is it?

Molasses Cream Pie Christmas Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, blending the rich, warm flavors of molasses with a creamy, luscious filling.

These cookies boast a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making them a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cookie exchange game.

With their festive appeal and unique taste, they’re perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply indulging during the Christmas season.

Ideal for cookie lovers and those seeking to impress their guests, these cookies bring joy and warmth to any celebration.

Ingredients

Notes:

• Verify that the unsalted butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• For best flavor, try to use dark molasses, as it offers a richer taste.
• You can adjust the spices to suit your preference; increasing the ginger or cinnamon can add an extra layer of warmth.
• The heavy cream is essential for creating a rich filling, while the powdered sugar helps to sweeten it perfectly.
• The optional peanut butter adds a unique twist to the filling, enhancing the creamy texture and flavor.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and position the oven rack in the middle.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed brown sugar until well combined and the mixture is slightly warm.
4. Add ¾ cup molasses and 1 large egg (at room temperature) to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients from step 2 into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
6. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) of space between each piece.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges. The aroma of spices will fill the kitchen when they’re near done.
8. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Meanwhile, prepare the cream filling by whipping 1 cup heavy cream in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
10. Gradually add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract while continuing to whip until stiff peaks are achieved, ensuring the mixture is smooth and creamy.
11. (If using) Fold in ½ cup peanut butter gently into the cream filling mixture until just combined.
12. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the cream filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies, then place the remaining cookies on top to create sandwiches.
13. Chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
14. Serve the chilled cookies and enjoy the combination of spiced cookie and creamy filling.

Variations

• Ginger Molasses Twist: Substitute 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and use fresh grated ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
• Vegan Delight: Replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil (¾ cup / 1 ½ sticks) and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the egg for a dairy-free, egg-free option.
• Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Incorporate ½ cup (120 g) of pure pumpkin puree into the wet mixture, reducing the molasses slightly to ½ cup (120 ml), to create a seasonal pumpkin flavor.
• Gluten-Free Treats: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (2 ½ cups / 315 g) ensuring it contains xanthan gum, to make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets.

Tips on plating and presentation

To make your Molasses Cream Pie Christmas Cookies truly shine, think about how you present them. I love using a simple, festive plate to set the stage. A beautiful white or red plate really makes those cookies pop!

You might try stacking them in a neat pile or arranging them in a circular pattern with some festive garnishes, like fresh mint leaves or cranberries, around the edges. Drizzling a little caramel sauce on the plate adds an extra touch, too.

For a cozy vibe, consider wrapping the cookies in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon, perfect for gifting.

Whatever you choose, remember that presentation adds the final flourish to your delicious treats, making them even more inviting and unforgettable.

What other dishes can I pair it with?

While enjoying my Molasses Cream Pie Christmas Cookies, I love pairing them with dishes that enhance their warm, spicy flavors.

One of my go-to options is a rich pecan pie; the nuttiness complements the cookies beautifully. I also enjoy serving them alongside a creamy pumpkin cheesecake, as the spiced elements create a delightful harmony.

For something savory, I often whip up a batch of spiced butternut squash soup, which balances the sweetness perfectly.

To round out the experience, I’ll sometimes prepare a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses like cheddar and blue cheese—these bold flavors work wonderfully with the cookies’ sweetness.

Each pairing adds layers to the dessert experience that I’m sure you’ll appreciate just as much!

What drinks can I pair it with?

After enjoying the rich flavors of my Molasses Cream Pie Christmas Cookies with some delightful dishes, it’s only natural to contemplate the perfect drinks to accompany them.

I find that a warm cup of spiced chai complements the cookies beautifully, balancing the sweetness with its aromatic spices. If you prefer something colder, a creamy vanilla milkshake brings a nostalgic touch that pairs well with the cookies’ flavors.

For a festive twist, how about a glass of mulled cider? The warm, spiced apple notes elevate the cookies to new heights.

Finally, I can’t resist a classic pairing of rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream—it’s pure magic!

Whatever you choose, these drinks will elevate your holiday experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Molasses With Another Sweetener?

Absolutely, you can substitute molasses with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but the flavor and texture may differ. I’ve experimented and found a combination of brown sugar and water works surprisingly well too!

How Long Do These Cookies Last?

These cookies typically last about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they taste best fresh, but they still hold their flavor for a little while longer.

Are These Cookies Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets?

These cookies aren’t suitable for gluten-free diets, since they typically contain regular flour. However, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with gluten-free alternatives in my baking—just be sure to adjust the recipe for the best results!

Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?

Absolutely, you can freeze the cookie dough! I often do this to save time during the holidays. Just scoop it into balls, place them on a tray, freeze, and transfer them to a bag afterward.

What Is the Best Way to Store These Cookies?

I recommend placing the cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing them for later enjoyment.