Name: Ginger Cream Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490523H54M7S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, melted and cooled slightly; ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed; ⅓ cup granulated white sugar, plus more for rolling (approximately ⅓ cup more); 1 large egg; ⅓ cup unsulfured molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (315 grams), spooned and leveled; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup salted butter; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you’re craving a cozy treat that brings warmth and joy to every bite, the Ginger Cream Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the perfect blend of ginger and spices, complemented beautifully by a rich brown sugar buttercream frosting that melts in your mouth. What I love most is how effortlessly the dough comes together without any complicated tools, yet delivers a full-on festive flavor experience. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe promises a delightful, crowd-pleasing result every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single round cookie with a light brown, slightly rough-textured base is shown with a bite taken out of it. On top, there is one thick layer of creamy white frosting swirled in a rose-like pattern, sprinkled with small red and green round sprinkles. The cookie is placed on a white marbled surface, with other blurred cookies in the background and some scattered red and green sprinkles around the cookie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about simplicity and quality — every ingredient plays a key role in creating those tender, flavorful cookies and that irresistible buttercream frosting. From the warmth of molasses to the earthiness of brown sugar, these staples come together to make magic happen in your kitchen.

¾ cup butter, melted and cooled: Provides rich moisture and buttery flavor for tender cookies.
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and caramel notes, especially important for the frosting and cookie base.
⅓ cup granulated white sugar, plus more for rolling: Balances sweetness and creates the perfect cookie texture.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and helps with structure.
⅓ cup unsulfured molasses: Infuses warm, robust spice flavor and enhances chewiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic background note.
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Leavens the cookies for a light, tender crumb.
2 ¼ cups flour (spooned and leveled): The essential base that holds the dough together.
2 teaspoons ground ginger: Brings zingy spice that defines the cookie’s signature flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon: Offers warmth and complexity.
½ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds subtle earthiness supporting the spice blend.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors in the cookies.
For the Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup salted butter: The silky, creamy base for luscious frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetness and that smooth, fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the frostings’ sweet aroma.
⅓ cup brown sugar: Gives the buttercream its signature rich, caramel flavor.
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts frosting consistency to creamy perfection.

How to Make Ginger Cream Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Begin by whisking together the melted butter and both brown and granulated sugars in a large bowl until fully combined and smooth. Then add the vanilla extract, egg, and molasses—mix until this warm, aromatic blend is incorporated. The molasses really sets the mood here, adding depth to your dough’s flavor.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This spice blend is the heart of the Ginger Cream Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Recipe, so whisking evenly helps ensure that every bite is perfectly flavored.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be sure not to overmix—this keeps your cookies soft and tender, avoiding any toughness.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes but ideally 1 to 2 hours. Longer chilling (up to 3 days!) is even better, as it deepens the flavors and makes rolling easier. If it’s been chilled for a while, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before scooping.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls or use a scoop, then roll each ball in granulated sugar for a lovely sparkle and slight crunch. Place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies may look slightly underbaked at first, but that’s the secret to their chewy texture—grab them just before you think they’re done.

Step 6: Make the Brown Sugar Buttercream

While the cookies cool, cream the salted butter with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the brown sugar and vanilla for about 3-5 minutes, letting the sugar dissolve completely. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between additions. Finally, stir in heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until your frosting reaches the soft, spreadable consistency perfect for piping or spreading.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread or pipe the luscious buttercream onto completely cooled cookies. For extra fun, add sprinkles or sandwich two cookies together to create festive ginger cream pies. This step really brings the Ginger Cream Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Recipe to life—every swirl of frosting is like wrapping your taste buds in cozy sweetness.

How to Serve Ginger Cream Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with thick, smooth brown dough or batter being stirred with a wooden spoon, showing swirling patterns and a creamy texture, the bowl sits on a white marbled surface; the mixture is dense and even in color, with some remnants stuck to the sides of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles add a playful pop of color that feels celebratory and fun, perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties. You can also dust the tops lightly with cinnamon sugar or finely chopped crystallized ginger to enhance the spice profile and add texture.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, hot apple cider, or even a cozy latte. The spices complement any warm beverage beautifully. For a heartier spread, serve alongside slices of sharp cheddar cheese or creamy brie to balance sweetness with savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the cookies into little sandwich treats with a thick layer of brown sugar buttercream inside—perfect for a charming dessert platter. You can also stack and drizzle them with a bit of melted dark chocolate or caramel for an elevated twist at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked and frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Unfrosted cookies last a bit longer, about 5 days. If you refrigerate, always allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving to recapture that soft, chewy texture everyone loves.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge, let sit at room temperature briefly, then bake as directed. Baked cookies also freeze well—just store them in airtight containers or freezer bags and thaw gently at room temperature before frosting or serving.

Reheating

To revive a slightly stale cookie, pop it in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds for a warm, soft bite. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without molasses?

Molasses is key for that deep, rich flavor in the Ginger Cream Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Recipe, but if you must, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey—just note the flavor will be milder and less traditional.

What if I don’t have ground cloves?

If cloves are not on hand, you can leave them out or replace them with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. These spices will still keep the warm, festive vibe of the cookies without overpowering the ginger and cinnamon.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Make sure to add the heavy cream gradually, stopping as soon as your frosting reaches the right spreading consistency. If it’s too soft, add a little more powdered sugar to firm it up.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The brown sugar buttercream can be made a day in advance and stored tightly covered in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before using.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling is crucial for this recipe to develop flavor and make rolling easier. It also helps the cookies spread less during baking so they keep their perfect shape and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Ginger Cream Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Recipe because it truly delivers on flavor and comfort. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug—perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Once you experience these chewy, spiced cookies topped with that melt-in-your-mouth buttercream, I bet they’ll become a treasured staple in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up some magic!