Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies With Lemon Buttercream Frosting Recipes

GINGERSNAP SANDWICH COOKIES WITH LEMON BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• In large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and water until blended (mixture may look curdled). On low speed, beat in flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves and salt. Divide dough in half; wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.
• Heat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper. On well-floured surface, roll half of dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness (keep remaining dough refrigerated). Cut with 2-inch round cookie cutter. Using large end of a piping tip or 1/2-inch round canapé cutter, cut a hole in center of half of the cutouts. Carefully transfer to cookie sheets, placing 1/2 inch apart. Reroll scraps.
• Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until set in center. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In large bowl, beat frosting ingredients on medium speed until light and fluffy. Spread about 1 heaping teaspoon frosting on each whole cookie; top with cutout cookie. If desired, sprinkle additional grated lemon peel on frosting in center.

FROSTED GINGER COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in molasses and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture. , Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes or until cookies spring back when touched lightly (do not overbake). Remove to wire racks. , For frosting, in a large saucepan, bring the brown sugar, milk and butter to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from the heat (mixture will look curdled at first). Cool for 3 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt; mix well. Frost warm cookies.