Festive Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog cookies capture the spirit of the holiday season in every bite, combining the creamy, spiced flavors of classic eggnog with the comforting sweetness of a tender cookie. These cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, making them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility—whether you enjoy your cookies plain, topped with a drizzle of eggnog glaze, or even sandwiched with creamy filling, there’s a variation to suit every taste. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating these delectable treats, while also providing tips for perfect results, variations to try, and answers to common questions. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Spirit in Every Bite: These cookies are packed with the warm, cozy flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and creamy eggnog.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Perfectly tender cookies with just a hint of crispness on the edges.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable: Add glazes, fillings, or decorations to personalize these cookies to your liking.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie platters, or gifting to friends and family.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Cook time: 12 minutes per batch
• Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Serving size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 10g

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

For the eggnog glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp eggnog
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Optional decorations:

• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—this is normal.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Eggnog Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Add more powdered sugar if the glaze is too thin, or more eggnog if it’s too thick.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Background

• Eggnog: A creamy, spiced drink made from milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, often flavored with nutmeg. It adds richness and warmth to these cookies.
• Nutmeg: A classic holiday spice with a warm, slightly sweet aroma that’s essential to both eggnog and these cookies. Freshly grated nutmeg provides the best flavor.
• Butter: Provides a tender texture and buttery flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for the glaze, powdered sugar creates a smooth, glossy finish that complements the cookies.

Technique Tips

• Chill the Dough: Chilling is crucial for maintaining the cookie shape and achieving the soft, chewy texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• Avoid Overbaking: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just set; the centers will finish cooking as they cool.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle without running off the cookies.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Sandwich Cookies: Spread eggnog buttercream or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent treat.
2. Thumbprint Cookies: Press a small indentation into each dough ball before baking, then fill the center with eggnog glaze or spiced jam.
3. Holiday Shapes: Roll the dough out and use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create festive shapes before baking.

Additional Tips for Success

• Fresh Spices: Use freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor.
• Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If glazed, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Recipe Variations

1. Boozy Eggnog Cookies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of rum or bourbon to the dough for an adult twist.
2. Chocolate Eggnog Cookies: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies.
3. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free eggnog and vegan butter for a lactose-free version.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Add the glaze after thawing.
• Storage: Store baked and glazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Reduce Sugar: Use ¾ cup sugar instead of 1 cup in the dough, and reduce or skip the glaze for a lower-sugar option.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Natural Sweeteners: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a less processed alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Parties: Serve eggnog cookies on a dessert platter alongside peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate truffles.
• Cookie Exchanges: Package these cookies in decorative holiday boxes or bags to share with friends and family.
• Christmas Morning: Pair the cookies with a hot mug of coffee or chai tea for a festive breakfast treat.

Special Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar.
• Cookie scoop for evenly portioned dough balls.
• Wire cooling rack to ensure the cookies cool completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Yes! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

2. Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

3. Can I make the glaze thicker?

Absolutely! Add more powdered sugar to the glaze until you reach your desired consistency.

4. What other spices can I add?

Consider adding a pinch of cloves, allspice, or ginger for extra holiday flavor.

5. How do I make these cookies vegan?

Use a vegan butter substitute, dairy-free eggnog, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) instead of the egg.

6. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.

7. How can I make them more decorative?

Top the glazed cookies with sprinkles, edible glitter, or a dusting of cinnamon for a festive touch.

8. Can I use self-rising flour?

Self-rising flour is not recommended as it contains baking powder and salt, which may alter the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Eggnog cookies are the perfect way to bring the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the holidays into your kitchen. Soft, chewy, and spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, these cookies are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you drizzle them with a sweet eggnog glaze, serve them plain, or get creative with variations, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Use this detailed guide to bake a batch of these festive cookies and share the joy of the season with your loved ones. Happy baking!

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