Eggnog Cookies
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without delicious treats that bring warmth and joy to our gatherings. That’s why I love making Eggnog Cookies. These delightful cookies are infused with the cozy flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon, creating a nostalgic aroma that fills my kitchen as they bake. I can still remember the first time I tasted them at a family gathering; it was like opening a gift wrapped in seasonal spice and sweetness. The moment you take that first bite, the rich flavor of eggnog dances on your palate, leaving you yearning for more. Every year, I find myself experimenting with different recipes, but the classic Eggnog Cookies always holds a special place in my heart.
Recipe Snapshot
40 mins
20 mins
20 mins
Medium
120 kcal
1 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
5 g
KitchenAid stand mixer, Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Baking Sheets, Nordic Ware Aluminum Half Sheet Pans
The Beauty of This Eggnog Cookies
1. Magical Holiday Flavor
The distinctive taste of eggnog is the star of the show in these cookies. Its creamy texture and rich spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon, create a flavor profile that is unmistakably festive. When combined with the buttery goodness of the cookie, it’s hard to resist.
2. Perfect for Gifting
These cookies make outstanding gifts during the holiday season. Pack them in festive boxes or jars, and you have a homemade present that shows your loved ones just how much you care. Everyone loves receiving a batch of Eggnog Cookies to enjoy with their holiday hot cocoa or coffee!
3. Versatile Treat
They’re not just for Christmas! Whether it’s a winter gathering or a cozy evening at home, Eggnog Cookies fit perfectly into any occasion. You can even use them as a sweet addition to your New Year’s celebration, making them a versatile treat to enjoy all season long.
4. Easy to Make
If you’re intimidated by baking, you’ll find these cookies simple to prepare. The dough comes together quickly, and with just a little chilling time, you’ll be on your way to enjoying freshly baked cookies. Plus, the icing is just as easy, making decorating a fun activity!
5. Kids Love Them
Making Eggnog Cookies is a great way to create memories with kids. They’ll love helping out in the kitchen, mixing ingredients, and decorating the cookies with icing and festive sprinkles. It’s a wonderful bonding experience that can become a family tradition.
Everything You Need for Eggnog Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect Eggnog Cookies. The combination of flavors brings out festive notes while keeping the cookies light and fluffy. Each ingredient has its role in ensuring the cookies are not only delicious but also have the right texture. Let’s explore these essential components!
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that’s essential for that eggnog taste.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Complements the nutmeg perfectly and enhances the holiday flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugars.
- ½ cup lightly packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies without overpowering the other flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie.
- ¾ cup eggnog: The star ingredient that defines the cookie’s flavor.
- 2 egg yolks: Enrich the dough and add to the texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter at room temperature: For the icing, adds creaminess.
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens the icing and gives it that beautiful finish.
- ¼ cup eggnog: Used in the icing to maintain that eggnog flavor.
- sparkling sugar or extra nutmeg for sprinkling (optional): For a festive touch on top of the cookies.
Recipe Steps for Eggnog Cookies
Getting started with your Eggnog Cookies is easy! Follow these steps for a fun baking experience that fills your home with holiday aroma. Remember, patience is key, especially when it comes to chilling the dough. Let’s dive into these straightforward steps!
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for consistent flavor and texture.
In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter using a stand mixer or electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies rise.
Next, add in the eggnog, egg yolks, and vanilla to the fluffy sugar mixture. Beat at medium speed until everything is well integrated and smooth. You’ll love how the mixture takes on a creamy appearance.
Gradually mix in the flour combination using low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is essential as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle when you scoop it.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy removal of the cookies.
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing is important because the cookies will spread a bit as they bake.
Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are just golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Watch closely towards the end to prevent overbaking.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up without breaking.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, prepare the icing by mixing together softened butter, powdered sugar, and eggnog. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and mix for about 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy.
Spread the icing generously over the cooled cookies. If you like, sprinkle with sparkling sugar or extra nutmeg while the icing is still wet for a festive touch!
Things Worth Knowing
- Measuring Flour: Make sure you know how to measure flour correctly to avoid dense cookies. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level off without packing it down.
- Softening Butter: If you forgot to set out your butter ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into small cubes and letting it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Storing Dough: You can store unbaked cookie dough in the freezer to bake later. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
- Preventing Brown Sugar Hardening: To prevent brown sugar from hardening, store it in an airtight container with a slice of bread!
Substitutions and Tips
While these tips can enhance your baking experience, they also help you create delicious Eggnog Cookies even if you don’t have everything on hand. Let’s dive into some useful substitutions and tips!
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and tasty!
- Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly.
- Icing Variations: Experiment with different icing flavors like chocolate or caramel to give your cookies a unique twist.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger to the cookie dough. It complements the other spices beautifully.
- Serving Size: If you’re planning for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. These cookies are always a hit!
- Pairing: Serve your Eggnog Cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
Pairing Suggestions for Eggnog Cookies
When it comes to serving your delightful Eggnog Cookies, the possibilities are endless. Here’s how you can elevate your cookie experience:
- Hot Beverages: Pair them with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or spiced tea for a comforting winter treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make delicious ice cream sandwiches. Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the cookie flavors well.
- Holiday Gatherings: Bring them to holiday parties or cookie exchanges. They are perfect for sharing and impressing friends and family.
- Gifts: Package them beautifully in a decorative box and surprise your loved ones during the holiday season.
- Seasonal Displays: Arrange them on a festive platter for a beautiful centerpiece at your holiday table.
FAQ
Conclusion
These Eggnog Cookies encapsulate the essence of the holiday season with their rich flavors and delightful aroma. They are perfect not only for festive gatherings but also as a cozy treat enjoyed at home. I encourage you to try making them and share the joy of these cookies with your friends and family. You won’t regret it!
Eggnog Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat sugars and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
- Add eggnog, egg yolks, and vanilla; beat at medium speed until smooth.
- Gradually beat in flour mixture at low speed until just combined.
- Cover dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until edges are just golden, about 20-25 minutes.
- Cool on the baking sheet briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, prepare the icing. Add the butter, powdered sugar, and eggnog to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase speed to high and mix for 2-3 minutes.
- Spread icing onto cookies. If desired, sprinkle with sparkling sugar or additional nutmeg while the icing is still wet.
Notes
- Tip 1: Make sure you know how to measure flour correctly before starting.
- Tip 2: Forgot to set out your butter ahead of time? Learn how to soften butter quickly.
- Tip 3: Ran out of brown sugar? Make a simple brown sugar substitute to use instead.
- Tip 4: Your brown sugar hardened? Learn how to soften brown sugar.
- Tip 5: Ran out of powdered sugar? Learn how to make powdered sugar for this recipe.
- Tip 6: Store unbaked cookie dough in the freezer to bake later.
