As the holiday season approaches, the nostalgia of cozy evenings and winter festivities fills the air. I remember the first time I indulged in a soft, spiced Eggnog Cookie; the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg danced on my tongue, instantly wrapping me in a comforting hug. This delightful treat is not only easy to whip up, but it also transforms any moment into a festive celebration.
Whether you're looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or simply want to elevate your after-dinner sweets, these Eggnog Cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia. The rich, buttery base, combined with a hint of eggnog, creates a cookie that is both tender and full of holiday cheer. Plus, they take less than an hour to make!
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create a batch that will warm your home and your heart, making this holiday season one to remember!
Why You'll Love This Eggnog Cookies
- Making Eggnog Cookies is a breeze, perfect for any baking novice or busy parent.
- The delightful blend of warm spices and creamy eggnog creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and festive, making each bite a treat.
- These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed solo or paired with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy experience.
- Their visually appealing, sugar-dusted finish adds an elegant touch to your holiday cookie platter, making them a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Eggnog Cookies Ingredients
With these delightful Eggnog Cookies, you'll create the ultimate holiday treat!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cookies; make sure to measure it properly for the best texture.
- Baking soda – It helps the cookies rise, providing that perfect tender bite.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a comforting flavor that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
- Ground nutmeg – Complements the eggnog beautifully, giving your cookies a festive twist.
- Ground ginger – Infuses a slight spiciness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ground cloves – A little goes a long way, adding depth to your cookie’s taste.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Unsalted butter – Using room temperature butter ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- Sugar – Sweetens your cookies and helps create a crispy outer layer.
- Large egg – Binds the ingredients together, resulting in a soft and chewy cookie.
- Vanilla extract – A splash of flavor that brings harmony to your cookie dough.
- Eggnog – The star ingredient that gives these cookies their delightful, holiday-specific flavor.
For Rolling and Icing
- Additional sugar – Roll the dough balls in sugar for added sweetness and a lovely crunch.
- Powdered sugar – Perfect for making a smooth icing; dust these cookies to create an enticing finish.
- Eggnog (for icing) – Helps to achieve the right consistency for drizzling over your cookies.
- Pinch of nutmeg – Adds an extra festive touch to your icing, making each bite even more special.
How to Make Eggnog Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This mix will give your cookies that warm, festive flavor.
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Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Using room temperature unsalted butter, mix with sugar until the mixture becomes creamy, magical, and a pale yellow.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat well until fully combined, creating a smooth texture that will carry the flavors beautifully.
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Incorporate the eggnog into your mixture. Pour in the magical eggnog and blend until everything is perfectly united, offering a hint of holiday cheer to the dough.
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Stir in the dry ingredients slowly. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, forming a soft and slightly sticky dough that’s irresistible.
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Shape the dough into 2-tablespoon balls. Roll each ball in additional sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
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Bake in the oven for 9–11 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges turn golden brown, but the centers should still appear soft and set, holding that delightful chewy texture.
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Cool the cookies on the sheets for 4–5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing their flavors to marry.
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For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled cookies to add a lovely finish and extra sweetness.
Optional: Sprinkle with a dash of additional nutmeg for a festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Eggnog Cookies?
Elevate your festive gatherings with these delicious cookies and delightful pairings that create the perfect holiday experience.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: This velvety beverage enhances the creamy flavors of the cookies, making for a cozy winter drink.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai beautifully complement the nutmeg and cinnamon in the cookies, creating a soothing balance.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness and creaminess, perfect for pairing with warm cookies fresh from the oven.
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Christmas Punch: A sweet and fruity punch provides a refreshing contrast to the spiced cookies, making for a lively holiday treat.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tart and sweet cranberry sauce brightens each bite and complements the cookies’ sweetness, adding a festive touch.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies creates an indulgent treat that's both gooey and delicious.
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Peppermint Mocha: The minty, cooling flavor of peppermint in this coffee drink pairs perfectly with the spiced sweetness of the cookies.
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Nutty Biscotti: These crunchy treats offer a delightful contrast in texture, perfect for dunking in your coffee or hot cocoa.
How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cooled Eggnog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful.
Fridge: For extended freshness, place your cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Just ensure they are fully cooled before storing.
Freezer: Freeze your Eggnog Cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply reheat the frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
Eggnog Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic Eggnog Cookies recipe!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously inclusive cookie experience. You'll still achieve that tender texture without sacrificing flavor.
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Eggless: Swap the egg for a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoon water, let it sit for 5 minutes) to bind your ingredients beautifully, keeping the cookies just as comforting.
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Spiced Rum: For an adult twist, add a splash of spiced rum to your dough for an added kick of flavor, enhancing the traditional eggnog essence with a warm depth.
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Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet surprise that melds beautifully with the spiced dough, creating a rich flavor contrast.
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Maple Sugar: Exchange white sugar for maple sugar to impart a subtle maple flavor that complements the eggnog and adds a unique twist to each cookie.
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Coconut Flakes: Add ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical touch that balances the spices with a chewy texture.
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Cranberry Zest: Toss in ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart burst that complements the sweetness, giving your cookies a festive pop of color and flavor.
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Heat It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to spice things up for those who love a little heat in their comforting treats; it's an unexpected yet delightful layer!
Make Ahead Options
These Eggnog Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until the dough is formed, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the best texture, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping it into balls, rolling them in sugar, and baking them. Additionally, if you want to make the icing ahead, mix it up and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, just drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies for a truly festive touch—just as delicious as if you made them fresh that day!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Eggnog Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar to achieve a light, fluffy mixture.
- Avoid overmixing once you’ve added the dry ingredients; this can result in dense cookies instead of the desired lightness.
- When shaping your dough into balls, roll them in sugar immediately before baking for a sparkling, sweet crust.
- Bake them just until the edges start to turn golden while the centers stay soft for that ideal chewy texture.
- Be mindful to cool the cookies on the sheets for the recommended 4-5 minutes to let them set before transferring to a wire rack.
Eggnog Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting eggnog for the recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing eggnog, look for a rich, creamy texture and a fresh expiration date. If possible, opt for eggnog made from real eggs and dairy for the best flavor. It should have a strong aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, which will enhance the cookie's taste!
How do I store leftover Eggnog Cookies?
Very simply! Store your cooled Eggnog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for about a week. Just make sure they’re completely cool before you seal them up to maintain their delicious texture.
Can I freeze Eggnog Cookies? What’s the best way to do it?
Yes, you can definitely freeze Eggnog Cookies! To do so, first let the cookies cool completely. Then, layer them in an airtight container, putting sheets of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
What do I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find that your cookie dough is a bit too sticky, don’t worry! You can sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and knead it gently until it’s manageable. Alternatively, refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls.
Are Eggnog Cookies safe for pets or people with egg allergies?
Eggnog Cookies contain eggs and dairy, making them not suitable for pets, particularly dogs, and not safe for individuals with egg allergies. If you're baking for those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies, consider using egg substitutes like applesauce or mashed bananas and a dairy-free eggnog alternative to create a more inclusive version of these delicious treats!
Eggnog Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix the room temperature unsalted butter with sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat well until fully combined.
- Incorporate the eggnog into your mixture. Blend until everything is perfectly united.
- Stir in the dry ingredients slowly, forming a soft and slightly sticky dough.
- Shape the dough into 2-tablespoon balls. Roll each ball in additional sugar and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes. Keep an eye on them until edges turn golden, but centers should remain soft.
- Cool the cookies on the sheets for 4–5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
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