Eggnog Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful addition to your holiday baking, let me introduce you to my favorite Eggnog Cookies! These soft and chewy treats are infused with the cozy flavors of classic eggnog and nutmeg, making them perfect for any winter gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or just indulging after a long day, these cookies bring that festive cheer right to your kitchen.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up a batch. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a touch of love, you’ll have a delicious treat that everyone will adore. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends—who wouldn’t want to receive homemade goodies during the holidays?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it great for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly: Kids love these cookies! They’re soft, sweet, and fun to decorate.
• Perfect for gifting: Pack them up in cute boxes or tins for thoughtful gifts that will warm hearts.
• Make ahead: Bake a batch in advance and freeze them for last-minute treats.
• Irresistible flavor: The combination of eggnog and nutmeg creates a cozy flavor that screams holiday spirit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Eggnog Cookies, we’re using simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what you need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons eggnog (for glaze)

Variations

This Eggnog Cookie recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add chocolate chips: For an extra treat, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips before baking.
• Include nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor.
• Spice it up: Try adding cinnamon or ginger along with the nutmeg for a spicier cookie.
• Experiment with icing: Instead of just drizzling the glaze, use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for festive flair.

How to Make Eggnog Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. This step is essential because it evenly distributes the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that your cookies rise nicely while providing that lovely eggnog flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming these ingredients well helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that soft texture we all love.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and eggnog. Mix until smooth. The eggnog not only adds flavor but also keeps the cookies moist. Trust me; this step is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture until it forms a dough. Don’t rush this step; mixing slowly helps keep your cookies tender instead of tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill your dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the butter in your dough, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies that won’t spread too much while baking.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) while your dough chills. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup super easy!

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. This spacing allows them room to spread while keeping their shape nice.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfectly Soft

Bake for about 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set but centers remain soft. The key here is not overbaking—these cookies should be chewy!

Step 9: Cool on Sheet

Let your cookies cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows them to firm up slightly without losing their soft texture.

Step 10: Make Your Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with two tablespoons of eggnog until smooth. This glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness!

Step 11: Drizzle Over Cookies

Drizzle your glaze over cooled cookies and let it set before serving. Watching that glaze drizzle down each cookie is half the fun!

And there you have it—delicious Eggnog Cookies ready to be enjoyed! I hope these become a cherished part of your holiday traditions like they have in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Cookies

Baking delicious Eggnog Cookies is all about the details, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect batch every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature ensures they mix together smoothly, creating a consistent dough that bakes evenly.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape while baking. It prevents spreading, resulting in soft and chewy centers with perfectly set edges.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to dense cookies. Simply spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

• Watch the baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake—remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.

• Experiment with spices: While nutmeg is traditional, feel free to add a dash of cinnamon or ginger for an extra layer of flavor that complements the eggnog beautifully.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies

Presentation can transform your holiday treats into a festive centerpiece! Here are some delightful ideas for serving your Eggnog Cookies.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Lightly sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of the cookies before serving for an added touch of sweetness and spice.

• Whipped cream dollop: A small dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on top adds a luscious texture and makes each bite even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Serve your cookies alongside a warm mug of cocoa, topped with marshmallows or whipped cream. The rich chocolatey flavor complements the eggnog perfectly!

• Spiced chai tea: The warming spices in chai enhance the cozy flavors of your cookies, making for a comforting pairing that’s ideal for chilly winter days.

• Fruit platter: Fresh fruit such as sliced oranges, apples, or berries provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of Eggnog Cookies and adds a pop of color to your dessert spread.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Eggnog Cookies will be the star of any holiday gathering! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family or keeping them all to yourself—no judgment here!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Eggnog Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors throughout the holiday season without all the hassle. With a little planning, you can have these delightful treats ready to go whenever a craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about Eggnog Cookies.

Can I make Eggnog Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg yolks with flaxseed meal or applesauce as a binding agent. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per yolk needed.

What makes these Eggnog Cookies special?

These Eggnog Cookies are infused with classic eggnog flavors, making them soft and chewy with a delightful nutmeg touch. The silky glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements their festive taste beautifully!

How long do homemade Eggnog Cookies last?

Homemade Eggnog Cookies can last up to 5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen properly.

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe and saves you time while still delivering that delicious holiday flavor.

Are there any substitutions I can make for the ingredients?

Yes! You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For eggnog, look for dairy-free alternatives or make your own using nut milk and spices.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these delightful Eggnog Cookies! They capture the spirit of the holidays with their rich flavors and cozy aroma. Whether sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, each bite is sure to spread warmth and cheer. Enjoy making this recipe, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and delight!