The Best Eggnog Cookies Recipe

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Why Make This Recipe

Eggnog cookies are the perfect festive treat that combines the creamy, spiced flavors of traditional eggnog into a soft and chewy cookie. As winter approaches, these cookies not only add to the holiday spirit but are also a great way to bring together friends and family. The delightful aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen will create a cozy atmosphere that embodies the essence of the holiday season. Let’s be honest: who can resist a cookie that tastes like a favorite seasonal drink? These eggnog cookies are easy to make and are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat enjoyed at home.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, you will find that making these cookies is straightforward and fun. Plus, the ingredients are commonly found in most pantries, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever you crave something sweet.

How to Make The Best Eggnog Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free 1:1 blend)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup full-fat eggnog
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2-3 tablespoons eggnog (for glaze)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, prepare your baking sheets by lining two of them with parchment paper. This step helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir these dry ingredients until they are fully mixed. It’s important to make sure there are no clumps to ensure even flavor distribution.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter to make your cookies soft and tender.
Combine Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog into the creamed mixture. Mix until combined well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could make the cookies tough.
Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between each mound of dough, as they will spread while baking.
Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be golden around the edges while remaining soft in the center.
Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the glaze.
Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of eggnog until you have a smooth glaze.
Drizzle Glaze: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon or piping bag for more precision.

How to Serve The Best Eggnog Cookies

These eggnog cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some fun serving methods. Arrange them on a festive platter to share with friends and family. You can also pair these cookies with a warm mug of spiced hot cider or a classic cup of coffee for a delightful dessert. If you’re looking for a charming tabletop setup, consider a milk or eggnog bar where guests can enjoy their favorite beverages alongside your delicious cookies.

For holiday parties, you can drop them into gift bags or boxes and hand them as sweet surprises to your guests. Adding a simple decorative ribbon and tag can make this gesture feel extra special.

How to Store The Best Eggnog Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your eggnog cookies fresh and delicious. After the cookies have completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture. They can last for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them for an extended time, consider freezing them.

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste as fresh as when they were baked!

Tips to Make The Best Eggnog Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature butter and egg helps the ingredients blend together more smoothly.
Avoid Over-Mixing: To keep your cookies tender, mix until just combined when adding the dry ingredients.
Don’t Skip the Glaze: The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch that complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully. You can adjust the thickness by adding more or less eggnog.
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature. Check your cookies starting at the 10-minute mark and watch them carefully to avoid overbaking.
Taste Test: Before baking the entire batch, consider making a small test cookie to check the flavor and texture.

Variation

This eggnog cookie recipe is not set in stone! You can mix it up based on your taste preferences. Here are a couple of variations to consider:

Chocolate Chip Eggnog Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a deliciously rich twist.
Nut Varieties: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Spiced Variations: Experiment with different spices such as ginger or allspice to create your unique take on the classic eggnog flavor.
Dried Fruits: Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for a bit of chew and fruitiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use dairy-free eggnog for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute with any type of non-dairy eggnog, and the cookies should still turn out tasty.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before baking. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

3. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, you can add a bit more flour a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a workable consistency.

4. Can I frost the cookies instead of glazing?
Definitely! If you prefer, you can beat up some buttercream frosting with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon for a richer topping.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
You’ll know they’re done when they start to lightly brown at the edges but still look soft and puffy in the middle; they will firm up as they cool.

With these simple steps and tips, you can create delightful eggnog cookies that are sure to become a holiday staple in your home. Enjoy baking and sharing the joy of these festive treats!

Eggnog Cookies

Print Recipe

Delightful cookies infused with the creamy, spiced flavors of traditional eggnog, perfect for the holiday season.

Author: natasha
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free 1:1 blend)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup full-fat eggnog
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons eggnog (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir until fully mixed.
Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each mound.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges but soft in the center.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of eggnog until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies.