When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Enter Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies, a festive delight that beautifully marries the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich creaminess of eggnog. These cookies aren’t just a treat for your tastebuds; they’re a ticket to nostalgic winter evenings spent with loved ones, crafting memories over cookies and warm beverages. The delightful combination of flavors makes these cookies perfect for any holiday gathering, whether you’re planning a festive family dinner or an intimate movie night in.
One of the many perks of these Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies is their simplicity. With no need for dough chilling, you can go from mixing to baking in a matter of minutes. The soft, tender interior is perfectly complemented by lightly crisped edges, ensuring each bite is a heavenly experience. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in less than thirty minutes, making them the ideal solution for any last-minute hostess gift or unexpected guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this cookie recipe is easy to master and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- ✨ Easy to Make: No need to chill the dough, so you can bake these cookies quickly.
- 🎉 Festive Flavors: Combines the rich taste of eggnog with traditional spices for a holiday treat.
- 🍪 Soft and Chewy: Perfectly balanced texture with tender centers and crisp edges.
- 🎁 Great for Gifting: Ideal for sharing during the holiday season or gift them to friends and family.
- 🌟 Versatile: Can be customized with variations like white chocolate chips or an eggnog glaze.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into baking these delightful cookies, it’s essential to prepare your workspace for a smooth process. Start by gathering all necessary ingredients and tools to avoid any last-minute scrambles. You’ll need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk), and baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal mixing, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to reach baking temperature while you’re preparing your dough.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
- Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take two baking sheets and line them with either parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and that they will come out evenly baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and ground nutmeg. This mixture serves to combine all your leavening agents and spices, which will add flavor and texture to your cookies. Set this bowl aside for now as you move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together at medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the batter, which provides a light texture to your cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Eggnog
Next, crack in your large egg and pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients until they are well combined, creating a rich and creamy base for your dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until no streaks of flour are visible; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!
Step 6: Scoop and Roll
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in granulated sugar. This not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies a lovely, slightly crunchy exterior once baked. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can also sprinkle the tops with some cinnamon sugar for an added flavor kick.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Once positioned, place them in your preheated oven. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just set, and the tops are beginning to crack. Remember, slightly underbaking will yield a soft and tender center that everyone loves.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them to set while still warm, making them easy to handle without breaking apart. Once cooled, dig in while they’re still warm, or store them in an airtight container.
Variations
- Protein: Mix in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Vegetables: Consider adding a touch of grated zucchini or finely grated carrots for added moisture and a unique flair.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like allspice or ginger for a spicier kick in your cookie dough.
Cooking Notes
- For the best texture, be sure to use room temperature butter and eggs.
- These cookies freeze beautifully! Portion the dough or baked cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
- Slightly underbake for that soft center – they’ll firm up as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a hot cup of cocoa or spiced tea for a perfect winter treat.
- Serve as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside other festive goodies for a well-rounded display.
Tips
- Use fresh ground nutmeg for the best flavor; it makes a difference in the taste!
- To make these cookies extra festive, consider drizzling them with a simple eggnog glaze after cooling.
- Don’t worry if the cookies look slightly underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool on the wire rack.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150 per cookie
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 90 mg
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it might give a denser texture. Consider mixing half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a lighter result.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No, one of the great things about this recipe is that there’s no chilling required. You can bake them right away!
How do I store these cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and use vegan butter and eggnog.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies are more than just a delightful baking project; they encapsulate the spirit of the season with their warm flavors and inviting aromas. Whether you’re indulging on your own with a cup of coffee or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. They are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any holiday occasion. We encourage you to try your hand at this delightful recipe and experiment with your favorite additions. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with us in the comments below, and spread the joy of baking and sharing during this special time of year!
Print
Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 24 cookies
Description
Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies are a delightful, festive treat combining warm spices with rich eggnog flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
- Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take two baking sheets and line them with either parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until no streaks of flour are visible.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in granulated sugar.
- Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for 9 to 11 minutes.
- Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best texture, use room temperature butter and eggs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 per cookie
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Protein: 2 g