Name: Delicious Eggnog Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
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 light brown sugar (packed); 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup full-fat eggnog; For the glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons eggnog; Optional Additions: Sprinkle of nutmeg or a touch of rum extract

Welcome to the holiday season, where the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air and festive cheer is palpable! If you’re seeking a delightful treat that captures the essence of traditional holiday flavors, look no further than these Eggnog Cookies. Soft, cakey, and drizzled with a rich eggnog glaze, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a sweet gift for friends and family. The Best Eggnog Cookies Recipe offers a unique twist on the classic eggnog flavor you know and love. With their mildly spiced taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are bound to become a favorite during your Christmas celebrations.

Not only do these Eggnog Cookies satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also bring warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and festive cheer. They are easy to prepare and require just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe allows you to create mouthwatering cookies that will leave your guests raving about the flavors. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe and spread some holiday joy!

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: These cookies feature the perfect blend of spices, evoking the classic taste of eggnog.
Soft & Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a delightful cakey texture that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can whip up a batch.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a lovely homemade gift for friends, family, or colleagues.
Customization Options: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or rum extract to tailor the flavor to your taste!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get started baking your Eggnog Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen. Begin by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a medium cookie scoop for portioning the dough, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and measuring spoons for precise measurements, a whisk for combining ingredients, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) early on, allowing it to reach the desired temperature while you prepare the dough. This step is crucial for ensuring even baking. When your workspace is tidy and well-organized, baking becomes a breeze!

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 light brown sugar (packed)
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup full-fat eggnog
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons eggnog
Optional Additions: Sprinkle of nutmeg or a touch of rum extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the temperature rises, take a moment to line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure a clean release after baking. Trust me, the last thing you want is to see delightful cookies crumble when you try to remove them!

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a sizable mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. This step ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed within the flour, yielding a consistent flavor and texture in each cookie.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use a mixer to cream your softened butter alongside the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies that lovely cakey texture. Once combined, add the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well mixed together before moving on.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the eggnog into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl, continuing to mix until a smooth dough forms. This step ensures that the flavors meld beautifully!

Step 5: Shaping the Cookies

With your dough ready, use a medium cookie scoop to create evenly sized balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Position these dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. To achieve that classic cookie shape, gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass that has been sprayed with non-stick spray, forming them to about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 6: Baking the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes or until you see that the tops are set and the edges have turned a light golden brown. Remember to keep an eye on them as baking times may vary based on your oven. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 2-3 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 7: Preparing the Glaze

While your cookies are cooling, prepare the eggnog glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and eggnog until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. Once your cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops and let them set for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to wait an hour before stacking them to ensure they don’t stick to one another.

Variations

Protein: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to give your cookies a new texture.
Vegetables: Consider incorporating finely grated carrots or zucchini for a unique twist.
Spices: Experiment with different spices like cloves or allspice for added warmth.

Cooking Notes

Allow the cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the cookies.
Refrigerate any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, or freeze them for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Eggnog Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy pairing.
They make delightful gifts in festive tins or boxes, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Tips

For a festive touch, sprinkle additional ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the glaze before it sets.
If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or rum extract to the dough.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 165
Protein: 2.1g
Sodium: 95mg

FAQs

Can I use a gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the results will still be delicious!

How can I store leftover cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for enhanced longevity. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just allow it to reach room temperature before baking.

What’s the best way to glaze the cookies?

For an even glaze, make sure the cookies are completely cooled, then use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over each cookie for a uniform coating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Eggnog Cookies are not just a dessert; they embody the spirit of the holiday season! Their rich flavors and festive appeal make them a perfect addition to any celebration. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or gifting them to others, these cookies are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy creating these delightful treats that will undoubtedly bring joy to your holiday festivities. Don’t forget to share your thoughts below or let us know how you personalized your eggnog cookies! Happy baking!