Jolly Festive Eggnog Cookies Recipe: Holiday Baking Magic!

Baking these delightful eggnog cookies during the holiday season fills the kitchen with warm, nostalgic aromas of winter celebrations.

The classic eggnog cookie recipe blends traditional spices with creamy richness that melts in your mouth.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance together, creating a festive treat that captures the essence of holiday cheer.

Each bite delivers a smooth, buttery texture complemented by subtle hints of vanilla and rum extract.

The cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.

Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a magical, snow-dusted finish that makes these treats irresistible.

Gather your mixing bowl and let’s transform your holiday baking into a memorable experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 158 kcal

Servings: 24

Eggnog Cookie Ingredient Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft texture to the cookies, select unbleached flour for better flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light, ensure it's fresh for maximum leavening power.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, festive holiday spice, opt for high-quality Ceylon cinnamon for complex flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: Delivers signature eggnog taste, freshly grated nutmeg offers superior aromatic profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender cookie base, bring to room temperature for smooth blending.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies brown, choose pure cane sugar for best results.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness, select large fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Eggnog: Infuses classic holiday flavor, whole milk eggnog provides deeper taste and creamier texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor complexity, pure vanilla extract offers superior taste compared to imitation.

Tools for Perfect Eggnog Cookies

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients together smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients and mixing cookie dough.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for placing and baking cookie dough.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Helps prevent cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping down bowl sides and mixing ingredients.

How to Bake Eggnog Cookies That Shine

• Whip Up the Dry Mix

Grab a bowl and toss together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a quick whirl with a whisk to blend everything smoothly.

• Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks super creamy and light.

• Blend Liquid Ingredients

Crack in an egg, splash some eggnog, and add a dash of vanilla. Mix these together until they’re perfectly harmonious and silky smooth.

• Combine Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything just comes together – no need to go crazy with mixing.

• Chill and Prep

Pop the dough into the fridge and let it hang out for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies stay perfect when baking and makes the dough easier to handle.

• Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven and scoop out small rounds of chilled dough onto a baking sheet. Bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an amazing holiday aroma.

Tricks for Richer Eggnog Cookie Flavor

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing without over-softening.
• Slightly underbake cookies for a softer, more tender texture that keeps moisture locked in and prevents cracking.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Replace regular eggnog with dairy-free eggnog alternatives and use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version of the recipe.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Serving Up Eggnog Cookies, Holiday Style

• Festive Holiday Plate Pairing: Arrange cookies on a decorative Christmas platter with sprinkled powdered sugar and small candy cane accents for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Cozy Companionship Combo: Serve warm cookies alongside a steaming mug of hot eggnog or rich hot chocolate to create the ultimate winter treat experience.
• Gifting Gourmet Delight: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts that spread delicious cheer to friends and family.
• Dessert Table Elegance: Display cookies on a tiered cake stand with other holiday baked goods, creating a beautiful and tempting dessert spread that will impress guests.

Store Your Eggnog Cookies the Smart Way

• Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cookies maintain their delightful texture and flavor when chilled.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking for fresh, homemade treats anytime.
• Prepare dough up to 3 days before baking and refrigerate. This technique allows flavors to develop, creating more complex and rich cookie taste.
• Allow baked cookies to cool completely before storing. Separate layers with wax paper to keep their delicate shape and prevent crumbling during storage.

FAQs

• Are these cookies good for holiday parties?

Yes, eggnog cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings and winter celebrations. They capture the festive flavor of traditional eggnog in a delightful cookie form.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes party preparation much easier.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for light golden edges and a slightly set center. They should be soft but not wet when you remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, whisk, baking sheet, and measuring cups/spoons. A hand mixer or stand mixer helps, but you can also mix by hand.

Festive Eggnog Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Festive eggnog cookies bring holiday cheer with their rich, creamy flavor profile. Warm spices and buttery texture create a delightful seasonal treat you’ll savor during Christmas celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) eggnog
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps eggnog
• 1 pinch of nutmeg for garnish

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Instructions

1. Blend Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry components for consistent flavor and texture.
2. Cream Butter Mixture: Vigorously beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth, aerated base that will provide rich, delicate cookie structure.
3. Incorporate Wet Components: Gently mix egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until a uniform, silky consistency emerges, capturing the quintessential eggnog essence.
4. Form Cookie Dough: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing minimally to prevent toughening, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
5. Prepare and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F, line baking sheets with parchment paper, drop rounded spoonfuls of chilled dough, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown, creating tender, aromatic eggnog cookies.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking and enhance flavor concentration.
• Measure Spices Precisely: Use freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon for authentic eggnog taste, avoiding stale or pre-ground spices that can diminish flavor complexity.
• Avoid Overmixing Technique: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture without developing tough gluten structures.
• Customize Dietary Options: Substitute lactose-free eggnog and plant-based butter for dairy-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg