Oh, the holidays just aren’t complete without a batch of these incredible Eggnog Cookies! Seriously, after years of perfecting my holiday baking, I’ve landed on this recipe, and trust me, it’s the one that gets requested year after year. They’re just so perfectly soft and chewy, bursting with all those warm, cozy spices that just scream Christmas. If you’re looking for a new favorite cookie to add to your festive spread, you’ve found it!
Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Cookies
These aren’t just any holiday cookies; they’re a little taste of Christmas magic! You’ll absolutely adore them because:
- They’re super quick to whip up, making them one of those truly easy cookie recipes for busy holiday bakers.
- The flavor is just divine – that unmistakable warm, festive taste of eggnog!
- They bake up perfectly soft and chewy, just how a good cookie should be.
- They’re absolutely perfect for all your holiday gatherings and make fantastic holiday baking gifts!
Essential Ingredients for Your Eggnog Cookies
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready because this is where the magic really starts! You’ll need: 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder to give them a little lift, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance everything out. For that lovely rich base, grab 1 cup (that’s two sticks!) of unsalted butter that’s been softened – don’t try to rush this, it really makes a difference. Then, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar for sweetness, and 2 large eggs. A teaspoon of vanilla extract is a must for that classic cookie flavor. And of course, the star of the show: 1/2 cup of good old eggnog! Finally, for those warm, cozy notes, we’ll add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Oh, and if you want that pretty, snowy look, have some powdered sugar ready for dusting later!
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions for Eggnog Cookies
That eggnog isn’t just for flavor, folks! It really adds a lovely moisture and that signature holiday taste that makes these cookies so special. If you don’t have eggnog on hand, or maybe you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can totally use a thick, unsweetened plant-based milk like oat or soy milk, and maybe add a tiny splash more vanilla or a pinch of extra nutmeg to compensate for the missing eggnog flavor. Now, for those who like a little extra kick, the recipe notes mention adding a tablespoon of rum or brandy. Trust me, it really amplifies that festive vibe and deepens the flavor if you’re feeling adventurous! And if you’re a spice lover, a tiny pinch of ground cloves can add another layer of warmth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Eggnog Cookies
Alright, let’s get these gorgeous eggnog cookies into the oven! It’s pretty straightforward, but paying attention to a few little things will make all the difference between a good cookie and a truly spectacular one. First things first, get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper – this is a game-changer for easy cleanup and preventing sticking. Now, let’s get to mixing!
Print
Amazing Eggnog Cookies: 8-10 Minute Bake
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 dozen cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These eggnog cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holidays. They are soft, chewy, and packed with the warm spices and flavor of eggnog.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, once cooled.
Notes
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, you can add a tablespoon of rum or brandy.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can also add a pinch of ground cloves for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Preparing Your Eggnog Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Give it a good swirl and set it aside. In a bigger bowl, grab your softened butter and sugar and cream them together until they look light and fluffy. This is where you build that lovely texture! Beat in your eggs one by one, then stir in the vanilla extract. Now, here’s the key part: gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with that yummy eggnog. Make sure you start and end with the dry stuff. Mix until it’s *just* combined – we don’t want to overwork this dough!
Baking Your Festive Eggnog Cookies to Perfection
Once your dough is ready, drop rounded tablespoons onto those prepared baking sheets. Give them about 2 inches of space because they will spread a little. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just lightly golden. Trust me, don’t bake them too long if you want that soft, chewy texture we talked about! Let them hang out on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up a bit before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. And if you’re going for that pretty, frosted look, dust them with powdered sugar once they’re totally cool.
Tips for the Best Eggnog Cookie Experience
Want your eggnog cookies to be absolutely perfect every single time? A few little tricks really make a difference! First off, make sure your butter is truly softened – not melted, but soft enough that you can easily press your finger into it. This is key for that light, fluffy texture when you cream it with the sugar. Also, be super careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour; just mix until it’s *barely* combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and nobody wants that! And remember to let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them set up properly so they don’t fall apart. Following these little steps ensures your Eggnog Cookies are always a festive winner!
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Eggnog Cookies
Got some leftover eggnog cookies? Lucky you! To keep them tasting just as fresh and delicious as the day you baked them, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully soft and chewy for up to 5 days. If you want to give them a little refresh before enjoying, just pop a cookie or two in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for just a couple of minutes. It’s like magic – they’ll taste almost freshly baked again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Cookies
Got some questions about whipping up these festive treats? You’re not alone! Many bakers wonder about substitutes, especially for the eggnog. As I mentioned, a thick plant-based milk like oat or soy works well, just maybe add a touch more spice. If you’re aiming for dairy-free eggnog cookies, make sure your butter substitute is a good one, and use that plant-based milk! Storage is pretty simple – keep them in an airtight container for about 5 days, and they stay wonderfully chewy. If your cookies turn out a bit flatter than you expected, it might be that your butter was too soft, or you mixed the dough a bit too much. Don’t worry, they’ll still taste amazing! These are truly some of the best Christmas Cookies for any holiday baking spread, and so easy to get right!
Understanding the Nutrition of Eggnog Cookies
Just a friendly heads-up, the nutritional info for these eggnog cookies is an estimate, folks! It can really change depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use and how big you make your cookies. So, think of these numbers as a general guide rather than a hard-and-fast rule! For more holiday inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
