Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Eggnog Cookies are the perfect festive treat that combines the warm, spiced flavor of eggnog with the delightful texture of a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies capture the essence of the holiday season, with their rich and creamy flavor complemented by a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Each bite is like a cozy mug of eggnog, only in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a Christmas party, or simply craving a seasonal treat, these Eggnog Cookies are sure to be a hit.

The smooth, soft texture and spicy, sweet flavor make these cookies an excellent choice for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are a breeze to bake, and their festive charm will surely impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love Eggnog Cookies

• Perfect Holiday Flavor: These cookies capture the taste of eggnog in every bite. With the signature spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, they evoke the comforting, warm flavors of the holiday season.
• Soft, Chewy Texture: Eggnog Cookies are tender with a slightly chewy center, making them ideal for cookie lovers who enjoy a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and fast, perfect for bakers of all levels. You can have a batch of these cookies ready to share in under an hour.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily make these cookies your own by adding different spices, mixing in chocolate chips, or even adding a glaze or icing for extra sweetness.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies make an excellent holiday gift. Packaged in a festive tin or box, they are perfect for sharing with family, friends, or coworkers during the holiday season.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Around 150-180 calories per cookie, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150-180 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 20-22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Eggnog Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon rum extract (optional for extra eggnog flavor)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped white chocolate or chocolate chips (for added sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices are essential to give the cookies their signature eggnog flavor. The baking soda will help the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy. Set this dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the soft, tender texture in your cookies.

3. Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Rum Extract

Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and rum extract (if using). The rum extract will give a subtle, authentic eggnog flavor that is sure to enhance your cookies.

4. Incorporate the Eggnog

Add the eggnog to the butter mixture and beat until smooth. Eggnog is the key ingredient that gives these cookies their rich, creamy flavor and keeps them moist. The addition of eggnog also gives these cookies their signature soft and chewy texture.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; doing so can result in dense, tough cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, which will help them maintain their shape while baking.

6. Fold in Optional Add-ins

If you’re adding chopped white chocolate or chocolate chips to your dough, fold them in gently at this stage. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs wonderfully with the rich flavor of the eggnog, creating an extra layer of indulgence.

7. Shape the Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out rounded portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The cookies will spread a little during baking, so be sure to leave enough space between them.

8. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of the baking time; overbaking will lead to crispy cookies, whereas you want these to remain soft and chewy in the center.

9. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies firm up a bit without breaking, as they will be delicate when they first come out of the oven.

Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture and to achieve the perfect cookie consistency, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly, while melted butter may cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can cause the cookies to be tough and dry. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have extra time, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies keep their shape and can result in a thicker, chewier cookie.
• Taste the Eggnog: Eggnog can vary in sweetness and richness depending on the brand or recipe used. Taste the eggnog before adding it to the dough to ensure the cookies will have the right flavor balance.

Variations of Eggnog Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Eggnog Cookies: Add ½ cup of semisweet or milk chocolate chips to the dough for a rich and chocolatey twist on the classic eggnog flavor.
• Glazed Eggnog Cookies: After baking, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and eggnog over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
• Eggnog Snickerdoodles: Roll the cookie dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking for an extra crunchy coating and a more pronounced spiced flavor.
• Rum Raisin Eggnog Cookies: Add ½ cup of raisins soaked in rum (or rum extract) to the dough for a delightful combination of fruity sweetness and alcohol-infused flavor.
• Eggnog Shortbread Cookies: For a more delicate texture, swap half of the all-purpose flour for cornstarch, and reduce the baking time slightly. This will result in a crumblier, buttery texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

Eggnog Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. To keep them soft and fresh, place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft for about 4-5 days.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Eggnog Cookies

While Eggnog Cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary treats can elevate the experience:

• Hot Chocolate or Coffee: A warm cup of hot chocolate or a freshly brewed cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweet and spiced flavor of Eggnog Cookies.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Cranberry Sauce or Fruit Compote: A tangy fruit sauce, like cranberry sauce, pairs well with the sweetness of the eggnog cookies, creating a balanced flavor combination.
• Eggnog Drink: For an extra festive treat, serve the cookies alongside a glass of classic eggnog, spiked or non-alcoholic.

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Conclusion

Eggnog Cookies are a must-bake for the holiday season, offering a comforting and nostalgic flavor that embodies the spirit of the season. With their soft, chewy texture and warm spices, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them on your own, Eggnog Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

With easy-to-follow steps, helpful tips, and a variety of fun variations to try, you’ll soon become a pro at baking these holiday favorites. Enjoy the festive flavors and every cozy bite of these irresistible Eggnog Cookies—they’re sure to become a holiday tradition in your baking repertoire!