There’s something incredibly cozy about the aroma of baking cookies, especially when they’re flavored like eggnog! These eggnog cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with the sweet scent of nutmeg and cinnamon, instantly transporting me to festive gatherings with friends and family. They’re soft, flavorful, and they just scream holiday cheer! Whether you’re sharing them at a cookie exchange or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Trust me, once you taste these eggnog cookies, you’ll want to keep the festive spirit alive all year round!
Ingredients List
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
How to Prepare Eggnog Cookies
Making these eggnog cookies is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step so you can enjoy the process just as much as the result! Trust me, your kitchen will smell like a holiday wonderland as you whip these up!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure a lovely golden color on your cookies!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute all those warm, festive spices evenly throughout the cookies.
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is the base of your cookie—the creaminess will make them melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
- Now, add in the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until it’s all combined and smoothly blended.
- Next, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; we want those cookies to be soft and tender!
- Now, here comes the eggnog! Stir in that delightful eggnog and, if you’re feeling adventurous, fold in the chopped walnuts for some extra crunch.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them—no one likes burnt cookies!
- Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack, and then get ready to enjoy these festive treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Delicious flavor that captures the essence of eggnog in every bite.
- Soft, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Festive appeal makes them a hit at any gathering or cookie exchange.
- Customizable with optional add-ins like walnuts for extra crunch.
Tips for Success
To ensure your eggnog cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, make sure your butter is softened, but not melted; this will help achieve that wonderfully creamy texture. If you’re not sure, just leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before you start baking.
Also, be careful not to overmix your dough once you add the flour. You want to mix until just combined—this keeps the cookies nice and soft. If you want to add a little extra holiday flair, consider drizzling a simple icing made from powdered sugar and eggnog over the cooled cookies. It adds a lovely sweetness and makes them look festive!
Finally, don’t forget to check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time; all ovens vary. You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Happy baking!
Variations on Eggnog Cookies
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these eggnog cookies! For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of ground ginger or allspice to the dough—trust me, it’ll make your taste buds dance! You can also swap out the walnuts for pecans or even chocolate chips for a delightful twist. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your eggnog cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. They’ll taste just as delightful!
Nutritional Information
These eggnog cookies are a delightful treat, and here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie: about 120 calories, 6g of fat, 1g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy them as a festive indulgence during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought eggnog for these cookies?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe and will save you some time. Just make sure it’s the regular variety for that rich flavor!
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If walnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for pecans, almonds, or even skip the nuts altogether. You could also try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
You’ll want to keep an eye on them; the edges should be golden brown while the centers remain soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked right out of the oven!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, scoop and bake as directed!
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Definitely! These eggnog cookies freeze beautifully. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out this collection!
For tips on baking cookies perfectly, you can refer to King Arthur Baking.
Print
Eggnog Cookies: 10 Cozy Treats for Holiday Cheer
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies with the flavor of eggnog.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, then mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in eggnog and walnuts if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Eggnog cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats