Name: Christmas Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed); 3/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cream of tartar; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup eggnog; 1 teaspoon rum or vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 8 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons ground nutmegv

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Christmas Eggnog Cookies bring the warmth and joy of the holiday season straight to your kitchen. Their soft, buttery texture, combined with the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog and the comforting aroma of nutmeg, makes them the perfect treat for festive gatherings. With their delicate sweetness and subtle spice, these cookies capture the essence of Christmas in every bite, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

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Ingredients Breakdown

For the cookies, the ingredients are carefully chosen to create a tender, flavorful dough. The base starts with softened butter for richness and a combination of granulated and brown sugar to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Eggs add structure, while eggnog infuses the dough with its signature creamy flavor. A teaspoon of either rum or vanilla extract enhances the festive aroma.

To ensure the cookies bake perfectly, a mix of baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar is used, working together to provide the ideal rise and texture. Ground nutmeg adds a warm, spiced note that pairs beautifully with the eggnog.

For the topping, sugar and ground nutmeg create a subtly crunchy coating, adding texture and an extra layer of holiday flavor. If eggnog isn’t available, you can substitute it with heavy cream mixed with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Rum extract can be swapped for almond or vanilla extract for a different twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, begin by creaming the butter and sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, ensuring the cookies are light and tender.

Next, blend in the eggs, eggnog, and rum or vanilla extract. Make sure to mix thoroughly, but stop once the ingredients are well combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cookies.

Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, and nutmeg. Fold them in gently to form a cohesive dough. Overmixing at this stage can overwork the gluten, affecting the cookies’ softness.

Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour is essential. It firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and coat them generously in the sugar-nutmeg topping. Place them on the baking sheet, ensuring about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake until the edges are just set and the tops have a faint golden hue.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an added festive touch, drizzle them with an eggnog glaze or sprinkle with extra nutmeg.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Chilling the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to improve flavor and ensure the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more robust and aromatic flavor.
Portioning Tools: Use a cookie scoop to create evenly sized dough balls, ensuring uniform baking.
Eggnog Substitution: Replace eggnog with heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg if needed.
Preventing Spread: To prevent cookies from spreading too much, ensure the dough is properly chilled, and use parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Freezing Tips: Freeze cookie dough balls before baking and store them in an airtight container for up to three months.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of spiced eggnog or a warm cup of chai tea. The creamy and spicy notes of these beverages complement the cookies’ festive flavors.

For a dessert platter, combine these cookies with other holiday classics like gingerbread men, chocolate-dipped biscotti, or peppermint bark. Adding a bowl of eggnog glaze for dipping can elevate your presentation and delight your guests.

Variations and Add-Ons

To add a personal touch, consider folding white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or crushed candy canes into the dough before chilling. For those who enjoy a more pronounced spice profile, a pinch of cinnamon or cloves can be added alongside the nutmeg.

For a sophisticated finish, drizzle the cooled cookies with a boozy eggnog glaze or sprinkle with edible gold dust for an elegant holiday display. To achieve a crunchier texture, bake the cookies a minute or two longer, watching carefully to avoid overbrowning.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a resealable bag.

You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. Alternatively, roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be made without eggnog?
Yes, you can substitute eggnog with heavy cream or milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon for a similar flavor.
What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly and ensuring your baking sheet is cool before adding the dough balls will help prevent excessive spreading.
Can these cookies be frozen, and if so, how should they be stored?
Absolutely! Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container, or freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months. Bake the frozen dough directly without thawing for the freshest results.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup eggnog
1 teaspoon rum or vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Topping:

8 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, showcasing a smooth consistency.

Blend in the eggs, eggnog, and either rum or vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.

Gradually incorporate the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, and ground nutmeg. Stir gently until the dough forms and no streaks of flour remain visible. Be careful not to overmix.

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the dough to firm up.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for even baking and easy cleanup.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and ground nutmeg for the topping.

Using a tablespoon-sized portion of dough, roll each into a ball. Coat each ball generously in the sugar-nutmeg mixture before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies approximately 2 inches apart to prevent spreading during baking.

Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and the tops have a slight golden hue.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

If desired, sprinkle the cooled cookies with additional freshly ground nutmeg or drizzle with a rich eggnog glaze for an extra touch of festive flavor.