As the holiday season draws near, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. And when it comes to festive flavors, eggnog takes center stage. These Irresistible Eggnog Cookies are set to become your new favorite holiday tradition, combining the classic creaminess and spice of eggnog into a soft, chewy, and utterly delightful treat.
Forget bland sugar cookies; these beauties are packed with warmth from nutmeg and cinnamon, a rich texture from brown sugar and egg yolk, and that unmistakable holiday cheer from a generous splash of real eggnog. They're perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace.
Why You'll Love This Eggnog Cookie Recipe
This recipe isn't just another cookie; it's an experience. Here's why you'll fall in love:
- Festive Flavor Profile: Every bite is bursting with the quintessential taste of eggnog, thanks to both the liquid eggnog and a thoughtful blend of spices.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges – pure cookie perfection!
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common baking ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results.
- Holiday Versatility: They're ideal for holiday parties, cookie platters, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
The Magic of Nutmeg and Eggnog
Eggnog itself has a fascinating history, dating back centuries as a rich, dairy-based drink often associated with celebrations. The addition of nutmeg is crucial, enhancing its unique flavor profile. For an even more intense and fresh taste, consider using freshly grated nutmeg in this recipe – it truly makes a difference!
Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cookies Every Time
Achieving cookie greatness is all about a few simple tricks:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature. This helps them cream together smoothly, creating a uniform dough that bakes evenly.
- Don't Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
- Spoon and Level Flour: For accurate measurements, always spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Don't pack it!
- Bake Until Just Set: Keep a close eye on your cookies. They should be lightly golden at the edges, but the centers should still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Fresh Nutmeg: As mentioned, freshly grated nutmeg adds an unparalleled aroma and flavor. Learn more about the history and variations of eggnog on Wikipedia.
Ready to bring some serious holiday cheer to your kitchen? Let's get baking!
FAQs
Can I make eggnog cookies without actual eggnog?
While using real eggnog enhances the flavor, you can create a substitute by mixing milk with a touch of heavy cream, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. This won't be identical but will give a similar festive essence.
How long do eggnog cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these eggnog cookies will stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I freeze eggnog cookie dough?
Yes, absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What's the secret to soft and chewy eggnog cookies?
The key to perfectly soft and chewy eggnog cookies lies in using both brown and granulated sugar, not overmixing the dough, and crucially, not overbaking them. Take them out when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft.
Irresistible Eggnog Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft, chewy, and spiced eggnog cookies are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season, bursting with classic flavors.
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
â…” cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 tablespoons eggnog (just shy of ½ cup)
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 to 1½ teaspoons ground nutmeg (freshly ground if possible)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Beat in the room temperature egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Gradually add the eggnog to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated. The mixture might look slightly curdled, which is normal.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 6: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps prevent spreading.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 8: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set (they may look slightly soft). Do not overbake.
Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little more freshly grated nutmeg on top of the warm cookies immediately after removing them from the oven. You can also make a simple eggnog glaze by whisking powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of eggnog until smooth, then drizzling it over the cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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