Every holiday season, I can’t help but get giddy at the thought of baking my favorite eggnog cookies! There’s just something magical about the way they fill my kitchen with the warm, cozy scents of nutmeg and cinnamon. The first time I made these delicious cookies, it was for a family gathering, and let me tell you, they vanished in minutes! The sweet, rich flavor of eggnog combined with the chewy texture makes them the perfect festive treat. I love how easy they are to whip up, even when the holiday hustle is in full swing. Trust me, once you try these eggnog cookies, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions too!
Ingredients for Eggnog Cookies
Gather these simple, delightful ingredients to make your eggnog cookies shine:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, for that perfect chewy texture
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, to help them rise
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, adding that warm holiday spice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, because what’s eggnog without a little spice?
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to create a creamy batter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, to sweeten the deal
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, for that deep, rich flavor
- 2 large eggs, to bind everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for an extra layer of yum
- 1/2 cup eggnog, the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional), for a delightful crunch
How to Prepare Eggnog Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven helps your eggnog cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden edge. It’s like setting the stage for a cozy holiday performance!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. I love to make sure everything is well combined here, as this ensures that those warm spices are evenly distributed throughout your cookies. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t rush it!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to your buttery mixture. Mix until everything is well blended and smooth. You want to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated, creating a lovely, creamy base for your cookies. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those eggnog cookies to be tender and soft, not tough! If you see a few little flour streaks, that’s okay—just mix until they disappear for the best results.
Add Eggnog and Walnuts
Now it’s time to stir in the eggnog! Pour it in and mix until just combined. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in those chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch. They really elevate the flavor and texture, but if you’re not a fan, just leave them out!
Bake the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set. Keep an eye on them; the smell will have you rushing to the oven! Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack and get ready for the eggnog cookie bliss!
Tips for Success with Eggnog Cookies
To make your eggnog cookies truly unforgettable, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is really softened—this helps create that dreamy, fluffy texture. I like to take it out of the fridge an hour before I start baking. Also, don’t skip the resting time after mixing! Letting the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and make the cookies even chewier. And if you want an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little more nutmeg or cinnamon on top before baking. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your cookies to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for these delightful eggnog cookies. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and may vary depending on specific brands and measurements:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
FAQ About Eggnog Cookies
Here are some common questions I often get about my beloved eggnog cookies. I hope these help you out!
Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog can add a special touch to your cookies. Just ensure it’s well-blended and not too thick, so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
How should I store my eggnog cookies?
To keep them fresh, store your eggnog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped!
Can I make these cookies without walnuts?
Definitely! The walnuts are optional, so if you’re not a fan or have allergies, feel free to leave them out. The cookies will still be delicious and packed with that signature eggnog flavor!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Just add a little bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a manageable consistency. This can happen sometimes, especially if your butter was a bit too warm.
Can I add chocolate chips to eggnog cookies?
Oh, yes! Chocolate chips can be a delightful addition if you’re looking to mix things up. Just fold them in at the end when you add the eggnog. It’s a fun twist that many enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These eggnog cookies are not just cookies; they’re a holiday celebration in every bite! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for them:
- Festive flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon that scream holiday cheer
- Easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute baking
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
- Versatile—customizable with or without walnuts or chocolate chips
- Ideal for sharing at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings
- They fill your home with irresistible, warm aromas
Eggnog Cookies: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Festive Treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 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.
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