Eggnog Cookies Recipe: A Festive Twist on a Classic Holiday Drink
Eggnog cookies are the perfect treat to add to your holiday spread! Combining the warm spices and creamy richness of traditional eggnog with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie, these treats are sure to be a crowd favorite. The holiday season is all about comfort, warmth, and indulgence, and these cookies bring all those cozy feelings right to your plate. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday party, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, eggnog cookies will add a festive touch to your celebrations.
Ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup + ½ cup salted sweet cream butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 2 extra-large eggs
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp rum extract
- ¾ cup + ⅓ cup eggnog (divided)
- For the Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1-2 tbsp eggnog (as needed)
- Ground nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract, rum extract, and ¾ cup of eggnog. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Scoop and Bake:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon to ensure even baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Add 1-2 tablespoons of eggnog, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. You can adjust the eggnog for a thinner or thicker frosting, depending on your preference.
8. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a thin layer of eggnog frosting on each one. Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg over the top for an extra festive touch.
9. Let the Frosting Set:
Allow the frosting to set for about 20 minutes before serving, so it firm up and won’t smudge when handled.
History of Eggnog and Its Influence on Cookies:
Eggnog has deep roots in European tradition, dating back to the early 17th century. Originally, it was a drink enjoyed by the British elite, made with eggs, milk, sugar, and a touch of alcohol (usually brandy or rum). It was popularized in the U.S. during the colonial era, where rum from the Caribbean was added. Over the years, the spiced, creamy beverage became synonymous with holiday celebrations.
The concept of eggnog cookies likely emerged as people began to look for creative ways to incorporate the flavors of eggnog into other holiday treats. Combining the rich spices and eggnog’s signature creamy texture into cookie form allows bakers to recreate the essence of eggnog in a handheld, portable form, perfect for gifting or serving at holiday parties.
The Formation of Eggnog Cookies:
Eggnog cookies were created to capture the essence of the classic eggnog drink in a more versatile form. By adding ingredients like nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and rum extract, bakers can infuse the cookies with the same warmth and comforting flavor of the drink. The addition of eggnog itself brings a soft texture and subtle richness that makes these cookies irresistible.
Frosting is optional, but it helps bring an extra layer of indulgence to the cookies. It’s also a way to incorporate more eggnog flavor and create a beautiful visual contrast.
Methods with Lovers:
Eggnog cookies have quickly become a holiday favorite for many cookie lovers because they’re both easy to make and incredibly festive. The soft, cake-like texture, combined with the spiced flavor profile, strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory. If you’re a fan of eggnog, you’re going to love how these cookies take the classic beverage to the next level.
Variation for Lovers of Flavor:
Some people prefer to swap out the rum extract for actual rum in the cookie dough or frosting for an even deeper flavor. You can also play with spices — adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger can elevate the cookie further. For those who love a crunchy texture, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough gives a nice contrast to the soft cookies.
Conclusion:
Eggnog cookies bring the holiday spirit right to your kitchen with their comforting flavors and festive look. They are perfect for holiday gift-giving, family gatherings, or enjoying with a hot drink while cozied up by the fire. With their soft, chewy texture and the nostalgic flavor of eggnog, these cookies are bound to become a beloved part of your seasonal traditions. Whether you make them with your loved ones or gift them to friends, one thing is for sure — they’ll bring joy to all who taste them!
Enjoy the holiday season, and happy baking!