There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked eggnog cookies wafting through your home during the holiday season. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little bites of comfort that wrap you in warmth and cheer. I can still remember the first time I made them with my grandmother, her kitchen filled with laughter and the scent of nutmeg and cinnamon. It felt like a warm hug, and every bite brought back those cherished memories. Trust me, when you take a bite of these cookies, you’ll feel that same joy! They’re soft, chewy, and have that perfect hint of eggnog flavor that makes them so special this time of year. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, so you can share them with family and friends without any stress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire, these eggnog cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So, let’s cozy up and get baking!
Ingredients List
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup eggnog, your favorite kind
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but they add a lovely crunch!)
How to Prepare Eggnog Cookies
Making eggnog cookies is easier than you might think! I promise you’ll be surprised at how simple the process is, and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen will be worth every moment. Let’s walk through it together step by step, so you can enjoy these comforting cookies without any fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because you want your cookies to bake evenly and perfectly!
- While the oven is heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a gentle whisk to mix everything together. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
- In another large bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, and mix until you see a smooth and fluffy texture. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix it all together until well combined. You’ll love how rich and creamy it looks!
- Now, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. I recommend doing this in thirds to avoid any flour clouds! Stir gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if a few floury bits remain.
- If you’re using walnuts, now’s the time to fold in the ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts (if desired). This adds a lovely flavor and crunch to your cookies.
- Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little while baking, so give them some room!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a bit different!
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit, so they don’t break apart.
That’s all there is to it! I can’t wait for you to taste the magic of these eggnog cookies. Enjoy the process, and remember—baking is all about love and joy!
Tips for Success
To ensure your eggnog cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips to share. First, make sure your butter is truly softened to room temperature—this makes all the difference in achieving that lovely, creamy texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (about 10–15 seconds should do) until it’s soft but not melted.
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can easily make these cookies dairy-free by using a plant-based butter and eggnog. For a fun twist, try swapping out the walnuts for chocolate chips or dried cranberries. They’ll add a delightful sweetness that complements the spices beautifully!
When it comes to storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them carefully between parchment paper in a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes. Trust me, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cookies!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe. Just choose your favorite brand, and you’ll still get that delicious flavor.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
That’s no problem at all! You can either leave them out or replace them with chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie. You could even use pecans if you have those on hand!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them!
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your eggnog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned earlier.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these eggnog cookies are vegetarian-friendly! They contain egg, but no other animal-derived ingredients.
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a delicious eggnog cookie, it’s nice to know a bit about what’s in it! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy your cookies in moderation, and savor each delightful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these eggnog cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Festive Flavor: The combination of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon brings the warmth of the holiday season right into your home.
- Comforting Treat: Soft and chewy, every bite feels like a cozy hug, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs, whether it’s swapping in chocolate chips or making them dairy-free.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a delightful gift for neighbors or loved ones, spreading joy during the holidays.
Trust me, once you try these eggnog cookies, you’ll find them becoming a beloved tradition in your holiday baking repertoire!
Variations
One of the best things about these eggnog cookies is how versatile they are! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the spices? Instead of just nutmeg and cinnamon, try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. For chocolate lovers, folding in some chocolate chips instead of walnuts adds a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the festive flavors.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter and use your favorite dairy-free eggnog. You can even try adding a splash of rum extract for a more traditional eggnog flavor! The possibilities are endless, and each variation will bring its own unique twist to this cozy cookie. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect version!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious eggnog cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked aroma. Trust me, they’ll taste just as delightful as when they first came out of the oven!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out our cookie recipes page!
Learn more about the health benefits of eggnog and its nutritional value.
Print
Delightful Eggnog Cookies for a Cozy Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and comforting eggnog cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Fold in nutmeg, cinnamon, and walnuts if using.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and eggnog.
- Replace walnuts with chocolate chips for a sweeter option.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: eggnog cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats
