Description
These Eggnog Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining the warm, festive flavors of eggnog and nutmeg in a soft, buttery cookie. Perfectly spiced and optionally glazed, they bring the classic wintertime drink into cookie form, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy winter snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons eggnog
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, infusing the dough with rich flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and optional cinnamon to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers look soft but not wet, ensuring a soft texture within.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: For the optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of eggnog until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- The optional glaze adds sweetness and a glossy finish but can be skipped if preferred.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra festive flavor, you may sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the glaze before it sets.
