Description
These Eggnog Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm, festive flavors of classic eggnog. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter treat, these cookies combine buttery sweetness with nutmeg and vanilla, finished optionally with a smooth eggnog glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
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, beat the softened unsalted butter together with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract thoroughly until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and optional cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges appear set and the centers remain soft but not wet.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, to prevent breakage and maintain texture.
- Optional Glaze: If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth and drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies to add sweetness and a festive touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Spacing cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet helps prevent them from sticking together while baking.
- The optional cinnamon adds a nice warmth but can be omitted if preferred.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch to the cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To soften the butter quickly, leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave on low power in short bursts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
