Introduction
Eggnog cookies are a holiday favorite that combines the festive flavors of eggnog with the sweet, comforting texture of cookies. These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the spiced, creamy taste of eggnog but wants to enjoy it in a new form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a treat to share with friends and family, or simply craving a festive dessert, eggnog cookies offer a unique and indulgent way to celebrate the season. The cookies are tender with a soft, pillowy texture, complemented by the familiar spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sweet glaze, they make for an irresistible holiday treat.
The History of Eggnog Cookies
Eggnog, the rich and creamy beverage made with milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, has been a beloved holiday drink for centuries. Its origins trace back to medieval Europe, where a warm, spiced milk and ale drink was popular among the wealthy. As eggnog made its way to America in the 18th century, it became a staple of holiday celebrations, particularly during Christmas and New Year. The tradition of baking eggnog-flavored treats, including cookies, emerged as a natural extension of this festive beverage. Eggnog cookies combine the classic holiday flavors of eggnog into a convenient and shareable form. Over the years, bakers have adapted recipes to create a variety of cookies, all maintaining the beloved spiced flavor that evokes the warmth and cheer of the holiday season.
Ingredients Breakdown
Eggnog cookies typically feature ingredients that mirror the flavors of the classic drink. The base consists of all-purpose flour, which provides the structure of the cookies, and butter, which adds richness and flavor. Brown sugar is commonly used to add depth and moisture, while eggnog (either store-bought or homemade) is the key to achieving the signature eggnog flavor. Eggs help bind the dough and contribute to its soft texture. A blend of spices—usually cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves—brings warmth and complexity, mirroring the spices in the eggnog itself. Baking soda is included to help the cookies rise, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Optional ingredients like vanilla extract can further enhance the flavor, and a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze can add a festive finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter with 1 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Slowly add ½ cup of eggnog and stir until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little eggnog.
Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Cookies
To ensure your eggnog cookies are soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still appear slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool. If you prefer a thicker cookie, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. For a stronger eggnog flavor, try adding a little extra eggnog or a dash more cinnamon and nutmeg. If you’re looking for a slightly crispier texture, flatten the dough balls gently before baking. Lastly, if you want an extra touch of sweetness, a light drizzle of a glaze made with powdered sugar and eggnog can elevate the cookies to a whole new level.
Variations and Customizations
While eggnog cookies are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to make them even more unique. You can add chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a rich, creamy flavor that complements the spices in the cookie. For an extra festive twist, try rolling the dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before baking to give them a sweet, spiced coating. You could also experiment with different types of eggnog—such as spiked eggnog or dairy-free alternatives—to accommodate dietary preferences. If you prefer a thicker, chewier cookie, you can reduce the amount of eggnog slightly or add a bit more flour. For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. The options are endless for customizing these cookies to suit your taste!
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Eggnog cookies, like most holiday treats, should be enjoyed in moderation. While they offer a satisfying indulgence, they can be high in sugar, butter, and calories. A typical eggnog cookie may contain around 150-200 calories, depending on its size and the ingredients used. If you’re looking to make a slightly healthier version, consider using a lighter butter substitute or reducing the sugar. You could also experiment with a whole wheat flour blend to add some fiber to the recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try substituting the eggnog with a non-dairy eggnog alternative and using plant-based butter. While these cookies are not a low-calorie snack, they can still fit into a balanced diet when eaten occasionally as part of a holiday celebration.
FAQ
- Can I make eggnog cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it before baking. - Why are my cookies not soft?
If your cookies turn out too hard, they may have been overbaked or overmixed. Be sure to remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. - Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly well for this recipe. Just make sure to choose a quality eggnog with a good balance of spices and sweetness. - Can I add mix-ins to these cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for extra texture and flavor. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
Eggnog Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour regular or gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup eggnog use full-fat store-bought eggnog
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons eggnog
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using an electric hand mixer, cream together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Pour half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Add the eggnog, then mix until combined, and finally, mix in the remaining flour mixture. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), drop balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Lightly spray the bottom of a glass with non-stick cooking spray and use it to gently flatten the dough balls to about half of their original height, making them about ½ inch thick.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the tops are no longer wet and the edges begin to brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth and free of lumps.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let them sit until the glaze has set. The glaze will begin to firm up in about 15 minutes, and the cookies can be stacked after about 1 hour.