There’s a certain magic that fills the air when you bake Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Picture this: soft, buttery clouds of sweetness that melt in your mouth, infused with the cozy spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. The aroma wafts through your home like a warm hug on a chilly winter day, instantly putting you in the holiday spirit. These cookies are not just treats; they’re an experience.
I still remember the first time I attempted to whip up a batch for our annual holiday cookie exchange. My kitchen turned into a delightful chaos of flour, sugar, and laughter as my friends joined in, each adding their quirky twist to the recipe. It was such a hit that we barely had any left to share! Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just need a comforting snack, these Eggnog Sugar Cookies will elevate any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings
- The delightful flavor combination of eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla offers a seasonal twist that everyone adores
- The cookies look stunningly festive with their soft texture and light golden color, making them an eye-catching treat on any dessert table
- They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed during the holidays or year-round whenever you crave something sweet
Baking these cookies brought smiles all around as they disappeared faster than I could count them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for achieving that rich, creamy texture in your cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly while contributing to that lovely cookie crust.
Eggnog: Use store-bought or homemade eggnog for that signature holiday flavor that makes these cookies special.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it for lighter cookies.
Baking Powder: Helps your cookies rise and stay fluffy; fresh baking powder works best.
Ground Nutmeg: A must-have spice that gives these cookies their iconic flavor profile—don’t skip it!
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Optional but highly recommended for that sweet finishing touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your dough is ready.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy—this usually takes about five minutes. Add eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed; combine with the wet mixture gradually until no dry streaks remain.
Shape the dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave space between them because they’ll spread out while baking.
Bake until golden: Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden; keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
Cool and dust: Let cool on trays for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Dust with powdered sugar once completely cooled for extra sweetness!
These steps guide you through creating wonderful Eggnog Sugar Cookies that will fill your home with warmth and cheer—enjoy every nibble!
You Must Know
- Eggnog sugar cookies are a festive treat that combines holiday flavors with a delightful texture
- The rich aroma of nutmeg and vanilla fills your kitchen, making it feel like Christmas morning
- These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cozy cup of cocoa
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs and eggnog. Mix dry ingredients separately before combining them for an even texture. This ensures the cookies bake uniformly and are soft inside.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices like cinnamon or add chocolate chips to enhance the flavor. You can also substitute regular flour with gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. Personalizing your cookies makes them truly special.
Storing & Reheating
Store your eggnog sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them, and reheat in the oven for about 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh nutmeg for a more robust flavor; it makes a noticeable difference in taste
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture
- Don’t overbake; remove cookies when they’re slightly soft to keep them chewy and delicious
There was that one holiday season when I baked these eggnog sugar cookies, only to find them mysteriously disappearing from the cookie jar before my eyes! Friends and family loved them so much, I had to make two batches just to keep up!
FAQ
Can I use dairy-free eggnog for eggnog sugar cookies?
Yes, using dairy-free eggnog works perfectly without compromising the cookie’s flavor.
How long do eggnog sugar cookies last?
These cookies can last about one week stored properly at room temperature.
Can I freeze eggnog sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough for up to three months for easy baking later on.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Eggnog Sugar Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the comforting flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla in a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they will be a favorite during the holiday season and beyond.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup eggnog
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix in eggnog and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet mixture until no dry streaks remain.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on trays for five minutes before transferring to wire racks and dusting with powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For a twist, substitute cinnamon for nutmeg or add chocolate chips to the dough. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
