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My kitchen fills with the sweetest holiday memories whenever I bake these Eggnog Cookies. Soft and pillowy with a gorgeous eggnog frosting that melts on your tongue these cookies taste like Christmas magic. After years of holiday baking I can tell you these are the cookies my family begs for as soon as December hits.
What Makes These Cookies Special
The secret to these cookies is how they capture everything wonderful about eggnog in a soft buttery cookie. No need to fuss with chilling dough they come together so easily. Every time I bring them to holiday gatherings people ask for the recipe. That combination of warm spices and rich eggnog frosting just can't be beat.
Ingredients for Eggnog Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour: This gives our cookies their perfect structure I always reach for unbleached.
- Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, and Powdered Sugar: Each type plays its part in creating that dreamy texture we want.
- Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warming spices make the cookies taste like Christmas.
- Baking Powder: The secret to perfectly fluffy cookies.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes all the flavors sing.
- Unsalted Butter: Creates that melt in your mouth texture.
- Egg Yolks: They make our cookies extra rich and tender.
- Eggnog: The star of our show use full fat for the best flavor.
- Vanilla and Rum Extract: These bring that classic eggnog taste we love.
How to Make Eggnog Cookies
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough
- Get your oven going to 350°F and line your cookie sheets with parchment. Mix your flour baking powder salt and those lovely spices in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugars
- Beat your butter and sugars until they're light and fluffy. Add those golden yolks one at a time then mix in your vanilla rum extract and eggnog.
- Combine Ingredients
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Keep the mixer on low we don't want to overwork the dough. Scoop generous spoonfuls onto your cookie sheets leaving room for spreading.
- Bake
- Pop them in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes until they're just set. Let them rest on the sheet before moving to a cooling rack.
Eggnog Frosting Instructions
- Prepare Frosting Base
- Whip your butter until it's light as air. Add a splash of rum extract and eggnog mixing until smooth.
- Mix and Adjust Consistency
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Add more eggnog if needed until you get that perfect spreading consistency.
- Frost the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cool spread them with this heavenly frosting. A little sprinkle of nutmeg on top makes them look extra festive.
Keeping Your Cookies Fresh
Your cookies will stay perfectly fresh in the fridge for about 4 days just keep them in an airtight container. If you want to make them ahead they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temperature before serving to get that wonderful soft texture back.
My Best Baking Tips
Trust me on this one full fat eggnog makes all the difference in flavor. Make sure your butter is perfectly soft before mixing it with the sugar. Be gentle when mixing the dough we want tender cookies not tough ones. And always let them cool completely before frosting I learned that one the hard way.
Fun Ways to Mix It Up
Sometimes I add a pinch of cardamom or cloves when I'm feeling adventurous. Brandy extract makes a lovely substitute for the rum extract. My grandkids love when I drizzle caramel or white chocolate on top. During Christmas week we go all out with festive sprinkles.
Perfect for Your Holiday Table
Nothing makes me happier than seeing these cookies disappear from holiday gatherings. They look beautiful on any dessert table with their creamy frosting. I love serving them alongside mugs of hot cocoa or warm eggnog. Watching faces light up when they take that first bite is pure joy.
The Magic of These Cookies
There's something special about how these cookies balance warm spices with sweet creamy frosting. They're the kind of treat that brings the whole family to the kitchen asking when they'll be ready. Simple to make but so impressive to serve these cookies have earned their spot in our family's Christmas traditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should I measure the flour?
Use the scoop and level method for 2 cups flour. Add 2 extra tablespoons if you want thicker cookies.
- → Can I use low-fat eggnog?
Regular eggnog is recommended, not low-fat, for the best texture and flavor in both cookies and frosting.
- → How long will these cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container. They're best enjoyed within 3-4 days due to the cream-based frosting.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
The unfrosted cookies can be frozen. Add frosting after thawing for best results.
- → Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure butter is just at room temperature, not too soft. Chill dough if needed before baking.