As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills my kitchen, I can’t help but feel the holiday spirit wrap around me like a cozy blanket. These Soft Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting are the perfect addition to any festive gathering, bringing together the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg in a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Easy to prepare and requiring no chilling time, they’re ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Plus, the rich, creamy frosting offers a delightful finish that feels like a hug in cookie form! Ready to create a batch that will bring smiles all around? Let’s dive into this simple, heartwarming recipe!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg blend perfectly with the creamy frosting, creating a taste that instantly transports you to cozy holiday gatherings.
Effortless Preparation: With no chilling required, this recipe is a breeze, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs.
Festive Appeal: Their soft, cake-like texture and beautiful frosting make these cookies a standout on any holiday dessert table.
Versatility: Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips or candy cane pieces for a fun twist, just like in my delightful Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies recipe!
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with family and friends, or save some for yourself as a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or eggnog. These cookies are bound to become your new holiday favorite!
Soft Eggnog Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; use spooned and leveled for accuracy.
• Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Ground nutmeg & cinnamon – Adds the signature warm spices typical of eggnog.
• Unsalted butter – Use at room temperature for optimal creaminess and aeration.
• Granulated sugar & Light brown sugar – Contributes sweetness and moisture; brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor.
• Large egg yolks – Enhances richness and mimics the creamy base of eggnog.
• Vanilla extract & Rum extract – Essential for delivering the authentic eggnog flavor.
• Full-fat eggnog – Provides moisture and that distinct eggnog taste; avoid low-fat options.
For the Frosting
• Powdered sugar – Ensures a smooth, creamy consistency for the frosting.
• More eggnog – Adjust for the desired frosting consistency; remember, this can enhance the eggnog flavor of your frosting!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and allow for easy cleanup. Make sure your baking sheets are ready before you start mixing the cookie dough!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients will add warmth and structure to your cookies. Set the bowl aside, as you’ll be incorporating these flavorful elements into your cookie dough shortly.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In your stand mixer, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the light and soft texture of your Soft Eggnog Cookies.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugars are fluffy, add the large egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract, rum extract, and full-fat eggnog, blending until everything is well combined. The rich eggnog adds to the creamy base that makes these cookies special and festive.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually mix the bowl of dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using low speed to prevent excess flour from flying. Continue mixing until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky, ready for scooping!
Step 6: Scoop and Shape Cookies
Using a heaping tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows them to spread without merging during baking. Your cookie dough should look inviting and slightly rounded at the top.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake the Soft Eggnog Cookies for 11-13 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are done when the edges are lightly golden while the center remains soft. This is the perfect moment to capture that beautiful holiday aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is vital to ensure they firm up without breaking. After a few minutes, move them to the wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Creamy Frosting
While your cookies cool, prepare the creamy frosting. In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter until it’s fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, rum extract, and enough eggnog to achieve your desired frosting consistency. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring it’s ready to top your cookies.
Step 10: Frost and Garnish
Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost the top of each cookie with your creamy eggnog frosting. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra ground nutmeg on top. The rich frosting beautifully complements the warm spices in your Soft Eggnog Cookies and adds to their holiday charm.
Storage Tips for Soft Eggnog Cookies
Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh while ensuring they’re ready to eat!
Fridge: If you’ve already frosted your Soft Eggnog Cookies, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their creamy frosting and freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Reheating: To enjoy soft cookies again, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back their delightful warmth and comfort!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holidays! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Alternatively, the unfrosted cookies can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days once cooled. To maintain their soft texture, make sure to cool the cookies completely before storing them. When you’re ready to serve, simply whip up the creamy frosting and spread it on the cookies for that delicious fresh touch. This way, you’ll have delightful holiday cookies ready to impress on short notice!
What to Serve with Soft Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting
As you celebrate the holidays, complement these cookies with a selection of warm and festive delights that will enhance your festive gatherings.
-
Warm Eggnog: A classic pairing, the rich flavors of eggnog harmonize beautifully with the cookies’ spiced sweetness, creating a cozy holiday experience.
-
Spiced Tea: Aromatic and soothing, a cup of spiced tea adds a fragrant warmth that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg in each bite.
-
Creamy Hot Chocolate: This decadent drink pairs perfectly with the frosting’s sweetness, making each cookie feel like a comforting hug on a chilly night.
-
Apple Cider: Serve warm with a dash of cinnamon for a bright, fruity balance to the cookies’ rich flavors; it’s like autumn in a cup!
-
Peppermint Bark: Offering a crunchy contrast, this holiday favorite adds a delightful minty twist alongside the spiced cookies, enhancing festive cheer.
-
Gingerbread Men: For a nostalgic touch, enjoy alongside these spiced cookies; their textures and flavors create a wonderful festive assortment.
-
Chewy Caramel Brownies: A richer option, the sweetness and density of brownies provide great textural contrast to the soft eggnog cookies.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: Lusciously creamy ice cream next to warm cookies makes for an indulgent dessert combo, ideal for families sharing sweet moments.
These pairings are sure to create warm memories as you indulge in the flavors of the season!
Expert Tips for Soft Eggnog Cookies
-
Use Full-Fat Eggnog: Opt for full-fat eggnog to achieve the best flavor and texture; low-fat varieties may cause your cookies to spread excessively.
-
Precise Mixing: Be careful not to overmix your dough; mixing until just combined is key to maintaining a soft cookie texture in your Soft Eggnog Cookies.
-
Cooling Before Frosting: Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
-
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy mixture, essential for the soft structure of your cookies.
-
Spacing Matters: When scooping the dough onto the baking sheet, keep at least 2 inches between each cookie to allow for proper spreading during baking.
Soft Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Variations
Feel free to explore different twists and personalize your cookies to fit your taste buds!
-
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and almond milk eggnog for a delightful dairy-free alternative that retains amazing flavor.
-
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for cookies that are just as tender and delicious.
-
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to the dough for an added kick of warmth and spice that’s simply irresistible!
-
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some chocolate chips for a rich, decadent touch that balances beautifully with the creamy frosting. You could also use chunks for a more indulgent cookie experience.
-
Minty Fresh: Incorporate crushed peppermint candy canes into your dough for a delightful festive crunch and minty freshness.
-
Non-Alcoholic: Replace the rum extract with additional vanilla extract to keep the eggnog flavor strong while making it suitable for all ages!
-
Frosting Flavors: Consider adding a hint of orange zest or almond extract to the frosting for a refreshing, fragrant twist.
-
Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the frosting for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
For more playful recipes, check out my delightful Chocolate Chip Cookies or the scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, to bring some extra warmth to your holiday baking!
Soft Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right eggnog for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Soft Eggnog Cookies, use full-fat eggnog. Low-fat versions can lead to overly runny dough and cookies that spread too much during baking. Look for a rich, creamy eggnog with spices already included for extra flavor. If you’re uncertain, try different brands to find the one that suits your taste.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Very simple! Store your unfrosted Soft Eggnog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness. If you’ve frosted them, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container to preserve the creamy frosting. Make sure to keep the container sealed to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze Soft Eggnog Cookies?
Absolutely! For long-term storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and frost for a delightful treat!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your cookie dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape without sticking to your hands or the cookie scoop. Always remember not to add too much additional flour, as that can affect the soft texture of your cookies.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
Great question! The Soft Eggnog Cookies contain common allergens such as wheat (in the flour) and dairy (in the butter and eggnog). If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and using dairy-free alternatives for the butter and eggnog. There are many suitable options available today that can keep the delicious flavor intact!
Can I add more spices to the cookies?
Definitely! If you’re a fan of spices, feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Adding extra nutmeg, allspice, or ginger can enhance the festive flavor of your Soft Eggnog Cookies. Just remember to keep the balance, so you don’t overpower the cookie’s delightful sweetness!
Soft Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting for a Merry Christmas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each. Then add vanilla extract, rum extract, and eggnog until combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting by whipping butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and eggnog to desired consistency.
- Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with ground nutmeg for garnish.
Leave a Reply