Description
Sweet holiday magic emerges in these eggnog cookies, blending classic Christmas flavors with delightful cookie perfection. Creamy nutmeg and vanilla notes dance through each tender bite, inviting you to savor seasonal comfort in one delectable treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) eggnog
- 1 large egg
Spices and Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting and Garnish:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ⅔ tablespoons eggnog
- A pinch of nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Craft the foundation by sifting flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a pristine mixing vessel. Ensure these dry elements are thoroughly integrated and set aside for later incorporation.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whip softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, airy texture, developing a pale and creamy consistency.
- Introduce a single egg, rich eggnog, and pure vanilla extract into the buttery base, stirring until each component melds seamlessly and creates a harmonious liquid landscape.
- Gradually fold the pre-measured dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using delicate, measured strokes to prevent overworking the dough. Stop mixing the moment ingredients are just combined.
- Shield the dough and nestle it in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour, allowing the ingredients to relax and firm up, which facilitates easier cookie shaping.
- Heat the oven to 350F, lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent unwanted sticking and ensure smooth cookie release.
- Sculpt uniform dough spheres using a tablespoon measure, spacing them generously across the prepared baking surface to allow modest spreading during baking.
- Slide the cookies into the preheated oven, baking until edges acquire a golden hue and centers appear set, approximately 10-12 minutes. Exercise caution to prevent overdrying.
- Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transition them onto a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
- For an optional elegant finish, whisk powdered sugar and eggnog into a smooth glaze, drizzling artfully over cooled cookies and sprinkling a whisper of nutmeg as a final flourish.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a soft, tender cookie texture during baking.
- Use fresh, high-quality eggnog for the most robust holiday flavor, preferably whole milk eggnog for richer results.
- Adjust spices by increasing nutmeg or adding a pinch of ground cloves for a more intense seasonal warmth.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful crumbly texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg