Cozy Eggnog Snickerdoodles Recipe: Holiday Magic in Every Bite

Whipping up soft, pillowy eggnog snickerdoodles can transform an ordinary afternoon into a festive celebration.

Memories of holiday cheer dance through my kitchen whenever these cookies emerge from the oven.

Warm spices and creamy notes blend seamlessly in this delightful twist on a classic treat.

The delicate balance of nutmeg and rich eggnog creates a magical cookie experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Each bite carries the comforting essence of winter gatherings and sweet moments shared.

Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and infused with seasonal spirit, these cookies promise to become your new favorite holiday indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth morsel of these irresistible seasonal delights.

Why Eggnog Snickerdoodles Are So Festive

• Festive Holiday Flavor Explosion: These eggnog snickerdoodles capture the quintessential warmth of Christmas in every bite, blending traditional cookie comfort with rich holiday eggnog essence.
• Super-Simple Baking Experience: Beginners and seasoned bakers can easily whip up these cookies with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Cozy Texture Magic: Soft, pillowy centers combined with slightly crisp edges create an irresistible cookie texture that melts perfectly in your mouth, delivering a delightful sensory experience.
• Quick Seasonal Treat: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies offer a fast and delectable way to satisfy sweet cravings and spread holiday cheer without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You Need For Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Butter: Soft and creamy base for tender cookie texture, room temperature preferred.
• Eggnog: Signature holiday flavor with rich, creamy dairy profile.
• Egg: Provides structure and binding for the cookie dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for the cookie, standard kitchen staple.
• Cream of Tartar: Traditional snickerdoodle ingredient that adds tangy flavor and helps cookies stay soft.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps cookies rise and spread.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Primary sweetener for cookie dough and coating.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm background flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Classic snickerdoodle spice for warmth and aroma.
• Ground Nutmeg: Complementary holiday spice that echoes eggnog's flavor profile.

How To Make Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your baking sheets and dress them up with parchment paper or silicone mats for a non-stick performance.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Cream of tartar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Stir until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Treasures

Scoop out dollops of dough and roll them into delightful balls. Give each ball a luxurious bath in the spice mixture, making sure they’re completely coated. Place these flavor bombs about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set but centers that still look slightly mysterious and soft. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool down.

Step 6: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cookies hang out on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion of holiday cheer!

Best Tips For Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Boost Eggnog Flavor: Add an extra splash of rum or bourbon extract to intensify the classic eggnog taste without making the cookies too wet.
• Prevent Spreading: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookies' shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the nutmeg and cinnamon quantities to match your personal preference, creating a more subtle or bold holiday flavor profile.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months for quick holiday baking.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy-free butter and store-bought vegan eggnog to create a delicious version for those with dietary restrictions.

How To Store And Reheat Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Refrigerate: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they stay away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Great Matches For Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Brew Festive Coffee Companions: Pair these eggnog snickerdoodles with a warm, spiced chai latte or a rich caramel macchiato. The creamy, aromatic coffee will complement the cookie's nutmeg and cinnamon notes, creating a delightful holiday flavor explosion.
• Sip Seasonal Spirits: Enjoy these cookies alongside a glass of smooth bourbon or a creamy amaretto liqueur. The subtle alcohol warmth enhances the cookie's eggnog essence, making it a perfect after-dinner treat for adult gatherings.
• Match Milky Delights: Serve with a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy eggnog for the ultimate dunking experience. The rich, smooth beverages will soften the cookie's edges and highlight its sweet, spicy undertones.
• Create Dessert Wine Magic: Complement these cookies with a glass of sweet dessert wine like moscato or a late-harvest riesling. The wine's sweetness will dance beautifully with the cookie's cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a memorable flavor harmony.

Fun Variations Of Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Rum-Infused Cookies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dark rum to the dough for a rich, boozy flavor that enhances the traditional eggnog profile. The rum deepens the warmth and complexity of these festive treats.
• Cream Cheese Stuffed Snickerdoodles: Create a surprise center by inserting a small cream cheese ball into each cookie dough before rolling in the spice mixture. This adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the eggnog's smooth texture.
• Nutmeg Lover's Version: Double the nutmeg in both the dough and coating for an intense, aromatic spice experience. Freshly grated nutmeg works best to maximize the warm, nutty undertones.
• White Chocolate Drizzle Option: After cooling, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness. Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg on top to tie in the eggnog theme and create a festive finish.

Eggnog Snickerdoodles Questions Answered

• What makes these snickerdoodles different from traditional ones?

These cookies incorporate eggnog into the dough, giving them a rich, creamy holiday flavor that’s unique and festive. The addition of nutmeg and extra spices makes them taste like a classic Christmas drink in cookie form.

• Can I make these cookies if I don't have cream of tartar?

While cream of tartar helps create the classic snickerdoodle texture, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice mixed into the wet ingredients. This will help provide the tangy flavor and slight lift that cream of tartar offers.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and centers that still appear slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to set as they cool, creating a soft, chewy texture. The cookies should look slightly puffy when you remove them from the oven.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months. Just roll them in the sugar mixture right before baking for the best results.

Eggnog Snickerdoodles Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic meets classic cookie charm in these Eggnog Snickerdoodles, blending creamy eggnog notes with cinnamon-sugar comfort. Rich, nostalgic flavors invite winter celebrations and warm kitchen memories for cookie enthusiasts seeking seasonal delights.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60 ml) eggnog

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper, creating an ideal baking surface for the cookies.
2. Create a creamy base by whipping softened butter and sugar until they transform into a light, airy mixture. Introduce eggnog, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and cohesive.
3. Craft the dry mixture separately by combining flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg, ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
4. Merge wet and dry ingredients gently, folding until a soft, pliable dough emerges without overmixing.
5. Develop a fragrant coating by whisking together sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a shallow dish, creating a warm, aromatic dusting.
6. Form uniform cookie spheres by scooping consistent portions of dough and rolling between palms into perfect rounds.
7. Enrobe each dough ball completely in the spiced sugar mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum flavor and texture.
8. Arrange cookie spheres on prepared baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for edges to set while centers remain slightly soft, indicating perfect snickerdoodle consistency.
10. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, enabling initial stabilization, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and texture development.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly soft cookies by avoiding overbaking, as they continue to set while cooling on the baking sheet.
• Substitute dairy-free alternatives like plant-based butter and almond nog for those with lactose intolerance or vegan preferences.
• Enhance flavor depth by using freshly ground nutmeg instead of pre-ground, which provides a more intense and aromatic taste profile.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, tender texture and prevent them from drying out.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg