Get ready to dive into the holiday spirit with my delicious Eggnog Sugar Cookies! These festive and flavorful treats combine the rich taste of eggnog with classic sugar cookie goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party or just to enjoy at home, this guide will take you step-by-step through the process. Let’s whip up some cookie magic that’s perfect for the season!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: These cookies capture the essence of the holiday season with the delightful combination of nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Soft and Chewy: The chilling step ensures that the cookies have a perfect texture, soft in the center while lightly crisp on the edges.
- Easy to Decorate: The simple icing adds a touch of elegance and allows for creativity in decorating these festive treats.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in a batch, they are ideal for holiday gatherings or as gifts for friends and family.
Ingredients for Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Dry Ingredients
For these Eggnog Sugar Cookies, you will need a few key dry items:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
These dry ingredients create a base full of flavor and texture. The flour gives the cookies structure. The baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Nutmeg and cinnamon add that cozy, holiday taste.
Wet Ingredients
Next, you will need the wet ingredients to bring everything together:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
The butter and sugar mix to form a creamy blend. The egg binds the dough. Vanilla and almond extracts add a rich flavor. This combination makes the cookies soft and chewy.
Icing Ingredients
To finish, you will need a simple icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
This icing is easy to make. It adds sweetness and a lovely look to your cookies. You drizzle it on after the cookies cool. This step makes each cookie feel special and festive.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Making the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- In a large bowl, cream together:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Mix until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add to the butter mixture:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Chilling and Baking
- Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges.
- The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they firm up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For icing, whisk together:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Drizzle the icing over cooled cookies as desired.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Dough
Chilling the dough is key for great cookies. It makes the dough firm and easy to shape. If you skip this step, your cookies can spread too much while baking. I recommend chilling for at least 30 minutes.
Avoiding overmixing is just as important. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough. You want them to be soft and chewy, so be gentle!
Baking Tips
To check for doneness, look for light golden edges. The centers may look soft, but they will firm up as they cool. If you bake them too long, the cookies will be hard instead of soft.
For storing leftovers, let the cookies cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Icing Techniques
To achieve smooth icing, whisk the powdered sugar and milk until there are no lumps. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk. You want it to drizzle nicely over the cookies.
For decoration, you can sprinkle some extra nutmeg on top. You can also use festive sprinkles to make them pop. Get creative and have fun with your designs!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate measurements, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
- Decorate While Fresh: Drizzle the icing on the cookies while they are still slightly warm for better adherence and a more appealing finish.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness; they can also be frozen for longer storage.
Variations of Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Flavor Enhancements
You can spice up your eggnog sugar cookies with some fun twists. Try using different spices. For example, cardamom or ginger can add a warm kick. You can also add nuts or chocolate to your dough. Chopped pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch. If you love chocolate, mix in some chocolate chips. These simple changes can make your cookies even more special.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free cookies, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well in baking. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. These swaps keep the taste delicious while meeting your needs.
Festive Twists
Make your cookies stand out during the holidays. You can dip them in melted chocolate for a rich flavor. Just melt some chocolate and dip half of each cookie. Let them cool on wax paper. Another fun idea is to create sandwich cookies. Spread icing between two cookies for a tasty treat. These festive twists add a fun touch to your cookie platter.
Storage Information
Short-Term Storage
To keep your eggnog sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. You can also use a cookie jar with a tight lid. If you live in a humid area, consider adding a slice of bread to help maintain softness.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to save cookies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. Remember to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing.
When you want to enjoy them, simply take out the desired number of cookies. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want them warm, pop them in the oven for a few minutes.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, these cookies can stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature. If frozen, they can last up to three months. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and texture.
FAQs About Eggnog Sugar Cookies
What is the flavor profile of eggnog?
Eggnog has a rich and creamy taste. It includes hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. The spices give it warmth and comfort. The creaminess from the milk and eggs makes it smooth. This flavor shines through in eggnog sugar cookies, making them festive and delicious.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can use self-rising flour, but it will change the texture. Self-rising flour has baking powder already mixed in. If you use it, skip the baking powder in the recipe. This change may make your cookies puffier. They may not be as soft as those made with all-purpose flour.
How can I decorate eggnog sugar cookies for the holidays?
You can decorate your cookies in many fun ways! Here are a few ideas:
- Drizzle icing over the cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle extra nutmeg on top for a festive touch.
- Use colored icing to draw holiday shapes.
- Add edible glitter or sprinkles for sparkle.
These decorations make your cookies look extra special for the holidays.
Eggnog sugar cookies mix warm flavors and fun baking steps. You learned how to make dough, chill it, and bake for tasty results. The icing adds a festive touch. You can explore variations and storage tips to keep your cookies fresh.
Remember, baking is about joy and creativity. Try new flavors and enjoy every bite. Your perfect batch of eggnog sugar cookies awaits this holiday seaso
Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies as desired.
