These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are the perfect holiday treat that blends the classic flavor of snickerdoodles with the festive essence of eggnog. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a delightful crunch around the edges, making them ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy family gatherings. With no need to chill the dough, this recipe simplifies your baking process while delivering a taste of the holidays in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No chilling required means you can whip these up in no time.
- Festive Flavor: The rich eggnog flavor combined with nutmeg makes these cookies stand out during the holidays.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy a perfectly soft center with a crunchy edge, just like traditional snickerdoodles.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 32 cookies per batch, they’re great for sharing with friends and family.
- Versatile Occasion: Ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience easy and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Medium cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Speeds up the creaming process for butter and sugar, ensuring a light texture.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for separating dry ingredients from wet ingredients to achieve even mixing.
- Cookie sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly without warping.
Ingredients
These eggnog snickerdoodles are soft and chewy with a delicious eggnog flavor. Pillowy soft in the middle with a delicious crunch around the edges just like your favorite snickerdoodles. There’s no need to chill the dough, so it’s a simple Christmas cookie recipe that truly tastes like the holidays.
For the Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 grams) (use up to 3 1/4 cup for thicker cookies)
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams) (softened but not starting to melt – it should still be slightly firm to the touch)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 2 large egg yolks (in addition to the 1 large egg)
- 2 teaspoons rum extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
* 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together:
* 1 cup unsalted butter
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Continue mixing until well creamed. Remember to turn off your mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Mix in:
* 1 large egg
* 2 large egg yolks
* 2 teaspoons rum extract
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat until you no longer see pieces of egg and the mixture appears creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix in your dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture. It’s best to do this about half at a time while starting on low speed. If you find that some dough sticks to your fingers when squeezed, add more flour gradually.
Step 6: Prepare Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, whisk together:
* 1/3 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pour this mixture onto a small plate for coating your cookie dough balls.
Step 7: Form Cookie Balls
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough using a medium cookie scoop. Roll each scoop into a ball before rolling it in your sugar mixture from step six.
Step 8: Arrange on Cookie Sheets
Place your cookie dough balls about two inches apart on lined cookie sheets.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of your preheated oven for about 9–12 minutes or until tops look just set.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on their sheets for at least ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks or serving plates. Enjoy!
How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Eggnog snickerdoodles are perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions. These cookies not only delight your taste buds but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your eggnog snickerdoodles.
With a Glass of Eggnog
- Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of eggnog for a delightful combination that enhances their rich flavor.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange eggnog snickerdoodles on a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread cookies to create an inviting spread.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm eggnog snickerdoodles topped with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert.
Gift Them in Jars
- Layer the cookies in mason jars as thoughtful gifts. Attach a festive ribbon and a note for an extra special touch.
At Holiday Parties
- Present these cookies at holiday parties as an easy-to-share treat that everyone will love. Make sure to provide napkins for easy handling.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement the warmth of your drink perfectly.
How to Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles
To ensure your eggnog snickerdoodles turn out soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, follow these tips.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps achieve the right texture when creaming with sugar.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
- Adjust Flour for Thickness: If you prefer thicker cookies, add up to 1/4 cup more flour until the dough holds its shape.
- Chill Dough Balls: For even softer centers, chill the scooped dough balls before baking; this can help control spreading.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; pull them out when they look just set to maintain their chewy texture.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without losing softness.
Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Eggnog snickerdoodles are versatile and can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their festive charm. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully, making it a perfect pairing during holiday meals.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as brie or aged cheddar can provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of eggnog snickerdoodles.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and warmth, making them an excellent snack alongside these soft cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds freshness to your dessert table, balancing out the richness of eggnog snickerdoodles.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Create a hot chocolate bar with various toppings like whipped cream and marshmallows for guests to enjoy alongside their cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Eggnog Snickerdoodles can be a joyful experience, but there are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to a dense cookie. Ensure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
- Skipping the measuring of flour: Not measuring flour accurately can result in dry or overly wet dough. Use the spoon and level method for precise measurements.
- Not mixing enough: Failing to properly cream the butter and sugar will affect the overall texture. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy for optimal results.
- Overbaking the cookies: Overbaked cookies can become hard. Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be just set on top when you take them out.
- Ignoring cooling time: If you don’t let them cool properly on the cookie sheet, they may break apart. Allow for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Eggnog Snickerdoodles in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Eggnog Snickerdoodles
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Label containers with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Eggnog Snickerdoodles
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350F (180C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different extracts in Eggnog Snickerdoodles?
You can certainly experiment with different extracts such as almond or peppermint for unique flavors. Just make sure not to overpower the eggnog taste.
How do I make my Eggnog Snickerdoodles thicker?
If you prefer thicker cookies, add up to 1/4 cup more flour as needed, which will help create that desired thickness.
What if I don’t have rum extract?
You can substitute with vanilla extract or omit it entirely if you prefer not using any alcohol flavoring.
How do I store leftover Eggnog Snickerdoodles?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I freeze unbaked Eggnog Snickerdoodle dough?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked dough. Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft and chewy texture combined with festive flavors makes them perfect for holiday gatherings. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding your favorite spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!
Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Eggnog Snickerdoodles, a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie. These cookies embody the essence of Christmas with their soft, chewy centers and crispy edges, infused with rich eggnog flavor and warm nutmeg spice. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy evenings at home, this easy recipe eliminates the need for chilling dough, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. With 32 cookies per batch, they are ideal for sharing with loved ones or gifting in festive jars. Experience the warm flavors of the season in every bite!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 32 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons rum extract
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, egg yolks, rum extract, and vanilla extract; mix well until smooth.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and nutmeg for coating.
- Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough into balls and roll in the sugar mixture.
- Place on prepared cookie sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 9–12 minutes until tops are just set; cool on sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For thicker cookies, add an extra ¼ cup of flour as needed. Chill dough balls before baking for softer centers. Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint for unique flavors.
