Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

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Introduction

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that combines the festive flavors of eggnog with the beloved spiced goodness of snickerdoodle cookies. These soft and chewy cookies are topped with a delightful thumbprint of spiced eggnog filling, making them both visually striking and irresistibly delicious. Each bite offers a burst of holiday warmth from the nutmeg and cinnamon, while the creamy eggnog filling adds a rich and luxurious touch.

What I love most about these cookies is how they embody the cozy spirit of the season. The scent of cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg wafts through the kitchen as the cookies bake, filling the air with that unmistakable holiday magic. I made these for the first time last year, and they instantly became a seasonal favorite. They’re the kind of cookie that’s perfect for gifting, sharing at holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of hot cocoa.

And the best part? These cookies are simple to make and so much fun to assemble. The thumbprint is easy to form, and filling them with a creamy eggnog mixture gives you a chance to really play with the flavors. You can even tweak the recipe by adding a splash of rum extract or using a dash more nutmeg if you love a little extra spice. Once you try these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies, they’ll likely become a holiday tradition you look forward to every year!

Perfect for:

  • Holiday cookie exchanges
  • Christmas gatherings
  • Office holiday parties
  • Gifting to friends and family
  • Festive desserts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Eggnog Twist: Eggnog adds a creamy and spiced twist that enhances the classic snickerdoodle flavor.
  • Chewy and Soft: These cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal effort, these cookies are quick to prepare, even in a busy holiday season.
  • Holiday Spirit: The cinnamon-sugar coating and eggnog center make these cookies the perfect addition to your holiday cookie collection.
  • Beautiful and Festive: These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a wonderful gift or centerpiece on your dessert table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 20-24 cookies
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons eggnog
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Eggnog Filling:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons eggnog
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Ingredient Highlights

  • Eggnog: The rich, creamy flavor of eggnog adds a unique holiday twist to this classic cookie.
  • Cream of Tartar: The cream of tartar contributes to the soft and chewy texture of these cookies.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The cinnamon-sugar coating enhances the spiced flavor of these cookies.
  • Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg in the eggnog filling deepens the holiday flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix until smooth.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Form and Bake the Cookies:

  1. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart.
  2. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat completely.
  3. Create Thumbprint: Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create an indentation.
  4. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Prepare the Eggnog Filling:

  1. Make the Eggnog Filling: While the cookies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and ground nutmeg in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture will serve as the filling for the cookies.
  2. Fill the Cookies: After the cookies have cooled on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, carefully spoon a small amount of the eggnog filling into the thumbprint indentation in each cookie.

Cool and Serve:

  1. Cool the Cookies: Transfer the filled cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies are fully cooled, they are ready to serve and enjoy.

How to Serve

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies can be served in a variety of ways:

  • On a Festive Cookie Tray: Add them to a holiday cookie tray along with other seasonal treats.
  • Gift Them: Package the cookies in cellophane bags or a festive tin and gift them to friends and family.
  • For a Special Occasion: Serve these cookies at holiday parties, especially around Christmas time.
  • With a Holiday Drink: Pair them with eggnog, hot chocolate, or a warm cup of spiced cider for a delicious treat.

Additional Tips

  • Use Room Temperature Butter: Be sure the butter is softened to room temperature so it mixes more easily with the sugar.
  • Check Baking Time: Don’t overbake! These cookies should be soft in the middle, so check them as soon as the edges turn golden.
  • Adjust Eggnog: If you like a stronger eggnog flavor, add a touch more eggnog to the filling.
  • Even Indentations: Use the back of a small spoon if your thumbprint gets too deep or uneven, ensuring all indentations are uniform for neat filling.

Recipe Variations

  1. Add Spices: Try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves to the dough for a spicier kick.
  2. Chocolate Eggnog Filling: Use melted white chocolate instead of powdered sugar in the eggnog filling for a rich, creamy chocolate-flavored filling.
  3. Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar for a lower-sugar alternative.
  4. Mini Thumbprints: For bite-sized treats, use a teaspoon to form mini cookies and create smaller thumbprints.
  5. Caramel Eggnog Filling: Use caramel sauce mixed with a bit of eggnog for a decadent, rich filling.
  6. Nut Topping: Sprinkle crushed nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top of the filling for extra texture.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: After baking, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge and fill with the eggnog mixture just before serving.
  • Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to keep the filling fresh.

Special Equipment

  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: For easy cookie removal and even baking.
  • Wire Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
  • Small Spoon or Thumb: To create the perfect indentation for the eggnog filling.
  • Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dough and filling.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use store-bought eggnog?
    Yes, store-bought eggnog works just fine for the filling, as long as it’s well mixed and smooth.
  2. Can I make these cookies in advance?
    Absolutely! You can bake and store the cookies ahead of time, then add the eggnog filling before serving.
  3. Can I use a different filling besides eggnog?
    Yes! You can try using cream cheese frosting, vanilla frosting, or even a spiced caramel filling as an alternative.
  4. Can I add more eggnog flavor to the dough?
    Yes, add up to an additional tablespoon of eggnog to the dough for more flavor. However, be cautious about adding too much, as it can make the dough too wet.
  5. How do I get the thumbprint to hold its shape?
    Press gently with your thumb, but not too hard. If it spreads out too much, chill the dough before baking to firm it up.

Conclusion

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are a festive and irresistible treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With a soft, cinnamon-spiced base and a rich, creamy eggnog filling in the center, these cookies offer the perfect combination of comforting flavors and seasonal cheer. They’re not just delicious but also visually stunning, making them a great addition to your holiday cookie tray.

These cookies are easy to make and provide an opportunity for creativity, allowing you to adjust the eggnog filling with a touch of nutmeg or vanilla if desired. They’re sure to impress family and friends with their unique twist on the classic snickerdoodle.

Bake a batch of these delightful cookies and fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of the holidays! Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and share it on Instagram—tag me so I can celebrate your holiday success. Happy baking!

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