Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog Snickerdoodles are the perfect holiday treat, combining the warm flavors of eggnog with the classic texture of snickerdoodles. These cookies are soft and chewy, making them a delightful addition to your Christmas cookie platter or a festive dessert for any gathering. With no need to chill the dough, you can whip up a batch in no time, bringing the essence of the holidays straight to your kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies:
• For Coating:
• How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodles
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
• Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Extracts
• Step 5: Combine Mixtures
• Step 6: Prepare Coating
• Step 7: Form Cookies
• Step 8: Bake Cookies
• Step 9: Cool Cookies
• How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles
• With a Glass of Milk
• Warm from the Oven
• With Ice Cream
• As Part of a Cookie Platter
• Dusted with Powdered Sugar
• How to Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles
• Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Snickerdoodles
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Eggnog Snickerdoodles
• Reheating Eggnog Snickerdoodles
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other extracts instead of rum extract in Eggnog Snickerdoodles?
• What’s the best way to store leftover Eggnog Snickerdoodles?
• Can I freeze my Eggnog Snickerdoodles?
• How do I make Eggnog Snickerdoodles vegan?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: There’s no chilling required, allowing you to bake these delicious cookies in under an hour.
• Festive Flavor: The rich taste of eggnog and spices will fill your home with holiday cheer.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy a soft and chewy center with a delightful crunch on the edges.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights at home.
• Family-Friendly: Easy enough for kids to help out in the kitchen, making baking a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

To make Eggnog Snickerdoodles, having the right tools will streamline your baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps to cream butter and sugar evenly, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Cookie sheets: Provide even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.

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 Cookies:

• 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)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks
• 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) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
* Whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
* Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl:
* Beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until creamy.
* Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Extracts

Add into the butter mixture:
* 1 large egg,
* 2 additional large egg yolks,
* 2 teaspoons of rum extract,
* 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Beat until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients into the butter mixture:
* Do this about half at a time on low speed until fully incorporated.
* The dough should be slightly difficult to mix; if it sticks to your fingers when squeezed, add more flour gradually.

Step 6: Prepare Coating

In a small bowl:
* Whisk together 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Pour this mixture onto a small plate.

Step 7: Form Cookies

Scoop out dough using about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie:
* Roll each scoop into a ball then coat in the sugar-nutmeg mixture.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on lined cookie sheets:
* Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for about 9–12 minutes until tops look just set.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on their sheets for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Enjoy your Eggnog Snickerdoodles fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself, here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies with the creaminess of milk.

Warm from the Oven

• Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven for a soft and gooey texture that melts in your mouth.

With Ice Cream

• Top warm eggnog snickerdoodles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

As Part of a Cookie Platter

• Combine these cookies with other holiday favorites for a festive cookie platter that caters to all tastes.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness to each bite.

How to Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles

To achieve the ultimate eggnog snickerdoodles, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cookies are perfectly baked every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Check Ovens Regularly: Baking times can vary, so start checking for doneness at the lower end of the recommended time.
• Cool on Baking Sheets: Let cookies cool on sheets before transferring them to racks; this helps them set properly.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.

Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog snickerdoodles pair well with several side dishes that can complement their rich flavors. Here are some tasty options to serve alongside your delightful cookies.

1. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa enhances the cozy vibe of your snacks.
2. Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider harmonize beautifully with eggnog flavors.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
4. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add brightness and balance against the richness of the snickerdoodles.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over your cookies creates an irresistible sweet treat.
6. Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea echo those found in eggnog, making it a perfect pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Eggnog Snickerdoodles, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your batch. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is crucial for achieving the classic texture of snickerdoodles. Don’t omit it; it helps create the perfect chewiness.
• Using Cold Butter: If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream well with the sugar. Make sure it’s softened but still firm to the touch.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into a measuring cup and level off for accuracy.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten, making the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a tender cookie.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look just set on top; underbaking slightly will keep them soft.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Eggnog Snickerdoodles in an airtight container.
• They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350F (180C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; check to prevent overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat and warm cookies for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other extracts instead of rum extract in Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Yes, you can substitute with vanilla extract or almond extract based on your preference.

What’s the best way to store leftover Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I freeze my Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Just make sure they are completely cool before wrapping them tightly.

How do I make Eggnog Snickerdoodles vegan?

You can replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use dairy-free butter alternatives.

Final Thoughts

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, they bring festive cheer to any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different spices or toppings to suit your taste!