If you’re on the lookout for a festive treat that perfectly captures the warm and cozy flavors of the season, look no further than this Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful twist on classic holiday baking, infused with fragrant cinnamon and rich eggnog that makes every bite taste like a celebration. Soft, lightly spiced, and finished with a luscious eggnog glaze, they bring an irresistible charm to your holiday cookie tray that’s bound to bring smiles and holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe lies in its thoughtfully simple ingredients. Each element is essential, not just for flavor but also for achieving that perfect tender texture and festive aroma. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these cookies shine.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for soft, chewy cookies with just the right amount of bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a light lift for a delicate crumb that’s never dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, classic spice note that defines this cookie’s character.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty depth, perfectly complementing the cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overwhelming the spices.
- 1/2 cup eggnog: The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with creamy holiday cheer.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough while adding moisture for softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a sweet, fragrant finish.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For the luscious glaze that tops these cookies with a smooth, sweet coating.
- 3 tablespoons eggnog (for glaze): Keeps the glaze creamy with a seasonal twist.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for glaze): A sprinkle of spice to tie the glaze to the cookie flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a delicate aroma to the finishing touch.
- Optional holiday sprinkles: For a festive, colorful pop if you’re feeling extra merry!
How to Make Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening agent distribute evenly throughout your dough, giving your cookies consistent flavor and texture with every bite.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air that makes your cookies soft and tender, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Mix in the Egg, Eggnog, and Vanilla
Add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined. The eggnog adds moisture and that unmistakable holiday flavor, while the egg binds everything into a beautiful dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so fold gently to keep these light and tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is key to help the cookies keep their shape when baking and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between, and gently flatten each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers stay soft. Your kitchen will start to smell like a winter wonderland in no time!
Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe Glaze
While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip or drizzle the glaze over each one and add your sprinkles if using. Let them set for at least 15 minutes so you get that perfect sweet finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a sprinkle of festive colored holiday sprinkles or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar to add sparkle and texture. These little touches make your cookies look as joyful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, mulled cider, or even a glass of chilled eggnog for a cozy, complementary flavor experience. The creamy spice character of the cookies stands up beautifully to warm drinks.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful holiday platter, arrange the cookies alongside gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and sugar cookies to create an inviting seasonal cookie tray. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a red ribbon makes a charming edible gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place the baked and glazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready for a festive treat.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked coziness without melting the glaze too much.
FAQs
Can I use vegan substitutes for this Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free egg substitute like flax eggs. Just make sure to use dairy-free eggnog to keep the flavors consistent.
What if I don’t have eggnog on hand?
If you’re out of eggnog, you can make a quick substitute with milk, a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, a splash of vanilla, and a bit of sugar. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious and close enough to keep the holiday spirit alive!
Can I omit the glaze?
Yes! The cookies are delightful on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and that signature eggnog flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, just dust with powdered sugar instead.
How do I make the cookies more festive?
Besides sprinkles, consider adding a bit of colored sanding sugar or mixing a few chopped nuts into the dough for crunch. You can also pipe shapes with the dough or use festive cookie cutters before baking.
Are these cookies soft or crisp?
This Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe yields soft and tender cookies with lightly crisp edges. They’re perfect for those who love a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth texture rather than a hard crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe is one of those special treats that fills your kitchen with holiday warmth and your heart with joy. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet night in, these cookies bring a touch of festive magic to every bite. Give them a try and watch them become a new seasonal favorite that everyone will ask for year after year!
Print
Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies combine the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the creamy richness of eggnog, creating a festive cookie perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and tender with a sweet eggnog-flavored icing, they are ideal for sharing with family and friends during the season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) eggnog
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Holiday sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to allow even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more eggnog or powdered sugar as needed to reach a spreadable icing.
- Decorate Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or drizzle the eggnog icing over the tops. Add holiday sprinkles if desired for a festive touch.
- Set and Serve: Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can substitute the eggnog with a mixture of milk and a pinch of nutmeg for a lower calorie option.
- For a sturdier cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- These cookies keep well for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
