As winter comes, the smell of cookies fills the air. It brings back warm memories. This year, I’m excited to share a special cookie recipe – eggnog snickerdoodle thumbprint cookies.
These cookies mix eggnog’s creamy taste with snickerdoodle’s cinnamon-sugar. They’re a perfect holiday treat that will make your home merry.
My grandmother loved baking Christmas cookies for our family. Her snickerdoodle recipe was famous. The smell of cinnamon-sugar meant the holidays were near.
This year, I’m making a new cookie that honors her tradition. It’s a mix of old and new, with eggnog’s flavor.
The Magic of Holiday Cookie Baking
The holiday season is truly magical. For me, nothing makes it complete like the smell of fresh snickerdoodle cookies. The mix of cinnamon-sugar and eggnog’s creamy taste is just irresistible.
Why Eggnog and Snickerdoodles are a Perfect Match
Eggnog and snickerdoodle cookies are a holiday dream team. Eggnog’s smooth texture goes great with snickerdoodle’s crunchy outside and soft inside. The cinnamon and eggnog’s sweetness blend perfectly, making a flavor burst that’s amazing.
The Origins of Holiday Cookie Traditions
Baking holiday cookies is a long-standing tradition. Snickerdoodles started in the 17th century with German and Dutch settlers. Eggnog, a holiday drink, has English and American roots.
These two holiday favorites have merged over time. Bakers love to mix snickerdoodle and eggnog flavors. They make everything from eggnog snickerdoodle dough to eggnog-filled cookies. The holiday cookie world is full of endless possibilities.
Essential Ingredients for Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies
Making eggnog snickerdoodle thumbprint cookies needs the right ingredients. Whether you’re new to baking or experienced, getting the right stuff is key. Let’s look at what you need for these tasty holiday treats.
For the cookie dough, you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cream of tartar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
To make the eggnog filling, you’ll need:
- Eggnog
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Nutmeg (for garnish, optional)
You can make this recipe fit your diet. Swap regular butter for a dairy-free one. Or use plant-based eggnog for a vegan version.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to bake. You’ll make cookies that everyone will love this holiday season.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Baking ganache thumbprint cookies and soft glazed gingerbread cookies needs some tools. The right tools help you work better and make your cookies look great.
Must-Have Baking Essentials
- Mixing bowls of various sizes
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets or cookie trays
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Whisk or rubber spatula
- Cooling racks
Optional Tools for Professional Results
Some tools are not needed but can make your cookies better:
- Cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop: Makes cookies the same size
- Thumbprint tool or round end of a wooden spoon: Helps make the filling well
- Piping bag and tips: For filling and decorating
- Cookie decorating tools: Adds fun with sprinkles, dragees, and glitters
| Tool | Purpose | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie Scoop | Portioning dough | Ensures even baking and uniform shapes |
| Thumbprint Tool | Creating indentation | Produces a perfect well for the eggnog filling |
| Piping Bag | Filling and decorating | Allows for precise and professional-looking results |
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Making the perfect snickerdoodle cookies is an art. The key is in the mixing. I’ve learned how to make these eggnog snickerdoodles that taste amazing.
First, get all your ingredients and tools ready. In a big bowl, mix the soft butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until it’s fluffy. This step is important for the right texture.
- Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add the vanilla extract and mix until it’s all combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Don’t overmix the dough. It should be soft and easy to work with.
After mixing, cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and the dough get firmer.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Cream of tartar | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Follow these steps to make the best snickerdoodle cookies with an eggnog twist. Enjoy making them and tasting the yummy results!
Creating the Perfect Thumbprint Indentation
Making uniform thumbprint cookies is key for a great holiday treat. A few simple tricks will help your cookies look perfect every time.
Troubleshooting Common Thumbprint Issues
Don’t worry if your thumbprint cookies aren’t perfect at first. There are easy fixes for common problems. If cookies lose shape, chill the dough well before baking.
For shallow thumbprints, press harder with your thumb or a spoon.
Tips for Uniform Cookie Shapes
- Scoop dough into equal-sized balls for consistent sizing.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough evenly.
- Gently roll each ball between your palms to create a smooth, round shape before indenting.
- Apply even pressure when making the thumbprint to ensure a uniform depth.
- Be sure to chill the shaped dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for best results.
With practice, you’ll make cookies that impress everyone. Remember, baking is about spreading joy. Have fun!
Preparing the Eggnog Filling
The secret to making irresistible eggnog snickerdoodle thumbprint cookies lies in the creamy eggnog filling. This rich and decadent center is the perfect complement to the buttery, cinnamon-sugar exterior of the snickerdoodle cookie. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful filling.
To make the eggnog filling, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: heavy cream, powdered sugar, eggnog, and a touch of vanilla extract. Start by whipping the heavy cream in a stand mixer until it forms soft peaks. Then, add the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla, and keep whipping until it’s smooth and creamy.
Adjusting the eggnog flavor is easy. If you want a stronger eggnog taste, add more eggnog. For a lighter flavor, use less eggnog. The goal is to find the perfect balance that goes well with the snickerdoodle cookie dough.
Once your eggnog filling is ready, use a small spoon or piping bag to fill each cookie. Top with a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed eggnog snowball cookies for a festive touch.
With the eggnog filling prepared, your egg nog snickerdoodles are ready to be enjoyed. The creamy, flavor-packed center is the perfect finale to these holiday-inspired treats.
Baking Temperature and Timing Guidelines
To bake the perfect soft glazed gingerbread cookies or christmas cookies, you need to get the temperature and timing right. For Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the cookies bake evenly. They get a nice, crisp outside and stay soft inside.
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes. Watch them closely towards the end. They’re done when they’re lightly golden and the edges are set. The centers should still be soft.
Signs Your Cookies Are Perfectly Baked
- Edges are set and lightly golden brown
- Tops are cracked and appear dry
- Centers are still slightly soft and underbaked
- Cookies have risen and spread slightly
Cooling and Storage Methods
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and keep their shape.
For the best taste, store the soft glazed gingerbread cookies or christmas cookies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. This is perfect for holiday baking.
Decorating Your Holiday Snickerdoodles
When the iced snickerdoodle cookies come out, the fun starts. Decorating them can turn them into beautiful treats. Here are some fun ways to make your holiday snickerdoodles special.
Dusting them with cinnamon-sugar is a classic choice. It makes them sparkle and adds a nice crunch. You can also use a stencil to make fun patterns with the cinnamon-sugar.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar for a classic look
- Use a stencil to create intricate cinnamon-sugar designs
- Add a drizzle of royal icing for a shiny, professional finish
- Top with festive sprinkles, nonpareils, or crushed candy canes
- Get creative with edible glitter, gold or silver luster dust, or sparkling sugar
For a fancy look, try a drizzle of royal icing. It makes the cookies look like they came from a bakery. You can also try different piping techniques or add icing in the center.
Decorating your holiday snickerdoodles is all about having fun. Let your creativity show. With a bit of fun and holiday cheer, these cookies will make everyone happy.
Print
Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Eggnog Filling:
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Ground nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. This will give your cookies the right texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to make it easier to handle.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or a thumbprint tool to create an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the eggnog filling by beating together the eggnog, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cookies have cooled, fill the thumbprint indentations with the eggnog mixture and garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, if desired.
Notes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per cookie
Servings: 24 cookies
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Baking holiday snickerdoodle cookies can take a lot of time. But, with some smart tips, you can make it easier. These tips will help you enjoy these tasty treats all season long.
Freeze the Dough for Later
Freezing the dough ahead of time is a great time-saver. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, put the frozen dough balls in a bag or container for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight. Then, bake as you normally would.
Freeze Baked Cookies
- Bake a batch of your holiday snickerdoodle cookies as directed and allow them to cool completely.
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, or until they reach your desired texture.
Proper Storage for Fresh Cookies
For the best taste, store your eggnog snowball cookies properly. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Then, put them in a container or bag and keep them at room temperature for up to 1 week.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Frozen Dough | Up to 3 months |
| Frozen Baked Cookies | Up to 3 months |
| Fresh Baked Cookies | Up to 1 week |
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Baking snickerdoodle gingerbread cookies or eggnog snickerdoodles is fun. You can change the recipe to fit your taste or diet. You can try dairy-free options or mix in new flavors.
Dairy-Free Options
If you can’t have dairy, no worries. Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. For eggnog, try a dairy-free version made with coconut, almond, or soy milk.
Flavor Enhancements
- Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for more holiday spice.
- Use a splash of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch.
- Drizzle with a glaze of powdered sugar and eggnog or dairy-free milk.
Be creative and have fun with different flavors. The goal is to keep the holiday taste while adding your own twist.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are great for holiday gatherings. Pair them with warm eggnog or mulled cider. The flavors will mix well and please your guests.
Put the cookies on a wood or marble platter. Add rosemary sprigs or powdered sugar for a nice look. They’re also great gifts. Put them in a festive tin or box and tie with a ribbon.
These cookies add magic to any celebration. Enjoy them with your loved ones. Make memories that will last forever.
