Eggnog Blondies: A Holiday Delight

Introduction

The holiday season is a time for indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than with a sweet treat that captures the flavors of the season? Eggnog blondies are the perfect festive dessert—rich, spiced, and deliciously moist. With their blend of buttery sweetness, eggnog flavor, and just the right amount of holiday spice, these blondies will quickly become a favorite on your holiday dessert table.

These eggnog blondies are an elevated twist on the traditional blondie, with the beloved flavors of eggnog making them a unique and seasonal treat. Imagine the aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon filling your kitchen as these treats bake, and then the joy of cutting into one to reveal a golden, moist center that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or even as a sweet gift to share with loved ones.

What I love most about eggnog blondies is how easy they are to make, while still offering a rich and sophisticated flavor profile. If you love eggnog, these are a must-try! And even if you’re not typically a fan of the classic holiday drink, you might find yourself falling for these delightful blondies. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress and become a holiday tradition in your home.

Let’s dive into why eggnog blondies are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert menu, how to make them, and some tips for ensuring they turn out just right!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for the Holidays: Eggnog is a quintessential holiday flavor, and these blondies bring it to life in the most delicious way.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Moist and Flavorful: The eggnog and butter create a soft, moist base, while the warm spices add depth of flavor, making each bite a cozy treat.
• Versatile: These blondies can be customized with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
• Impressive but Low-Maintenance: You don’t need a lot of ingredients or fancy tools to make these blondies, but they look and taste impressive enough to serve at any holiday gathering.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (15 minutes prep, 1 hour baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12-16 blondies, depending on the size you cut them.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fat: 9g

Ingredients

For the Eggnog Blondies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the blondies.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise and stay light and fluffy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: The key spice that brings the eggnog flavor to life.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture to the blondies.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Sweetens the blondies and adds a touch of molasses flavor.
• 2 large eggs: These provide structure and moisture to the batter.
• 3/4 cup eggnog: The key ingredient that gives these blondies their signature flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional): Adds an additional layer of spice to enhance the eggnog flavor.

For the Glaze (optional but highly recommended):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For a sweet and smooth glaze.
• 2 tablespoons eggnog: To add richness and flavor to the glaze.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a touch of sweetness and complexity.
• Pinch of ground nutmeg: To give the glaze a subtle spice that complements the blondies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the blondies bake evenly and get that golden brown crust we all love. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

STEP 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter and helps avoid clumps of baking powder or spices. Set this mixture aside for now.

STEP 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The creaming of the butter and sugar is essential for achieving a soft and tender blondie.

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated, which is key to the texture of the blondies.

STEP 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the eggnog and vanilla extract. The eggnog adds moisture and the characteristic holiday flavor that makes these blondies so special. Beat the mixture until smooth and fully combined.

STEP 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or mixing spoon. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until the flour is fully incorporated, and you have a smooth batter. Overmixing can result in dense blondies, and nobody wants that!

STEP 6: Bake the Blondies

Pour the batter into your prepared 9×9-inch baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top so the blondies bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

STEP 7: Make the Glaze (Optional)

While the blondies are cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg. The glaze should have a smooth consistency—if it’s too thick, add a little more eggnog; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Once the blondies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze will add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor, making these blondies even more irresistible.

STEP 8: Slice and Serve

Once the glaze has set, slice the blondies into squares or rectangles. Serve them on a platter, and enjoy! These blondies are perfect on their own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve

• Serve as a Dessert: These blondies are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any festive occasion. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of cinnamon tea, hot chocolate, or even a spiced cider.
• With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: If you want to make your dessert extra indulgent, serve the eggnog blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Coffee Pairing: The warm spices and rich eggnog flavor of these blondies make them a great pairing for a hot cup of coffee, latte, or espresso. The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the blondies perfectly.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Eggnog: For the best flavor, use fresh eggnog rather than store-bought. Fresh eggnog often has a richer, creamier taste that will elevate the flavor of these blondies.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the blondies while they bake. They should be golden on top, and a toothpick should come out clean but not dry. Overbaking can result in dry blondies.
3. Customizing the Recipe: If you want to switch things up, try adding chocolate chips, toasted pecans, or dried cranberries for an added texture and flavor variation.
4. Gluten-Free Option: To make these blondies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the rest of your ingredients for gluten as well.
5. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the eggnog blondies a day ahead of time. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Eggnog Blondies: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist on this classic dessert. Dark or white chocolate chips work well with the

eggnog flavor.

• Eggnog Pecan Blondies: Stir in toasted pecans for a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft, spiced blondies.
• Spiced Eggnog Blondies: Increase the amount of nutmeg and cinnamon to give these blondies an extra burst of holiday spice.
• Vegan Eggnog Blondies: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a dairy-free eggnog to make these blondies vegan-friendly.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Once cooled, store your eggnog blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for the whole holiday season!
• Freezing: You can also freeze the blondies for later enjoyment. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy frozen blondies, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?
While eggnog provides a unique flavor and richness to these blondies, you can substitute regular milk or a dairy-free alternative in a pinch. However, the flavor will be less festive.

Can I make these blondies without the glaze?
Absolutely! The blondies are delicious on their own without the glaze. However, the glaze adds a lovely touch of sweetness and extra flavor that enhances the holiday spirit.

How can I make these blondies less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar or leave out the glaze. The spices in the blondies will still make them flavorful.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to be adjusted.

Conclusion

These eggnog blondies are a must-try holiday treat that perfectly captures the flavors of the season. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, bringing them to a holiday party, or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, these blondies will bring joy to your festive celebrations.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these eggnog blondies as much as I do. They’re rich, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to make—perfect for all your holiday gatherings. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, and happy baking!

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