Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies: A Festive Twist on a Classic Treat

Introduction

The holidays are all about indulgence, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of cookies that embodies the spirit of Christmas. Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies take the classic snickerdoodle cookie and add a festive twist with the creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog. These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced, with a sweet, eggnog-flavored filling in the center that makes them an irresistible holiday treat.

The combination of the cinnamon-sugar coating, the comforting flavors of eggnog, and the thumbprint center filled with a creamy eggnog glaze makes these cookies both delightful to look at and even better to eat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, a family gathering, or just because you want to indulge in a festive treat, these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these delicious cookies, provide some helpful tips for achieving the perfect texture, and share ideas for variations and ways to serve them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of snickerdoodle and eggnog is the perfect way to bring holiday cheer into your baking.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a soft, chewy texture that’s ideal for dunking into a hot cup of cocoa or eggnog.
• Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are simple to prepare and don’t require any special baking skills.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie exchange, Christmas party, or festive family gathering.
• Customizable: While the eggnog filling adds a rich, creamy flavor, you can tweak it to suit your taste with different spices or even chocolate chips.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on size.
• Nutrition Facts (per cookie): Calories: 150, Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 7g.

Ingredients

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread.
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds tanginess and gives snickerdoodles their signature texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tenderness to the dough.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and give the cookies structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A subtle hint of cinnamon in the dough.

For the Eggnog Glaze:

• 1/2 cup eggnog: The star of the glaze, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it the right consistency.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds spice and complements the eggnog flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives the glaze its festive, warm flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor of the glaze.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the coating.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that signature snickerdoodle flavor to the outside.

First Step: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Second Step: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

1. Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until well mixed and set aside. This coating will give your cookies the perfect snickerdoodle finish.

Third Step: Shape and Coat the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Shape the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
3. Create the Thumbprint: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create a small indentation. This will hold the eggnog glaze later.

Fourth Step: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should remain soft and chewy.
2. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fifth Step: Prepare the Eggnog Glaze

1. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggnog, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more eggnog to reach your desired consistency.
2. Fill the Thumbprints: Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon a small amount of the eggnog glaze into the thumbprint indentation of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as the glaze may spill over.

Sixth Step: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish (Optional): For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the glaze before serving. This will enhance the flavor and add to the holiday aesthetic.
2. Serve: Once the glaze is set, your Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are ready to serve! These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday spread. They make an excellent treat for cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, or simply for enjoying with your family during the holiday season. Here are a few ideas on how to serve and enjoy these festive cookies:

• With a Glass of Eggnog: What better way to enjoy these cookies than with a glass of classic eggnog? The rich, creamy flavor of eggnog complements the spices in the cookies perfectly.
• On a Cookie Tray: These cookies make an eye-catching addition to any cookie tray or dessert buffet. Their festive appearance and unique flavor will surely be a hit at any holiday gathering.
• As a Gift: Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or cookie box and gift them to friends and family. The combination of flavors and the thumbprint design makes them a thoughtful and delicious holiday gift.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version of Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies is already a winner, here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Add Chocolate Chips: For a more indulgent treat, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough before baking. The rich chocolate will pair wonderfully with the spiced eggnog glaze.
2. Use Coconut Milk Eggnog: If you prefer a dairy-free version, use coconut milk eggnog or another plant-based eggnog alternative. It will give the cookies a slightly different flavor while keeping them creamy and delicious.
3. Add Rum Extract: For an extra holiday kick, try adding a small amount of rum extract to the glaze for a boozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the eggnog and cinnamon.

Tips for Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

1. Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
2. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg. The aromatic spices will make your cookies taste even more delicious.
3. Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake your cookies. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking will result in cookies that are too crunchy.
4. Adjust the Glaze Consistency : If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more eggnog to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

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Conclusion

These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are a festive and delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining the comforting flavors of eggnog with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift for loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a new seasonal tradition in your home. Enjoy them with a glass of eggnog or a warm cup of cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat!