Eggnog Cookie Recipe: A Festive Holiday Treat
The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of delicious, festive eggnog cookies? This recipe combines the warmth of eggnog with the satisfying crunch of a classic cookie, creating a treat that's perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying by yourself with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is straightforward and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let's gather everything before we get started!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked eggnog cookies every time!
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggnog
Gradually add the eggnog, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing. If adding nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Shape and Bake Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly flatten each ball with a fork.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Cookie
- For extra flavor, use homemade eggnog.
- Don't overbake the cookies; they should be lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Eggnog Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spiced Eggnog Cookies: Increase the amount of spices to your liking. A dash of ginger would be a fantastic addition!
- Glazed Eggnog Cookies: Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar and milk) over the cooled cookies.
This eggnog cookie recipe is a guaranteed holiday hit. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats with your loved ones! Happy Holidays!
