Introduction
Eggnog snickerdoodle cookies are a festive twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, combining the warm cinnamon-sugar coating with the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog. These cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with nutmeg and vanilla, making them the perfect holiday treat.
In this guide, you will learn how to make eggnog snickerdoodle cookies from scratch, the best ingredients to use, step-by-step baking instructions, and expert tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. We will also cover variations, storage tips, and common FAQs.
For chocolate lovers, consider adding cocoa powder or pairing these with chocolate fudge cookies for a decadent holiday platter.
What Are Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies?
The Classic Snickerdoodle Cookie
Snickerdoodles are a type of sugar cookie that is rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking. They have a slightly tangy flavor due to the use of cream of tartar, which also helps create their soft and chewy texture.
How Eggnog Enhances Snickerdoodles
Eggnog, a creamy holiday beverage made with milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, adds a rich depth of flavor to traditional snickerdoodles. By incorporating eggnog into the dough, these cookies become extra soft with hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Essential Ingredients for Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
Key Ingredients for the Dough
- All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies.
- Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly while baking.
- Cream of tartar – Creates the signature tangy flavor and chewy texture.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps create a crisp exterior.
- Brown sugar – Enhances chewiness and adds a slight caramel flavor.
- Eggnog – Adds moisture and a rich, creamy flavor with hints of nutmeg.
- Egg yolk – Helps bind the dough and contributes to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Ground nutmeg – Complements the eggnog flavor and adds warmth.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- Granulated sugar – The base for the coating.
- Ground cinnamon – Provides the classic snickerdoodle flavor.
- Ground nutmeg – Enhances the holiday spice profile.
How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
Making eggnog snickerdoodle cookies requires a combination of classic snickerdoodle techniques with the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog and warm spices. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- This step ensures that the baking soda and cream of tartar are evenly distributed, which is essential for proper rise and texture.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Creaming the butter and sugars properly introduces air into the dough, creating a softer cookie.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Beat in:
- 1 egg yolk – Helps bind the dough and provides richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ cup eggnog – Adds moisture and that signature holiday taste.
- Mix until fully combined.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, one-third at a time, mixing until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to tough cookies.
Step 2: Chilling the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Chilling is essential because:
- It helps the flavors develop.
- It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- It makes the dough easier to handle.
Tip: If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for up to 2 hours before baking.
Step 3: Rolling and Coating the Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- In a small bowl, mix:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- This spiced sugar coating gives the cookies their signature snickerdoodle crust.
3. Form the Dough Balls
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
If you love cinnamon-based holiday treats, check out these crescent roll cinnamon rolls for another festive option.
Step 4: Baking the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking Tips:
- If you prefer chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool completely.
- For a crispier texture, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
Perfecting eggnog snickerdoodle cookies requires some key techniques. Follow these expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and beautifully textured.
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
- Use room-temperature butter – Softened butter helps incorporate air, resulting in a light, fluffy texture.
- Do not overmix the dough – Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, leading to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough before baking – This prevents excessive spreading and enhances flavor.
- Measure ingredients accurately – Use a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dry cookies.
Maximize the Eggnog Flavor
- Use high-quality eggnog – A rich, full-fat eggnog with real nutmeg and cinnamon will produce the best flavor.
- Increase the nutmeg – For a stronger eggnog flavor, add an extra ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the dough.
- Try a spiced rum extract – Adding ½ teaspoon of spiced rum extract can give the cookies a slight eggnog-like warmth without alcohol.
How to Make the Cookies Stay Soft Longer
- Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread – The bread helps maintain moisture.
- Avoid overbaking – Take them out when they are slightly underdone in the center.
- Use brown sugar – This adds moisture and chewiness.
Variations and Customizations
Eggnog snickerdoodle cookies can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some fun variations to try.
1. Eggnog Glazed Snickerdoodles
- Whisk together:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies for an extra sweet touch.
2. Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars
- Press the dough into a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let them cool completely before slicing into bars.
3. White Chocolate Eggnog Snickerdoodles
- Fold ½ cup white chocolate chips into the dough before chilling.
- The sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
4. Cranberry Eggnog Snickerdoodles
- Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet cookie dough.
- This variation adds a festive red color, perfect for holiday platters.
5. Spiced Rum Eggnog Snickerdoodles
- Replace vanilla extract with ½ teaspoon spiced rum extract for a boozy, festive kick.
- You can also brush the baked cookies lightly with rum glaze for extra flavor.
6. Eggnog Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies
- Make a buttercream filling using:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- Pipe the filling between two snickerdoodles to create delicious sandwich cookies.
For a full holiday eggnog dessert spread, try pairing these cookies with eggnog pie for a rich and creamy treat.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Proper storage keeps eggnog snickerdoodle cookies fresh, soft, and flavorful. Whether you’re enjoying them within a few days or freezing them for later, follow these tips to maintain their quality.
If you’re freezing multiple holiday treats, these cookies store well alongside Butterfinger balls, making dessert prep easy.
How to Store Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
Room Temperature (Up to 5 Days)
- Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight.
- Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain softness.
Refrigerator (Up to 1 Week)
- Store in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
- Allow cookies to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating.
How to Freeze Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
Freezing Baked Cookies (Up to 3 Months)
- Let cookies cool completely before freezing.
- Layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Remove excess air and label with the date.
Thawing Baked Cookies
- Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
How to Freeze Eggnog Snickerdoodle Dough
Freezing Dough Balls
- Scoop and roll dough into balls, then coat in cinnamon-sugar.
- Freeze dough balls on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Baking Frozen Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake frozen dough balls for 12-14 minutes (adding 1-2 minutes to bake time).
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Best Storage Containers
- Short-term: Airtight containers or resealable bags.
- Freezing: Freezer-safe bags, vacuum-sealed pouches, or airtight containers.
FAQs About Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies without eggnog?
Yes! Substitute the eggnog with heavy cream or whole milk and add an extra ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to maintain the flavor.
2. Can I use store-bought snickerdoodle dough and add eggnog?
No, because store-bought dough is pre-mixed and adding liquid eggnog could alter the texture. Instead, try brushing baked cookies with a light eggnog glaze.
3. Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies usually result from not chilling the dough or using melted butter instead of softened butter. Always refrigerate the dough before baking.
4. How can I make these cookies crispier?
For crispier cookies, bake for 1-2 minutes longer and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Conclusion
Eggnog snickerdoodle cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog with the classic cinnamon-sugar coating of snickerdoodles. Whether you enjoy them plain, drizzled with glaze, or baked into bars, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Now that you have the perfect recipe, try different variations and share them with family and friends during the holidays. Happy baking!