Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are the perfect festive treat that embodies the essence of the holiday season. Soft, chewy, and bursting with eggnog flavor, they offer a delightful crunch around the edges. With no need to chill the dough, this recipe makes baking cookies a breeze, making it suitable for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Enjoy these cookies as a sweet indulgence or share them with friends and family to spread cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t require chilling time, allowing you to whip up a batch of cookies in no time.
• Festive Flavor: The rich flavors of eggnog and nutmeg create a delightful taste that captures the spirit of the holidays.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft in the middle with a satisfying crunch on the edges, making them irresistible.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping roll the dough in sugar and nutmeg for an engaging baking experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Eggnog Snickerdoodles perfectly, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your baking process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Medium cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: A powerful mixer ensures even creaming of butter and sugar for the best texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving consistent results in your baking.
• Cookie sheets: Good quality sheets promote even baking, preventing burnt bottoms while keeping cookies soft inside.

Ingredients

These eggnog snickerdoodles are soft and chewy with a delicious eggnog flavor. Pillowy soft in the middle with a delicious crunch around the edges just like your favorite snickerdoodles. There’s no need to chill the dough, so it’s a simple Christmas cookie recipe that truly tastes like the holidays.

For the Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 grams) (use up to 3 1/4 cup for thicker cookies)
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams) (softened but not starting to melt)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks (in addition to the 1 large egg)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl:
1. Beat together softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until creamy.
2. Turn off the mixer and scrape down sides and bottom for even mixing.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

To the creamed mixture:
1. Beat in one large egg along with two additional egg yolks.
2. Add both types of vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Slowly mix:
1. Gradually add dry ingredient mixture into butter mixture about half at a time on low speed.
2. Ensure it’s slightly difficult to incorporate; adjust consistency if needed by adding more flour.

Step 6: Prepare Coating Mixture

In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together 1/3 cup granulated sugar with ground nutmeg for rolling cookies.
2. Pour onto a small plate for easy access during rolling.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using about 1.5 tablespoons of dough each:
1. Scoop dough into balls using a medium cookie scoop.
2. Roll each ball in the sugar-nutmeg mixture until fully coated.

Step 8: Arrange Dough Balls

Place cookie dough balls on lined sheets:
1. Ensure they’re spaced about 2 inches apart for even baking.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake:
1. One sheet at a time in preheated oven for about 9-12 minutes until tops look just set.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Once baked:
1. Allow cookies to cool on sheets for at least 10 minutes before transferring them elsewhere.

Enjoy these delightful Eggnog Snickerdoodles as part of your festive celebrations!

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog snickerdoodles are the perfect festive treat that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Whether enjoyed as a standalone cookie or paired with other goodies, these cookies bring a delightful twist to your dessert table.

With Hot Beverages

• Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee enhances the spices in the snickerdoodles, making for a perfect morning snack.
• Tea: A cup of spiced chai complements the eggnog flavor beautifully.

As Dessert Platters

• Dessert Tray: Include them on a holiday dessert tray alongside other favorites like gingerbread and sugar cookies.
• Gift Jars: Layer them in mason jars for thoughtful gifts that friends and family will love.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Eggnog Ice Cream: Enhance the eggnog flavor by pairing it with eggnog-flavored ice cream.

How to Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in your eggnog snickerdoodles is simple with these tips. Follow them closely for delicious results every time.

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a fluffy texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; remove them once they look just set for optimal softness.
• Cool on Sheets: Let them cool on the baking sheets to maintain their chewy texture before transferring to a wire rack.

Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These eggnog snickerdoodles can be complemented by various side dishes, creating an even more festive atmosphere. Try these delicious options alongside your cookies!

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink that adds a seasonal touch, perfect for sipping alongside cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses and crackers for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
3. Nut Mix: Offer spiced or candied nuts for added crunch and flavor diversity.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate after enjoying rich snickerdoodles.
5. Pumpkin Pie Bites: Mini pumpkin pie bites echo holiday flavors and make an excellent addition to any dessert spread.
6. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The saltiness of pretzels pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Eggnog Snickerdoodles, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:

• Incorrect Butter Temperature – Using melted butter instead of softened can lead to flat cookies. Always use butter that is softened but still firm to the touch.
• Skipping Cream of Tartar – This ingredient is key for the classic snickerdoodle texture. Don’t omit it; it helps create that soft, chewy center.
• Overmixing the Dough – Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for the best result.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly – Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Ignoring Cookie Spacing – Placing cookie dough too close together can cause them to merge while baking. Leave at least 2 inches between each scoop on the baking sheet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper to keep cookies separate.

Reheating Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Oven – Preheat to 350F (180C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Eggnog Snickerdoodles.

Can I make Eggnog Snickerdoodles without eggs?

You can substitute eggs using flaxseed meal or applesauce as a binding agent, but this may slightly change the texture.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can replace cream of tartar with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, which will help achieve similar results.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Adding extra spices like cinnamon or cloves can elevate the flavor profile. You might also consider using flavored extracts.

Can I use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour, but it may change the texture slightly, making it denser.

Final Thoughts

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that captures the essence of holiday flavors in each bite. Soft and chewy with a hint of nutmeg, they are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture!