Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are a delightful holiday treat that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. With their soft and chewy texture, infused with the warm flavors of eggnog and nutmeg, these cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. Plus, they come together quickly—no chilling required—making them an effortless addition to your holiday baking list.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly without any need for dough chilling.
• Festive Flavor: The unique eggnog flavor combined with sweet spices creates a holiday classic.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy a delightful contrast with a soft center and slightly crunchy edges.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe for kids to help with; they’ll love rolling the dough in sugar!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Eggnog Snickerdoodles, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Medium cookie scoop
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Cookie sheets: Provide even heat distribution for perfect baking results.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevent cookies from sticking, making cleanup easier.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 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 the Sugar 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). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:
1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
3. 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
4. 1 teaspoon baking soda
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt

Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together:
1. 1 cup unsalted butter
2. 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Mix until creamy. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in:
– 1 large egg
– 2 large egg yolks
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Continue mixing until no pieces of egg remain visible.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture about half at a time on low speed. If needed, add more flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough is manageable.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together:
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pour this mixture onto a small plate.

Step 7: Scoop and Roll Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie ball. Roll each ball in the sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 8: Arrange on Sheet

Place the cookie dough balls about two inches apart on your lined cookie sheet.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of your preheated oven for about 9-12 minutes or until just set on top.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on the sheet for at least ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to finish cooling completely.

Enjoy these Eggnog Snickerdoodles as part of your festive celebrations!

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog snickerdoodles are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. They can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their festive flavor and charm.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair with hot cocoa for a cozy combination.
• Enjoy alongside spiced chai to complement the nutmeg flavors.

As a Dessert Platter

• Include on a dessert platter with other holiday cookies for variety.
• Serve with whipped cream or a fruit compote for added sweetness.

Gift Giving

• Package them in decorative tins or boxes as homemade gifts.
• Add a personal touch with handwritten recipe cards.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches for a fun twist.
• Fill with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to match the flavors.

Holiday Parties

• Serve at holiday gatherings for an inviting treat.
• Pair with festive decorations to enhance the presentation.

How to Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Perfecting eggnog snickerdoodles can elevate your baking game. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off for accuracy; too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Watch the Baking Time: Bake until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust nutmeg or add cinnamon for personal flavor preferences; this can enhance the holiday vibe.
• Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on sheets before transferring them to racks; this helps maintain their shape.

Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog snickerdoodles pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Cocoa – A classic warm beverage that enhances the cozy feel of snickerdoodles.
2. Spiced Chai Tea – This aromatic drink adds warmth and spice, matching well with the cookie’s flavors.
3. Fruit Salad – A refreshing option that balances sweetness and provides a light contrast.
4. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory touch against sweet cookies.
5. Pumpkin Soup – A creamy soup that offers complementary spices while providing warmth during colder months.
6. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle over cookies or serve on the side as a dipping sauce for an indulgent treat.
7. Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it adds a delightful texture when served alongside the cookies.
8. Cranberry Relish – The tartness of cranberries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of snickerdoodles, enhancing overall flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Eggnog Snickerdoodles, even small errors can affect the final results. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, leading to a dense texture. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best results.

• Skipping the cream of tartar: This ingredient is essential for the classic snickerdoodle flavor and texture. Don’t omit it, as it helps create that tangy taste and chewy consistency.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined; you should see some flour bits left in the dough before stopping.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

• Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies. Remove them when they look just set to ensure they remain soft inside.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Ensure cookies are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Eggnog Snickerdoodles, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some common queries answered.

Can I use other spices in Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Yes! You can experiment with spices like cinnamon or allspice for added flavor.

How do I know when my Eggnog Snickerdoodles are done?

They should look set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I make Eggnog Snickerdoodles gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

What can I use instead of vanilla extract?

For an alcohol-free option, you could use vanilla bean paste or simply increase the amount of ground nutmeg for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Eggnog Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on traditional cookies that bring holiday cheer with every bite. Their soft texture paired with festive flavors makes them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips or nuts based on your preferences!