Description

These Eggnog Cookies bring the classic holiday flavors of eggnog into a soft, flavorful cookie. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and enriched with creamy eggnog and vanilla, they offer a perfect festive treat. Topped optionally with buttercream frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, these cookies are sure to brighten any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup eggnog
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg

For Rolling and Topping

Additional sugar for rolling
Additional nutmeg for sprinkling
Buttercream frosting (optional, for topping)
Ground cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling over frosting)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all purpose flour, salt, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and the large egg at medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat at low speed just until everything is blended and a dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
Shape the Cookies: Take about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll gently into balls, then coat each ball by rolling it in additional sugar. Place these coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets and gently press down to slightly flatten them.
Space Cookies: Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie on the baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
Sprinkle Nutmeg: Lightly sprinkle a small amount of additional ground nutmeg over the tops of each cookie for added flavor and aroma.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
Cool Slightly: Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before handling.
Transfer to Wire Rack: Move the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and maintaining crisp edges.
Optional Frosting and Topping: When the cookies are fully cooled, frost them with buttercream frosting if desired. After frosting, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for an extra festive touch.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the cookies on a serving platter and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors perfect for holiday celebrations.

Notes

Make sure butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar.
Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
Rolling the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the outer layer.
Additional nutmeg sprinkled on top enhances the eggnog flavor.
Buttercream frosting is optional, but adds a creamy richness to the cookies.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them fresh.