Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Introduction to Recipe

Eggnog cookies combine the warm, festive flavors of the holiday season with the soft, chewy texture of a homemade cookie. Infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of rum extract, these cookies have all the comforting qualities of traditional eggnog in cookie form. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire, these eggnog cookies will be a favorite among family and friends.

The best part? These cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Paired with a rich and creamy icing that enhances the eggnog flavor, this recipe is sure to become a holiday tradition in your kitchen.

For more holiday baking ideas, explore these delicious holiday cookie recipes or check out how to make a classic eggnog drink here.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Delicious Eggnog Cookies with Rum Icing – Perfect for Holiday Treats

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes (includes cooling)
• Yield: 36 cookies (depending on size) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These soft and chewy Eggnog Cookies are infused with the warm flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of rum extract, perfectly capturing the essence of traditional eggnog. Topped with a creamy rum icing, these cookies are an irresistible holiday treat that’s sure to bring joy to your festive celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided (¼ cup reserved for rolling)

• 1 large egg

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon rum extract

For the Icing:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon rum extract

• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

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Instructions

For the Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar (reserve ¼ cup for rolling the cookies) together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and rum extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

5. Mix in dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

6. Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the reserved ¼ cup of granulated sugar to coat the dough lightly.

7. Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look slightly underbaked—this will ensure soft cookies.

8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Icing:

1. Make the icing: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, rum extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more heavy cream if necessary to reach your desired spreadable texture.

2. Ice the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the icing over the tops of each cookie with a knife or offset spatula.

3. Serve: Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your festive eggnog cookies!

Notes

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Optional: You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for additional holiday flavor.

Rum Extract Substitution: If you don’t have rum extract, you can use a splash of actual rum in the icing for a more intense flavor, though it will alter the texture slightly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Holiday

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Eggnog Cookies with Rum Icing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the baking sheets.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and rum extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until the ingredients are well combined.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.

6. Shape the Cookies:

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar to coat it lightly. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

7. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Icing:

While the cookies are cooling, make the icing by combining the powdered sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, rum extract, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

9. Ice the Cookies:

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle or spread a small amount of icing on top of each cookie. The icing will harden as it sits, adding a sweet, smooth finish to each bite.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the icing to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Advanced Techniques

1. Add Texture with Chopped Nuts:

For added texture and a richer flavor, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. Stir in about ½ cup of finely chopped nuts before baking for an extra crunch in every bite.

2. Experiment with Icing Flavors:

While the rum-flavored icing is a delicious complement to the cookies, feel free to experiment with different icing flavors. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or even a touch of maple syrup to the icing for a unique twist.

3. Shape the Cookies Differently:

For a fun, festive presentation, use a cookie cutter to shape the dough before baking. You can create fun holiday shapes like stars, Christmas trees, or snowflakes, adding a special touch to your holiday cookies.

4. Decorate with Sprinkles:

To give the cookies a little more holiday flair, decorate them with festive sprinkles or a dusting of ground nutmeg on top of the icing. This adds a pop of color and extra flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store Eggnog Cookies:

Once fully cooled, store the eggnog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks.

Can I Freeze Eggnog Cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before enjoying.

How to Store the Icing:

If you have leftover icing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, bring it to room temperature and give it a good stir.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Dairy-Free Version:

To make the eggnog cookies dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter substitute like margarine or coconut oil. Use a non-dairy heavy cream alternative like coconut cream for the icing, and ensure the rum extract and other ingredients are dairy-free.

2. Gluten-Free Version:

For a gluten-free version of these eggnog cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to provide structure to the dough. Additionally, check that the baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free.

3. Egg-Free Version:

If you’re making these cookies egg-free, you can replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will work as a binding agent for the cookies.

FAQs About Eggnog Cookies

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling and baking.

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

If you’re in a pinch and don’t want to make homemade eggnog, you can substitute store-bought eggnog for the rum extract and vanilla extract in the dough. This will give your cookies a more intense eggnog flavor.

Can I make eggnog cookies without icing?

Absolutely! The cookies themselves are flavorful and delicious even without the icing. If you prefer a lighter cookie, you can skip the icing and enjoy the cookies with their natural eggnog flavor.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Eggnog cookies bring the flavors of the holiday season to life in a soft, chewy cookie that’s both festive and delicious. The rich and creamy icing enhances the flavor, and with a hint of rum extract, these cookies will transport you to cozy holiday memories with every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with family and friends, these eggnog cookies will be a sweet addition to your seasonal celebrations. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is both fun to make and delightful to eat. Happy baking!