Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner
These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a festive treat that combines the flavors of classic eggnog with a delightful cookie base, perfect for holiday gatherings.
These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are not only delicious but also bring the warmth of the holiday season to your kitchen. Each bite is a perfect blend of spices and sweetness, making them an ideal treat for family and friends.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Rich eggnog flavor with a hint of nutmeg
- Soft and chewy texture that’s simply irresistible
- Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as a sweet gift
A Festive Twist on a Classic Treat
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies take the essence of traditional eggnog and transform it into a delightful cookie experience. These cookies embody the warmth and cheer of the holiday season, making them an ideal addition to any festive gathering. The combination of spices and creamy eggnog not only enhances the flavor but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while baking.
What sets these cookies apart is their unique thumbprint design, which allows for a generous dollop of creamy filling in each one. The filling, made with eggnog and powdered sugar, adds an extra layer of indulgence that perfectly complements the soft, chewy texture of the cookie. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa or sharing them at a holiday cookie exchange, these cookies are sure to impress.
Perfect for Holiday Celebrations
These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing. The contrasting colors of the cookie dough and the creamy filling create an attractive presentation that catches the eye. They are perfect for holiday cookie platters or as a sweet gift for friends and family. Wrapped up in festive packaging, they make a thoughtful gesture that shows you care.
Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize the filling with different flavors or spices to suit your taste. You can experiment with variations, perhaps adding a splash of rum extract for an adult twist or using different spices to create a unique flavor profile. The base cookie recipe is simple and forgiving, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This will help achieve that light and fluffy texture when creaming the butter and sugars together. Additionally, be mindful not to overbake the cookies; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
When making the thumbprint indentation, be gentle to avoid breaking the cookie. A slight push with your thumb should create a nice well for the filling without compromising the structure. If you find the dough is too sticky to handle, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can make shaping easier.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp eggnog
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Make sure to use fresh eggnog for the best flavor!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet.
Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Once the cookies are cool, fill each thumbprint with the eggnog filling.
Enjoy your festive Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies with a warm cup of cocoa!
Storing Your Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies fresh and delicious. Once filled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to preserve their texture, consider storing the cookies without filling and adding the filling just before serving.
If you plan to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they're solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime!
Pairing Suggestions
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a classic pairing, serve them with a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The rich chocolate complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
If you're looking for a festive beverage, consider offering these cookies alongside a glass of spiced apple cider or even a traditional eggnog. The flavors will harmonize beautifully, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your holiday gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly for this recipe!
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before filling them. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding the filling.
→ What can I substitute for nutmeg?
You can use allspice or cinnamon as a substitute for nutmeg if you prefer.
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a festive treat that combines the flavors of classic eggnog with a delightful cookie base, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Created by: Ethan
Recipe Type: Pastry & Sweets Corner
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp eggnog
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Once the cookies are cool, fill each thumbprint with the eggnog filling.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g