Are you looking for that perfect cookie recipe to bring the holiday spirit into your home? Imagine the classic cinnamon warmth of traditional snickerdoodles transformed with the rich, creamy notes of seasonal eggnog. These eggnog snickerdoodles deliver a festive twist on a beloved cookie, combining the comfort of familiar flavors with the special touch of holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, preparing for Santa’s arrival, or simply craving something sweet and seasonal, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition in your home.
Ingredients List
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons high-quality eggnog
For the Coating:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional for extra spice)
Substitution Options:
- Dairy-free butter and non-dairy eggnog work well for a lactose-free version
- Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for gluten-sensitive guests
- For extra richness, try using brown sugar for ⅓ of the granulated sugar in the dough
The fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves creates the distinctive aroma of holiday eggnog desserts, cinnamon cookies, Christmas cookies that will fill your kitchen with nostalgic scents.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
This timing includes the essential chilling period that ensures your cookies maintain their perfect shape while baking. The good news? These eggnog snickerdoodles require 15 minutes less prep time than traditional snickerdoodles since the eggnog adds moisture that makes the dough easier to work with.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until well combined. The cream of tartar is essential for the signature tanginess of snickerdoodles, so don’t skip it! Pro tip: Sift the dry ingredients for an extra light and tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming incorporates air that gives your cookies their delightful texture. Add the egg and egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then beat in the vanilla extract and eggnog until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine And Chill
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Over-mixing will develop the gluten and result in tough cookies, so stop as soon as no dry streaks remain. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. This chilling step is non-negotiable for the best eggnog snickerdoodles!
Step 4: Prepare For Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using) for the coating. Take the chilled dough and roll into 1½-inch balls, then roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture until completely coated.
Step 5: Bake To Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so resist the temptation to overbake them!
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (based on 24 cookies):
- Calories: 175
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 13g
These festive treats are meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of your holiday celebrations.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Reduced Sugar Option: Decrease sugar in the dough to 1 cup and in the coating to ¼ cup without sacrificing flavor.
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water), and plant-based eggnog.
- Lower-Fat Alternative: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter cookie with the same seasonal charm.
Serving Suggestions
These eggnog snickerdoodles shine when served:
- Alongside a glass of cold milk or warm eggnog for dipping
- As part of a holiday cookie platter with contrasting flavors like chocolate mint cookies or cranberry shortbread
- Slightly warmed and crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert
- Packaged in decorative tins with festive ribbon for heartfelt homemade gifts
For an elegant presentation, dust cookies with a light sprinkle of nutmeg just before serving to enhance both appearance and aroma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the chill time: This results in flat, spread-out cookies rather than perfectly puffy ones.
- Using cold butter: Room temperature butter is crucial for proper creaming and texture.
- Over-mixing the dough: This develops gluten and creates tough cookies—mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Inaccurate measurements: For consistent results, use measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients.
- Opening the oven door too often: This causes temperature fluctuations that affect baking—use your oven light to check progress.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Counter storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator storage: Extend freshness to 1 week in a sealed container.
- Freezer storage: Baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough and freeze in balls (before coating) for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and bake as directed.
To refresh slightly stale cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds.
Conclusion
These eggnog snickerdoodles beautifully capture the essence of holiday baking—familiar comfort enhanced with seasonal specialties. The marriage of classic cinnamon snickerdoodles with rich, spiced eggnog creates cookies that are not just delicious but also evocative of cherished holiday traditions. Whether you’re continuing family customs or starting new ones, these cookies deserve a special place in your holiday recipe collection.
Ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked holiday cookies? Give this recipe a try and share your creations on social media with #EggnogCookieMagic. We’d love to see how these festive treats enhance your holiday celebrations!
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without cream of tartar?
While cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture, you can substitute it with 2 teaspoons of baking powder (omitting the baking soda) in a pinch. The cookies will still be delicious but will taste more like sugar cookies with cinnamon.
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
Excessive spreading usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled enough, the butter was too warm, or there was too little flour. Make sure to measure accurately and chill the dough thoroughly before baking.
Can I make the dough in advance for a cookie exchange?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. You can also freeze the shaped, uncoated dough balls for up to 2 months, then thaw, coat, and bake when needed.
How do I know when these cookies are perfectly baked?
The perfect eggnog snickerdoodles will have set edges but still look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I add other mix-ins to enhance the eggnog flavor?
Yes! Try adding ¼ teaspoon of rum extract for an authentic eggnog flavor, or fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for extra richness and texture.
Name: Yumi Hwag
Byline: Founder & Recipe Developer, Yumimeals
Bio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]