Get ready to dive into the festive spirit with this delightful Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe! These cookies are a beautiful blend of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and the creamy richness of eggnog, all wrapped into a soft, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, these cookies bring the essence of Christmas right to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises joy in every bite and a truly special holiday treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its unique flavor and texture. From the soft, tender crumb to that iconic seasonal spice blend, these essentials work together to make magic happen in your oven.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups / 310g): The backbone of any cookie, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise to the perfect lightness without puffing up too much.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, cozy spice that sings of holiday cheer.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, earthy depth that perfectly complements the cinnamon and eggnog.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup / 170g): Creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and tender bite.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g): Sweetens the dough evenly, ensuring each cookie is perfectly sugary without overpowering.
- Eggnog (1/2 cup / 120ml): The star ingredient boosting creamy richness and the unmistakable holiday flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and adds moisture for softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the warmth and sweetness with a fragrant note.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups / 250g): For the luscious icing that will finish these cookies beautifully.
- Eggnog (3 tablespoons): Mixed into the icing for consistency and that signature flavor pop.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Sprinkled in the icing to tie the flavor perfectly to the cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the icing with a touch of deeper flavor.
- Optional holiday sprinkles: Add festive color and crunch for a merry finishing touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
First things first, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that all those warm spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your dough, laying the foundation for perfect flavor and texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for giving your cookies a soft, tender crumb with a touch of airy sweetness—plus, it makes you feel like you’re starting the holiday magic right.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg until just combined, then pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract. Mixing these creamy ingredients now helps develop the dough’s rich, moist texture and brings in that lovely eggnog flavor that sets these cookies apart.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to form a smooth dough. Avoid overmixing here; you want everything to come together without toughening the dough. This tender balance is what makes these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies so irresistible.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. The result? Soft, pillowy cookies with a delicate hint of spice.
Step 6: Prepare the Eggnog Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze is the perfect sweet finish, providing an extra layer of creamy cinnamon goodness that makes each bite truly special.
Step 7: Decorate
Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles if you like. Let the icing set before serving—this finishing touch not only looks festive but also adds an irresistible glaze that complements the warm spices.
How to Serve Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter on top adds an instant festive look and a little crunch. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the warm spice aroma just before serving, making each cookie look and smell like the holidays on a plate.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or your favorite holiday coffee blend. A glass of cold eggnog on the side also doubles down on the signature flavor, creating a cozy seasonal experience. For a party, consider wrapping a few into small gift bags as thoughtful treats for guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter dusted with powdered sugar “snow” or place them in cute tins tied with holiday ribbons for gift-giving. For an interactive touch, set up a cookie decorating station where guests can add their own sprinkles or drizzle additional icing—it’s a fun way to make the Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe part of the celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies maintain their soft texture, and the icing will stay nicely set without becoming sticky or melting away, so they’re just as delicious days later.
Freezing
You can freeze the un-iced cookie dough in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with shaping and baking. Alternatively, baked cookies without icing freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature and add fresh icing before serving.
Reheating
If you want to warm up your cookies, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This revives that soft, freshly baked texture without melting the icing too much. Avoid microwaving as it can make the icing too soft and the cookie overly chewy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and saves time while still delivering that classic holiday flavor. Just make sure it’s well-chilled and gives you the creamy texture needed for the dough and icing.
What if I don’t have nutmeg on hand?
If you don’t have nutmeg, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of ground allspice or cloves. These spices complement cinnamon well and keep the warm holiday vibe alive.
How do I make the cookies without icing?
You can certainly enjoy these cookies plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar if you prefer less sweetness. The dough itself is flavorful and moist enough to stand on its own, making for a simple but delicious treat.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the cinnamon and eggnog flavors will shine just as brightly.
How long will the icing stay fresh once applied?
The eggnog icing will typically hold well for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature if stored in a cool place. After that, it might start to lose its texture and flavor, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for the fullest taste experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that perfectly captures the holiday spirit in one bite, you can’t go wrong with the Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe. It’s a heartwarming, delightful treat that brings festive flavors and joyful memories together. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share the magic of these cookies with your loved ones—they might just become your new holiday tradition!
Print
Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies. Soft, buttery cookies infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, enriched with creamy eggnog for that perfect holiday touch. Finished with a smooth eggnog glaze and festive sprinkles to brighten your celebrations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) eggnog
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Holiday sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and place onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or eggnog if needed.
- Glaze and decorate: Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set completely before serving.
- Serve and store: Enjoy these festive cookies fresh, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, you can add a teaspoon more eggnog to the dough or glaze as preferred.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Use holiday-themed sprinkles to add a festive touch perfect for Christmas gatherings.
