Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are the perfect holiday treat, combining the classic snickerdoodle texture with the cozy flavors of eggnog. Ideal for festive gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies are soft and chewy with a delightful crunch at the edges. With no chilling required, you’ll find this recipe simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it a must-try for everyone who loves great holiday desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: No need to chill the dough, allowing you to whip up a batch of cookies in no time.
• Festive Flavor: Infused with warm spices and rich eggnog flavor, these cookies capture the essence of the holiday season.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: A great recipe to involve children in baking; they’ll love rolling the dough in sugar and nutmeg!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience enjoyable and efficient, gather these essential tools before starting the recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy and ensures a smooth batter without lumps.
• Cookie scoop: Helps portion out uniform cookie sizes for even baking and consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 grams) (use up to 3 1/4 cup for thicker cookies)
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams) (softened but still firm)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks (in addition to the 1 large egg)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (alcohol-free)

For Coating

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl:
1. Beat together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until well creamed.
2. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add into the butter mixture:
1. The large egg,
2. The two additional egg yolks,
3. The alcohol-free vanilla extract.
4. Beat until creamy with no visible pieces of egg remaining.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients into the butter mixture:
1. Do this gradually—about half at a time—starting on low speed.
2. If needed, adjust consistency by adding more flour if it feels too sticky.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg for coating.
2. Pour this mixture onto a small plate.

Step 7: Form Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop:
1. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.
2. Roll each scoop into a ball, then roll in the sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on your lined cookie sheet:
– Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of your preheated oven for around 9-12 minutes until just set.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Let cool on cookie sheets for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks or serving plates.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Eggnog Snickerdoodles!

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are perfect for the holiday season. They have a delightful taste and texture that can be enjoyed in various ways.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Eggnog Snickerdoodles on a dessert platter alongside other festive treats like brownies or fruit tarts for a colorful spread.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The warm beverages complement the spices in the cookies beautifully.

Dipped in White Chocolate

• Melt some white chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• Use crumbled Eggnog Snickerdoodles as a topping over vanilla or eggnog-flavored ice cream to create a delicious dessert sundae.

How to Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles

To ensure your Eggnog Snickerdoodles turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend better, resulting in a smoother dough.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.

• Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven once they look set but still soft; they will continue to firm up while cooling.

• Cool on the baking sheet: Allow cooling on the cookie sheets for at least 10 minutes before transferring them. This helps maintain their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog Snickerdoodles pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some delightful options:

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm and creamy pumpkin soup offers a comforting contrast to sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Plate: Include sharp cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts for an elegant pairing that balances sweetness with savory notes.
3. Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside your cookies for a festive beverage option.
4. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of seasoned roasted nuts adds crunch and complements the spices in the cookies.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits brings freshness to your dessert table.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into rich melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
7. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a refreshing side dish that contrasts nicely with rich cookies.
8. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the soft, spiced snickerdoodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Eggnog Snickerdoodles, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Boldly skip measuring flour: Not measuring flour correctly can lead to dry or overly crumbly cookies. Always use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
• Boldly overlook room temperature butter: Using melted butter instead of softened butter can change the texture. Ensure your butter is soft but still slightly firm before mixing.
• Boldly ignore dough consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, you may need to add more flour gradually until it holds together well without sticking to your hands.
• Boldly bake multiple trays at once: Baking all cookie sheets at once can lead to uneven baking. Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for best results.
• Boldly forget cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet is essential for proper texture. Don’t rush this step; let them sit for at least 10 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Eggnog Snickerdoodles in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds or until just warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; place a cookie inside and cover with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Eggnog Snickerdoodles different from regular snickerdoodles?

Eggnog Snickerdoodles have a unique flavor profile infused with eggnog spices like nutmeg, giving them a festive twist compared to classic snickerdoodle cookies.

Can I use alternatives for granulated sugar in Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Yes! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar, though it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

How do I achieve soft Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

To ensure softness, avoid overbaking and follow the cooling time carefully. The centers should look set but not browned.

Can I customize my Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries for an extra touch of holiday flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are not only soft and chewy but also bring the delightful taste of eggnog into every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, this recipe allows room for customization, so feel free to experiment with flavors and add-ins. Enjoy these festive treats that truly capture the essence of the season!