Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings by the fire.
These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional thumbprint cookies, infused with the warm, spicy flavors of eggnog. The creamy filling complements the buttery cookie base, making them a perfect holiday treat.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Rich eggnog flavor with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon
- Soft and buttery texture with a sweet, creamy filling
- A festive addition to your holiday cookie platter
Perfect for Holiday Celebrations
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season. Their rich flavors and festive appearance make them an ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or attending a festive party, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and spread holiday cheer.
The combination of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon not only evokes warm memories of holiday traditions but also adds a unique twist to the classic thumbprint cookie. These flavors resonate well with the winter season, making them a must-have for those looking to indulge in holiday baking.
Easy to Make
One of the best aspects of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies is how simple they are to prepare. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch without any hassle. The process is fun and rewarding, especially when you see the beautiful cookies come to life in your oven.
Moreover, these cookies can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without being overwhelmed in the kitchen. Simply bake them a day or two in advance, and fill them with the creamy eggnog filling just before serving. This flexibility makes them a perfect choice for busy holiday schedules.
A Delightful Gift
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies also make for an excellent homemade gift during the holidays. Packaging them in a decorative tin or box adds a personal touch that store-bought treats often lack. Friends and family will appreciate the effort and love that goes into making these delicious cookies.
Consider pairing them with a festive beverage like mulled wine or hot cocoa for a charming holiday gift set. This thoughtful gesture is sure to warm hearts and create lasting memories, making your holiday season even more special.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of nutmeg
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shape Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Prepare Filling
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth.
Fill Cookies
Once the cookies are cool, fill the thumbprint indentations with the eggnog filling.
Enjoy your festive Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee!
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To ensure your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly, be sure to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can result in dry cookies, while too little can make them overly soft. Using a kitchen scale for precision can help achieve the right consistency every time.
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls can also improve the texture. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in a more uniform appearance.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without the filling. Just thaw and fill before serving.
For the best taste experience, it's recommended to fill the cookies with the eggnog mixture just before serving. This prevents the cookies from becoming soggy and ensures that the filling remains creamy and delicious.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different flavors for the filling. A peppermint or chocolate ganache can add a fun twist to these classic cookies, making them even more exciting for holiday gatherings. Alternatively, you could use flavored creams or jams that complement the eggnog flavor.
If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose has a good balance of starches and proteins to maintain the cookie's structure and taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly for this recipe.
→ How can I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies without filling. Just thaw and fill before serving.
→ What can I substitute for eggnog?
You can use a mixture of milk and cream with a dash of nutmeg and vanilla as a substitute.
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings by the fire.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of nutmeg
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth.
Once the cookies are cool, fill the thumbprint indentations with the eggnog filling.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g