Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles bring the festive spirit to your kitchen with their delightful eggnog flavor. Soft and chewy, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging yourself. With no need to chill the dough, you can whip up a batch quickly, making them an ideal treat for last-minute celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: There’s no chilling required, so you can make these cookies in no time.
• Festive Flavor: The eggnog-inspired taste combined with warm spices makes them a holiday favorite.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy a soft center with a delightful crunch around the edges.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies make wonderful gifts or additions to cookie platters.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust flavors or add toppings based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect batch of eggnog snickerdoodles, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Cookie sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking of your cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

These ingredients come together to create delicious eggnog snickerdoodles that capture the essence of the holidays.

For the Cookies

• 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 not starting to melt)
• 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)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating

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

How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. The flour,
2. Cream of tartar,
3. Ground nutmeg,
4. Baking soda,
5. Salt.
Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together:
1. The softened butter,
2. Granulated sugar until well creamed.
Turn off your mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in:
1. The large egg,
2. The two additional egg yolks,
3. Vanilla extracts until fully incorporated and creamy in texture.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients into the butter mixture:
– Do this about half at a time on low speed.
– If needed, add more flour if dough is too sticky; do it tablespoon by tablespoon until it’s manageable.

Step 6: Prepare Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together:
– The granulated sugar with ground nutmeg for rolling the cookie dough balls.
Pour this mixture onto a small plate.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie using a medium cookie scoop:
– Roll each scoop into balls,
– Then roll in the sugar-nutmeg coating.

Step 8: Arrange on Cookie Sheet

Place cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on your lined cookie sheet.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake one cookie sheet at a time in the preheated oven:
– Bake for about 9-12 minutes,
– Look for tops that appear just set when done.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

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

Enjoy these delightful Eggnog Snickerdoodles, perfect for any festive occasion!

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These delicious Eggnog Snickerdoodles are perfect for the holiday season. Their soft and chewy texture makes them a delightful treat, whether enjoyed as a dessert or a festive snack.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat. The rich chocolate complements the eggnog flavor beautifully.

As a Holiday Gift

• Put together a festive cookie tin filled with Eggnog Snickerdoodles. Wrap it in decorative paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside scoops of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The melting ice cream adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

At Holiday Parties

• Offer these cookies as part of your dessert table at holiday gatherings. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these snickerdoodles with your favorite hot beverage, like coffee or spiced tea, for a comforting afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles

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

• Use softened butter: Ensure the butter is softened, not melted. This helps achieve that desired fluffy texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Check baking time: Keep an eye on them during baking; they should set but not brown too much for optimal softness.
• Cool properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without breaking apart.

Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog Snickerdoodles can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their festive charm. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm beverage infused with cinnamon and cloves that complements holiday flavors.
2. Pumpkin Soup: This creamy soup adds warmth and richness, making it an inviting starter.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with herbs provides a savory balance to sweet cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses and crackers for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
5. Holiday Salad: A fresh salad featuring cranberries and nuts adds brightness and crunch alongside sweet treats.
6. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts can provide a crunchy snack option that pairs well with cookies.
7. Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits can cleanse the palate between bites of sweet snickerdoodles.
8. Yule Log Cake: For an indulgent dessert option, serve slices of this classic cake alongside your snickerdoodles for extra festivity!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Eggnog Snickerdoodles can be a breeze, but there are common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using melted butter instead of softened butter can lead to flat cookies. Make sure the butter is soft but still slightly firm to the touch.
• Skipping the cream of tartar: This ingredient is crucial for the signature texture of snickerdoodles. Don’t omit it; it helps create that perfect chewy center.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Adding too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much once you add the dry ingredients can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Baking at incorrect temperatures: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary. Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the cookie’s rise and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350F (180C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Eggnog Snickerdoodles that might help enhance your baking experience.

Can I substitute other flavors in Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Yes! You can experiment with different spices like cinnamon or even add chocolate chips for variation.

How do I ensure my Eggnog Snickerdoodles stay soft?

Storing them in an airtight container and underbaking them slightly will keep them soft and chewy.

What makes Eggnog Snickerdoodles unique?

The addition of nutmeg provides that classic eggnog flavor, making these cookies festive and delightful during the holidays.

Can I make Eggnog Snickerdoodles ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it or freeze it until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that embodies holiday cheer. Their soft, chewy texture paired with festive flavors makes them perfect for any gathering. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or mix-ins, ensuring everyone enjoys these seasonal delights!