Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are the perfect holiday cookie, blending the classic snickerdoodle texture with delightful eggnog flavor. Soft and chewy in the center, with a slight crunch on the edges, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any festive occasion. Best of all, there’s no need to chill the dough, making this recipe quick and easy for your holiday baking needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The warm spices and creamy taste of eggnog make these cookies a seasonal favorite.
• Quick Preparation: With no chilling required, you can whip up a batch in under an hour.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights at home.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite is pillowy soft with a satisfying crunch around the edges.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later snacking.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Eggnog Snickerdoodles, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation simpler and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Cookie scoop: Helps ensure even-sized cookies for consistent baking results.

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Ingredients

To make these delightful Eggnog Snickerdoodles, gather the following 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 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 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 350F (180C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
3. 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
4. 1 teaspoon baking soda
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt

Set aside this mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together:
1. 1 cup unsalted butter
2. 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Mix until creamy. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in:
1. 1 large egg
2. 2 large egg yolks
3. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Continue mixing until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture:
* Mix on low speed until just combined.
* If dough is sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it holds together well.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together:
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pour this mixture onto a plate for coating.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough using a cookie scoop. Roll each portion into a ball and then coat with the sugar mixture before placing them on the lined cookie sheet about two inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one cookie sheet at a time in the middle of your preheated oven:
* Bake for approximately 9–12 minutes or until tops look just set.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack or serving plate.

With these steps completed, you will have delicious Eggnog Snickerdoodles ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog snickerdoodles are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their delightful flavor pairs well with various drinks and treats, making them a versatile dessert option.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate flavor complements the spices in the cookies.
• Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai enhance the overall festive experience.
• Coffee: A classic pairing that balances sweetness with a rich, bold flavor.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and contrast to the warm cookies.
• Eggnog Ice Cream: For an extra festive touch, serve with eggnog-flavored ice cream.

On a Dessert Platter

• Holiday Cookie Assortment: Include other seasonal cookies for a colorful display.
• Fruit Tartlets: Add some fresh fruit for a refreshing balance to the sweet snickerdoodles.

How to Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Creating the ultimate eggnog snickerdoodles involves careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into measuring cups rather than scooping to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies soft and chewy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
• Cool Properly: Let cookies cool on the sheet before transferring them; this helps set their shape.

Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These eggnog snickerdoodles can shine alongside various side dishes. Consider these delicious pairings that complement their unique flavor.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds a savory touch that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts with holiday spices offer a crunchy contrast to soft snickerdoodles.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and brightens up the dessert table.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies enhances their sweetness and richness.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Pairing them with chocolate fondue creates an interactive dessert experience.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a refreshing side that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Eggnog Snickerdoodles, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Boldly measuring flour: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Skipping room temperature butter: Cold butter does not cream well and may result in dense cookies. Ensure your butter is softened but still firm before mixing.
• Not checking oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can cause uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s true temperature for perfect results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft, chewy Eggnog Snickerdoodles.
• Ignoring bake time: Baking too long can lead to hard cookies. Keep a close eye on them, removing from the oven as soon as the tops are set.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Alternatively, place cookies in a resealable bag to keep them fresh.

Freezing Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions you might have about making Eggnog Snickerdoodles.

Can I use other spices instead of nutmeg?

Yes! You can substitute ground cinnamon or allspice for different flavor profiles while maintaining the cookie’s festive essence.

How do I make Eggnog Snickerdoodles gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How do I enhance the eggnog flavor?

Incorporate eggnog extract or use eggnog-flavored creamers instead of regular milk when mixing the dough for a richer taste.

What is the best way to store Eggnog Snickerdoodles?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate, depending on your preference. They also freeze well!

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding white chocolate or dark chocolate chips will create a delicious twist on traditional Eggnog Snickerdoodles.

Final Thoughts

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles capture the essence of holiday cheer with their soft texture and delightful flavor. They are versatile enough to customize with different spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips. Try making these festive cookies this season; they’re sure to bring joy to any gathering!