There’s just something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The cozy kitchen, the twinkling lights, and that unmistakable scent in the air. For me, the holidays always bring back memories of my grandmother and her love for homemade eggnog. That’s why creating these Eggnog Sugar Cookies felt so special. They’re my way of capturing that creamy, spiced goodness in a simple, festive cookie that everyone can enjoy, even if they’re not big on drinking eggnog itself. I remember the first time I whipped these up – it was Christmas Eve in Asheville, snow was gently falling outside, and I just wanted something that tasted like the holidays without being fussy. The moment those cookies came out of the oven, filling my kitchen with hints of nutmeg and vanilla, I was right back at my grandmother’s table. These aren’t just cookies; they’re little bites of tradition, perfect for bringing warmth and joy to your own home.
As founder of Top Chicken Eats and a self-taught cook with deep Southern roots, I believe the best recipes are born from love and a touch of nostalgia, and these eggnog cookies are definitely a labor of love!
Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Trust me, you’re going to adore these little beauties! They’re:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, even if you’re new to baking, you can totally nail these. They come together so quickly!
- Packed with Holiday Flavor: That creamy, spiced eggnog taste is just *chef’s kiss* perfect for the season. It’s like a warm hug in cookie form.
- Festive and Fun: With the easy icing and colorful sprinkles, these are total showstoppers for any Christmas party or cookie exchange. They really scream holiday cheer!
- Perfect for the Season: Whether you need some Easy Christmas Desserts or just want some yummy Holiday Treats, these cookies fit the bill. They’re a total crowd-pleaser!
Gather Your Ingredients for Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready! Having everything measured out makes the whole baking process so much smoother. For these delightful Eggnog Sugar Cookies, you’ll want to grab:
For the Eggnog Sugar Cookies:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened just right (not melty!)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature, please!
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup eggnog (full-fat makes it extra creamy, but use what you have!)
For the Simple Holiday Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (just enough to get that perfect drizzling consistency)
- A few drops of plant-based food coloring (reds, greens, blues – whatever screams holiday to you!)
- Your favorite dye-free holiday sprinkles (the more festive, the better!)
Having these ready to go means you can jump right into that yummy dough-making!
Essential Equipment for Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Now, let’s talk tools! You don’t need anything super fancy, but having these on hand will make your eggnog cookie adventure a breeze. You’ll definitely want a stand mixer with a paddle attachment – it makes creaming the butter and sugar so much easier. If you don’t have one, a good old-fashioned hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will work! Make sure you have a couple of baking sheets ready, a trusty rolling pin, and of course, your favorite cookie cutters for those festive shapes. A wire cooling rack is also a must for letting your masterpieces cool perfectly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Alright, let’s get down to business and make these absolutely divine Eggnog Sugar Cookies! It’s a pretty simple process, and I promise, the end result is so worth it. We’ll break it down into a few key steps, starting with that all-important dough. For more tips on making your holiday baking the best it can be, check out our holiday baking tips!
Preparing the Eggnog Sugar Cookie Dough
First things first, let’s get our dry ingredients all cozy together. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and that pinch of salt. Set that aside for a sec. Now, in your big mixer bowl (or just a big bowl if you’re using a hand mixer!), cream your softened butter and granulated sugar together. Let the mixer do its thing for about 3 minutes until it’s light and looks wonderfully fluffy – almost like pale yellow clouds. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract just until everything is combined. Now, the magic part! With the mixer on low speed, gradually add your dry ingredients, alternating them with the eggnog. Start and end with the dry stuff. Mix just until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might get tough!
Shaping and Baking Your Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Once your dough is all mixed, gently turn it out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Flatten it into a nice disk – this makes it easier to roll out later – wrap it up tight, and pop it in the fridge for at least thirty minutes. This chilling step is super important; it makes the dough firm and way easier to handle. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the dough sit on the counter for about 10 minutes to soften just enough so it’s not rock hard. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Now for the fun part – grab your cookie cutters and go wild with festive shapes! Carefully transfer your cut-outs to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges just start to turn a lovely golden brown. Rotating the pan halfway through helps them bake nice and even. Once they’re done, let them cool on the sheet for a minute before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key so they don’t break!
Crafting the Perfect Icing and Decorating
While those cookies are cooling, let’s whip up a simple, sweet icing. It’s literally just powdered sugar and a little bit of milk. Start with the powdered sugar in a bowl, then add your milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you get a nice, smooth, drizzly consistency. Too thick? Add a tiny splash more milk. Too thin? A bit more powdered sugar. Once it’s just right, divide it into smaller bowls if you want different colors. Add a drop or two of plant-based food coloring and stir until you get those vibrant holiday hues. Now, the best part – decorating! Use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the icing onto your cooled cookies, and then go crazy with those dye-free holiday sprinkles. Make them as colorful and festive as they taste!
Tips for Perfect Eggnog Sugar Cookies Every Time
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s talk about how to make absolutely *perfect* Eggnog Sugar Cookies every single time. It’s all about a few little tricks that I’ve picked up over the years. First off, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature! Seriously, this is a game-changer. It helps everything cream together beautifully, creating that light texture we’re aiming for. If your dough feels too sticky when you’re ready to roll – don’t panic! Just pop it back in the fridge for another 15-20 minutes. Cold dough is your best friend for clean cookie cuts. And ovens can be so different, right? Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. If they’re browning too fast on the edges, they might need a little less time, or your oven might run a bit hot. My trick is to watch for those lightly golden edges; that’s your cue they’re just right. Oh, and if your cookies spread *way* too much, it usually means the dough wasn’t chilled enough or the butter was too soft when you started. A little chill time is everything!
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Cookies
Once you’ve mastered this basic Eggnog Sugar Cookie recipe, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it! For an extra kick of holiday spice, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon right into the dough when you mix in the dry ingredients. You could even swap out some of the vanilla extract for a little almond or rum extract for a different flavor profile. Think about cutting out mini shapes to add to a cheese board for a sweet and savory Holiday Appetizer, or try making sandwich cookies by filling two smaller cookies with a bit of frosting. These festive cookies are also fantastic alongside a warm mug of cider or as part of your spread for a leisurely Christmas Brunch. They’re definitely one of my favorite Christmas Food Ideas!
Storing and Reheating Your Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Now that you’ve baked up a storm of these yummy Eggnog Sugar Cookies, you’ll want to keep them tasting fresh and delicious! The best way to store them is in an airtight container right on your counter. They’ll stay delightfully crisp for a good few days that way. If you happen to have a few left over after a week or if you want to get a head start on holiday baking, don’t worry! You can totally freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then stash them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready for a cookie fix, just let them thaw on the counter for a bit. Easy peasy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates because everyone’s ingredients and sizes can be a little different! But generally, one of these delightfulEggnog Sugar Cookies will give you about 150 calories, 8g of fat (5g saturated), 18g carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. It’s a sweet treat that fits right into your holiday enjoyment!
Share Your Eggnog Sugar Cookie Creations!
Oh, I just know you’re going to make the most beautiful Eggnog Sugar Cookies! I would absolutely LOVE to see them. If you make a batch (and I really hope you do!), please drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you try any fun new cookie cutters? Did the kids help with the decorating? And if you snap any photos, please share them on social media and tag me – I’d be thrilled to see your gorgeous holiday creations! Use a hashtag like #EggnogCookies or #HolidayBaking so I can find them. Happy baking, everyone!
