The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Eggnog Iced Sugar Cookies wafting through the air. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie topped with a creamy eggnog glaze, bringing a festive cheer to every gathering. The blend of nutmeg and cinnamon dances on your palate, making you reminisce about cozy nights by the fireplace, sipping on your favorite holiday drink.
These delightful cookies aren’t just a treat; they evoke memories of laughter-filled family gatherings and the joy of baking alongside loved ones. They’re perfect for holiday parties or as sweet gifts for friends. Get ready to embark on a flavor journey that promises to tickle your taste buds and warm your heart!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Eggnog Iced Sugar Cookies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy bakers.
- Their rich flavors will transport you straight to holiday bliss.
- The beautiful presentation makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table or gift box.
- These cookies are versatile enough to enjoy year-round, not just during the holidays!
Sharing these cookies at last year’s holiday party brought smiles and requests for the recipe from everyone who tasted them.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best for achieving tender cookies; sift it for lighter texture.
Baking Powder: Essential for giving your cookies that perfect rise and airy texture.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; make sure it’s softened.
Sugar: Granulated sugar creates sweetness while adding structure to the cookie dough.
Eggnog: The star ingredient! Use store-bought or homemade eggnog for rich flavor.
Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds warmth; it’s a classic holiday spice that elevates the cookie’s essence.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch brings cozy vibes and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for authentic taste; artificial won’t cut it!
Powdered Sugar: For glazing, this gives that sweet finish with a smooth texture.
Milk: Needed to thin out the icing; use any milk of your choice!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Eggnog Iced Sugar Cookies
Prepare Your Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in eggnog, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon—mix until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually whisk together flour and baking powder in another bowl. Slowly incorporate this mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! You want those cookies soft!
Shape Your Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your fingers—this helps create an even bake.
Bake Them Up: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let them cool on wire racks.
Create The Icing: While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies generously—feel free to make it pretty!
These Eggnog Iced Sugar Cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy while putting everyone in the mood for celebration! Enjoy each bite as they melt in your mouth—because who doesn’t need a little more sweetness during the holidays?
Content
Tip one: Use fresh nutmeg for a richer flavor in your eggnog icing. The aroma will transport you to a cozy cabin.
Tip two: Chill your dough before baking to prevent cookies from spreading too much. This keeps them thick and chewy, just like a hug!
Tip three: Decorate with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for that extra holiday cheer. It’s like giving the cookies their own little party hats!
You Must Know
- Eggnog Iced Sugar Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Their delightful taste and festive look make them a crowd-pleaser.
- Plus, making them is a family affair that creates warm memories in the kitchen.
- The blend of spices fills your home with holiday magic.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients separately, then incorporate into wet ingredients for even distribution. Chill the dough for an hour, then bake at 350°F until edges are lightly golden, ensuring a perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional sugar for brown sugar to add depth of flavor. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individually and place in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar; this helps achieve light and fluffy cookies.
- Always use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Taste test your eggnog before adding it; adjust sweetness as needed!
Making these cookies always brings back fond memories of my family gathering around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter while decorating our creations together.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought eggnog for the icing?
Absolutely, store-bought eggnog saves time and still tastes great on your cookies.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these treats without worries.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, simply sprinkle in more flour until it reaches the desired consistency before chilling it.
Eggnog Iced Sugar Cookies
Celebrate the holidays with Eggnog Iced Sugar Cookies, where each bite delivers a soft, buttery texture topped with a creamy eggnog glaze. Infused with nutmeg and cinnamon, these cookies evoke warm memories of family gatherings and cozy nights. Perfect for parties or as thoughtful gifts, these delightful treats promise to fill your home with sweet holiday cheer!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 3 tbsp milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Mix in eggnog, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool on wire racks.
- For the icing, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Chill the dough for an hour before baking to prevent spreading. Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair. Substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for added depth.
