Every holiday season, I find myself drawn to comforting flavors that instantly bring warmth and nostalgia. One of those flavors is eggnog. Its creamy sweetness, lightly spiced with nutmeg, has always been part of my family gatherings. A few years ago, while baking a batch of classic snickerdoodles, I wondered what would happen if I combined them with the essence of eggnog. The result was a delightful twist on the traditional cookie – soft, chewy, and filled with that familiar festive taste. Since then, these Eggnog Snickerdoodles have become a beloved part of my holiday baking. They carry the charm of tradition while adding something new, making them perfect for sharing with friends, neighbors, and family during the season.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe because it balances familiarity with excitement. Snickerdoodles are already a household favorite, known for their soft texture and signature cinnamon sugar coating. When paired with the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog, they transform into a treat that feels indulgent yet comforting. Every bite delivers a burst of holiday cheer, making them a wonderful cookie to bake throughout the season. These cookies also stay soft for days, which means you can prepare them ahead for gatherings or gift boxes.

Versatile

Eggnog Snickerdoodles are versatile enough to suit different occasions. They work beautifully for holiday cookie exchanges, but they are just as fitting for a cozy evening at home with a warm drink. You can enjoy them plain, pack them into festive tins for gifts, or serve them alongside hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. For a special touch, you can even sandwich them with a cream filling to create eggnog-inspired whoopie pies. Their adaptability makes them more than just a holiday recipe – they can be enjoyed in countless ways.

Affordable

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly. The ingredients are simple, common, and easy to find in any grocery store. Since the recipe relies on pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and spices, you can prepare them without making a big investment. Even the eggnog, which gives them their distinctive flavor, is inexpensive during the holiday season. This makes Eggnog Snickerdoodles an affordable way to create something truly special, whether you’re baking for your family or making large batches for holiday gifts.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup eggnog

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for rolling)

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Making Eggnog Snickerdoodles is a simple process that combines classic baking techniques with the warm flavors of eggnog and nutmeg. By following these steps carefully, you will end up with soft, chewy cookies that carry the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Begin by measuring out the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg into a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps the cookies rise properly and keeps the flavor balanced in every bite. Set the bowl aside for later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which gives the cookies their soft, tender texture. Take your time with this step, as proper creaming will make a noticeable difference.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Eggnog, and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are well creamed, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in the eggnog and add the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until everything is well combined. At this stage, the dough will be slightly creamy and aromatic, carrying the familiar scent of nutmeg and vanilla.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix slowly, using a wooden spoon or the lowest setting of your mixer. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Stir until no streaks of flour remain and the dough looks smooth and soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is a key step, as it makes it easier to roll and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 6: Prepare the Rolling Mixture

While the dough chills, prepare the rolling mixture. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This spiced coating is what gives snickerdoodles their signature crackled appearance and warm flavor.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out small portions, about one tablespoon each, and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each ball generously in the cinnamon-sugar-nutmeg mixture until fully coated. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Do not overbake, as snickerdoodles continue to cook on the sheet after being removed from the oven. This ensures they stay soft and chewy inside.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, the cookies will have a perfect chewy center and a lightly crisp exterior. Serve them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even more eggnog for the ultimate holiday treat.

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Quick and Easy

Despite their impressive flavor, these Eggnog Snickerdoodles are surprisingly quick and easy to make. The ingredients are straightforward, the steps are simple, and the chilling time is short compared to many cookie recipes. You can prepare and bake them in under an hour, making them an ideal choice when you want something festive without spending the whole day in the kitchen.

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Customizable

This recipe is also very flexible. If you want a stronger nutmeg flavor, you can add an extra pinch to the dough. For those who prefer a creamier taste, drizzle a light eggnog glaze over the cooled cookies. You can also try sandwiching them with a vanilla or cream cheese filling for a more decadent dessert. If you like softer cookies, bake them on the lower end of the time range; for a crispier edge, leave them in the oven for an extra minute or two.

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Popular With Many People

Eggnog Snickerdoodles are always a crowd-pleaser. Their festive flavor makes them a hit at holiday parties, but they’re also popular as a homemade gift. When I include them in cookie boxes or trays, they are often the first to disappear. Children love their soft and chewy texture, while adults enjoy the nostalgic eggnog twist. No matter the occasion, these cookies bring joy to everyone who tries them.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought eggnog or homemade eggnog for this recipe?
A: Yes, both work perfectly. Store-bought eggnog provides convenience, while homemade eggnog adds a richer, fresher flavor. Either option will create soft, flavorful cookies.

Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for planning holiday baking in advance.

Q: Can I adjust the spices?
A: Yes, you can customize the nutmeg and cinnamon levels to suit your taste. For a stronger holiday flavor, add a bit more nutmeg or even a hint of allspice.

Q: Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
A: Yes, you can adjust the size as needed. Just remember that smaller cookies will bake faster, and larger cookies may need an extra minute or two in the oven.

Q: Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
A: Definitely. They travel well and look festive when placed in tins or gift boxes, making them a great choice for holiday presents.

Q: Can I substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative?
A: Yes, you can use vegan butter or margarine. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly differ, but the cookies will still be delicious.