Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, combining the rich flavors of eggnog with the familiar warmth of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are soft, chewy and boast a unique festive flair. With a hint of rum extract, they provide a cozy sensation that is sure to warm your heart, making them the ultimate treat to share with family and friends.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 120
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 80 mg

Why Make This Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles offer a delightful marriage of flavors that evoke the spirit of the holidays. The combination of eggnog flavoring, sugar, and spices creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and invites everyone to celebrate together. Not only do they satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also make for an impressive gift or festive addition to any holiday cookie platter. They’re easy to make, requiring simple ingredients, making them a great choice for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.

How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Making Eggnog Snickerdoodles is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to create these delectable cookies that are perfect for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon rum extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and properly.

• Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

  In a bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside as the dry ingredients for the cookie dough.

• Step 3: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

  In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process adds air to your cookies, giving them a wonderful texture.

• Step 4: Incorporating Wet Ingredients

  Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of rum extract until everything is well combined. The rum extract will enhance the eggnog flavor, making your cookies extra special.

• Step 5: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients

  Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

• Step 6: Rolling in Powdered Sugar

  Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

• Step 7: Baking

  Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underdone—that’s perfect for achieving a soft cookie.

• Step 8: Cooling

  Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up and enhances their chewy texture.

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These Eggnog Snickerdoodles are perfect on their own, but they shine even brighter when served alongside a glass of cold eggnog or warm apple cider. For a festive touch, consider arranging them on a decorative plate and tying them with a ribbon as an edible gift.

How to Store Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Store your Eggnog Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container before placing them in the freezer.

Expert Tips for Perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough; it can help improve the texture.
• For a fun twist, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for additional holiday flavor.
• Adjust the amount of rum extract according to your taste preference.

Delicious Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in some white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a rich taste.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This can also enhance the flavors.

• What can I use instead of rum extract?
  If you prefer not to use rum extract, you can substitute it with additional vanilla extract or even a dash of maple syrup for a different flavor.

• Why are my cookies flat?
  Flat cookies may result from softened butter or not enough flour. Be sure to measure your flour accurately, using the spoon and level method.

• Can I use salted butter?
  Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to reduce the additional salt in the recipe to maintain balance.

• How do I know when my cookies are done?
  Look for a golden edge and a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Eggnog Snickerdoodles are a delightful and festive treat that brings a holiday cheer to any gathering. Each cookie is soft, chewy, and seasoned with the flavors of eggnog and cinnamon, making them irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. So gather your ingredients and start baking; the delight of fresh-baked cookies is just a few steps away!