Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a holiday treat that perfectly combines the rich, warm flavors of eggnog with the classic comfort of snickerdoodle cookies, then these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are the answer. The festive and spiced flavor of eggnog is perfectly matched with the soft, cinnamon-sugar-coated texture of snickerdoodle cookies, while the thumbprint allows for a delicious center of your favorite filling, creating a mouthwatering treat.

These cookies are a unique spin on two beloved holiday classics: snickerdoodle cookies and eggnog. By infusing the essence of eggnog into the dough and incorporating a thumbprint filled with a sweet, spiced filling, this dessert is the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter or a special treat for gatherings and celebrations. Whether you’re a fan of the nostalgic flavor of eggnog or simply looking for a fun twist on a beloved classic, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.

In this article, we will explore why these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, guide you through the step-by-step preparation, and provide helpful tips and variations to make these cookies your own. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a festive treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Flavorful: These cookies combine the warm spices of eggnog with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar crust of snickerdoodles, making them a festive and flavorful treat for the holiday season.
• A Twist on Two Favorites: By combining eggnog with snickerdoodle cookies and adding a thumbprint filling, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds in one cookie.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday party, cookie exchange, or family gathering. Their festive look and delicious flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds.
• Customizable: You can customize the thumbprint filling to your liking, whether you prefer jam, caramel, or a chocolate filling. You can also adjust the spices to match your flavor preferences.
• Great for Gift Giving: These cookies make an excellent homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season. Package them up in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful and delicious present.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (30 minutes for prep, 15 minutes for baking, 1 hour for chilling)
• Servings: This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your thumbprint and cookie dough balls.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 130, Protein: 1g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 6g.

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the dough and enhances flavor.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds the signature snickerdoodle flavor and a warm spice note.
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings the holiday-spiced eggnog flavor to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The fat that creates a tender and flavorful cookie dough.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough.
• 2 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture to the dough.
• ½ cup eggnog: The star ingredient that imparts the classic holiday flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional): Adds a hint of warmth to the dough.

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the outer crust of the cookie.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Combines with sugar to create the snickerdoodle crust.

Thumbprint Filling (Choose One of the Following):

• Jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot): A fruity, sweet filling that pairs beautifully with the spiced cookie dough.
• Caramel Sauce: A smooth, sweet filling that adds richness to each bite.
• Chocolate Ganache: A decadent chocolate filling that adds a creamy, luxurious touch.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE COOKIE DOUGH

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Eggnog: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the eggnog and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
5. Chill the Dough: Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE CINNAMON-SUGAR COATING

1. Mix Cinnamon and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed. Set aside for rolling the dough balls.

THIRD STEP: FORM THE COOKIES

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands.
3. Roll in Cinnamon-Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it thoroughly.
4. Make the Thumbprint: Place each cinnamon-sugar-coated dough ball onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Be sure not to press too hard; you want to create a well without breaking through the dough.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE COOKIES

1. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still be soft in the center but firm enough to hold their shape.
2. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FIFTH STEP: ADD THE FILLING

1. Fill the Thumbprints: Once the cookies have cooled, add your desired filling to each thumbprint. If you’re using jam, spoon a small amount into each indentation. For caramel sauce or chocolate ganache, use a teaspoon to fill the thumbprint with the creamy filling.
2. Serve and Enjoy: After filling the thumbprints, your Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They are perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa during the holiday season.

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some great ways to serve these festive cookies:

1. Holiday Cookie Platters

These cookies make an excellent addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their festive look and sweet, spiced flavor make them a favorite among guests. Serve them alongside other holiday treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and peppermint bark.

2. Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

Bring these cookies to your next holiday party or family gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s, these cookies will stand out as a unique and delicious treat.

3. As a Holiday Gift

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or box with a festive ribbon, and share them with family, friends, or coworkers.

4. Pair with a Hot Beverage

These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The warm, spiced flavor of the cookies complements the rich and comforting beverages perfectly.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as written, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Use Different Fillings

While jam, caramel, and chocolate ganache are classic fillings, you can experiment with other fillings like peanut butter, lemon curd, or even a spiced cream cheese filling for a unique twist.

2. Make it Dairy-Free

If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free eggnog substitute. Ensure your filling is also dairy-free by choosing an appropriate option.

3. Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Be sure to check that your eggnog and filling are also gluten-free.

4. Add Extra Spices

For an extra kick of holiday flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the dough. These spices will complement the eggnog and enhance the warmth of the cookies.

Freezing and Storage

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies store well, making them perfect for making ahead or keeping leftovers.

1. Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve filled them with jam or caramel, it’s best to eat them within a few days for the freshest flavor.

2. Freezing Cookies

To freeze unbaked dough, scoop the dough into balls, roll them in cinnamon-sugar, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store them in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any special equipment to make these cookies, but the following tools can help streamline the process:

• Electric Mixer: For easy creaming of the butter and sugar.
• Cookie Scoop: To easily portion out the dough into uniform balls.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe? Yes! You can use store-bought eggnog for convenience. Just make sure it’s the type that’s non-alcoholic for a family-friendly treat.
2. Can I skip the thumbprint step? Yes! If you prefer, you can make regular snickerdoodle cookies without the thumbprint, and they will still be delicious.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.
4. Can I freeze the dough before baking? Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before baking, then bake them directly from frozen. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are a festive, flavorful twist on two classic holiday favorites. The combination of spiced eggnog and cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle dough creates a warm and inviting treat, while the thumbprint allows for endless filling options to customize the cookies to your liking. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting treats, or simply indulging in a festive treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy in every bite!