Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these eggnog cookies! The moment you take a bite, you’re transported to a cozy holiday gathering, where the warmth of spices and sweetness just fills the air. These soft, pillowy cookies have the delightful flavor of classic eggnog, complete with hints of nutmeg and vanilla. What really takes them over the top is the rich cream cheese frosting – it’s like a fluffy cloud of decadence that pairs perfectly with every cookie. Trust me, once you bring these to a holiday party, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe! The best part? They’re super simple to whip up, making them perfect for even the busiest holiday schedules. So, are you ready to dive into this ultimate holiday treat? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything you need for these delightful eggnog cookies! Here’s what you’ll want:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, giving them structure and that perfect bite.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming – this adds richness!
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: This gives the cookies their deep flavor and lovely chewiness.
- 1 large egg: It helps bind everything together and adds moisture.
- 1/4 cup eggnog: The star of the show! This adds that signature holiday flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A dash of this enhances the sweetness and complements the eggnog beautifully.
Now for the luscious frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is what makes the frosting creamy and rich.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Just like in the cookies, this adds that lovely buttery flavor.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: For sweetness and that fluffy texture we all adore in frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Again, this helps tie all the flavors together!
That’s it! Simple yet oh-so-delicious ingredients to make your holiday baking truly special.
How to Prepare Eggnog Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and delicious. While the oven warms up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Mixing the Cookie Dough
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined. Once those wet ingredients are mixed in, gradually add in the flour, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to be tender and soft, not tough!
Baking the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want the edges to be lightly golden but the centers should still look soft. A little trick? They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting! In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s beautifully smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all fluffy and wonderfully spreadable. If the frosting feels too thick, you can add a splash of milk to get it to your desired consistency. It should be light and creamy, just like a cloud!
Frosting the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Spread a generous layer of that dreamy frosting on each cookie. You can use a knife or a spatula for this part. If you’re feeling fancy, try piping the frosting for a beautiful finish. Enjoy every bite of those festive treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla creates a warm, festive taste that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are pillowy soft with a delightful chew, making them absolutely addictive!
- Simple to Make: With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich, creamy frosting elevates these cookies to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with family and friends.
Tips for Success
To make sure your eggnog cookies and cream cheese frosting turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I absolutely swear by:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This helps achieve that smooth, creamy texture in both the cookies and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your flour with the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies – we want them soft and tender!
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and keeps it looking beautiful.
- Experiment with Spices: If you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the frosting for an extra festive touch!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your eggnog cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week – if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them warm later on, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might become a bit tough! For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional information for these eggnog cookies with cream cheese frosting can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values provided are estimates and should be treated as general guidelines. Always check individual ingredients for more accurate information!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought eggnog for these cookies?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s a good quality eggnog to really enhance that holiday flavor!
Q2: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a one-to-one blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results.
Q3: What’s the best way to frost these cookies?
I love using a spatula for a simple spread, but if you want a more polished look, piping the cream cheese frosting with a decorative tip adds a lovely touch!
Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Of course! Chocolate chips would add a delicious twist. Just fold in about a cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips after mixing in the flour.
Q5: How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious – if they last that long!
Eggnog Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting on cooled cookies and enjoy!