Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Holiday Favorite Made Easy

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies bring together the soft, chewy texture of classic snickerdoodles and the warm, festive flavors of eggnog.

Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of rum extract, these cookies are the perfect treat for holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or simply craving a seasonal dessert, these cookies deliver big holiday vibes in every bite.

Here’s how to easily make them at home!

What Are Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Snickerdoodle cookies are soft, chewy cookies known for their signature cinnamon-sugar coating and slight tanginess from cream of tartar.

Traditionally, they are simple yet flavorful, making them a favorite for cookie lovers of all ages.

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies take this classic recipe and give it a festive twist by incorporating the rich, warm flavors of eggnog.

Ground nutmeg and rum extract are added to mimic the distinctive taste of eggnog, elevating the cookies with a holiday-inspired flair.

These additions create a cozy, spiced aroma and flavor that make them the perfect treat for the season.

Ingredients Needed

To make Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies, you’ll need a mix of dry, wet, and rolling ingredients, along with an optional glaze for an extra festive touch.

Here’s the full breakdown:

Dry Ingredients

• 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon rum extract (or substitute with 1 tablespoon real rum)
• 1/3 cup eggnog

For Rolling

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Then, mix in the vanilla extract and rum extract, which give the cookies their rich, festive flavor.

Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt—into the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Finally, stir in the eggnog, which will create a smooth, slightly sticky dough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Once the dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.

This step is crucial to firm up the dough, prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, and enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Rolling Mixture

In a small bowl, prepare the coating mixture by combining 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

This spiced sugar mixture will create the signature coating for the cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.

Roll the dough into balls using your hands.

Then, roll each ball in the prepared sugar-spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 6: Bake

Place the coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.

Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cookies dry.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Optional Glaze

For an extra festive touch, prepare the glaze.

In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup eggnog, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.

Let the glaze set before serving.

Tips for Best Results

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is a step you shouldn’t skip.

It helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape into balls.

More importantly, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, which helps them maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Chilling also enhances the flavor by allowing the spices and extracts to meld into the dough.

A minimum of 30 minutes is recommended, but chilling for up to an hour will yield even better results.

Measuring Flour

Accurate flour measurement is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture.

Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry, while too little can cause them to spread excessively.

The best method is to use the spoon-and-level technique.

Scoop the flour into your measuring cup with a spoon, then level it off with a straight edge, such as a knife.

Avoid packing the flour or scooping directly from the bag, as this can lead to over-measuring.

Fresh Spices

For the most vibrant flavor, opt for freshly ground nutmeg rather than pre-ground.

Fresh nutmeg has a stronger, warmer taste that complements the eggnog and cinnamon in the recipe.

You can grate whole nutmeg using a fine grater or microplane.

This small step makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor of the cookies.

Storage

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

This method prevents the cookies from sticking together.

Frozen cookies can be kept for up to three months.

Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste as good as freshly baked.

Variations

Boozy Twist

For an adult-friendly version of these cookies, add a tablespoon of dark rum to the dough.

The rum enhances the festive eggnog flavor, giving the cookies a slightly boozy kick that pairs perfectly with the spices.

If using real rum, reduce the eggnog by a tablespoon to keep the dough balanced.

Glaze Alternatives

If you’re looking for a different finish, swap the eggnog glaze for melted white chocolate.

Dip half of each cooled cookie into the white chocolate, then let them set on a parchment-lined tray.

This not only adds a rich, creamy layer of flavor but also creates a visually appealing two-tone effect.

You can even sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg onto the white chocolate before it hardens for an extra festive touch.

Spice Mix

For a deeper, spicier flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dough.

Cloves bring a bold, aromatic warmth, while allspice adds a subtle hint of sweetness and complexity.

These additional spices blend beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg, making the cookies even more flavorful and unique.

Start with just a small pinch, as these spices can be strong, and adjust to taste if needed.

Conclusion

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season.

Their warm spices and soft texture make them perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Give this recipe a try and bring some holiday cheer to your kitchen.

Don’t forget to share your results or any creative twists you tried in the comments!

FAQ’s

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance for convenience.

Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

To freeze, shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

What can I use if I don’t have rum extract?

If you don’t have rum extract, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a milder flavor.

For a more authentic eggnog-inspired taste, use real rum instead, adjusting the amount of eggnog slightly to maintain the correct dough consistency.

Do I need to use cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar is essential for creating the tangy flavor and chewy texture that snickerdoodles are known for.

If you don’t have it, you can substitute an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, which will achieve a similar result.

However, the cookies may have a slightly different flavor profile.