Best Eggnog Snickerdoodles: Cozy Twist on a Classic

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📊Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (includes chilling)
Servings: 36 cookies
Diet Type: Vegetarian
Cuisine: American

If you love the warm spice of snickerdoodles and the creamy sweetness of eggnog, you’re going to fall in love with these cookies.

Eggnog snickerdoodles take a holiday favorite and give it a festive twist. They’re soft, chewy, and coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.

You’ll taste the cozy flavor of eggnog in every bite. They’re simple to make and fill your kitchen with the most amazing holiday aroma.

Whether you’re baking for a party or just for fun, these cookies will instantly put you in the festive spirit.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Authentic eggnog flavor infused throughout the dough without any alcohol.
Dual spicing technique using both cinnamon and nutmeg for depth.
Perfectly soft texture that stays tender for days thanks to the eggnog.
Make-ahead friendly dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days before baking.
Simple ingredient list with pantry staples and no specialized equipment needed.
Festive presentation with optional eggnog glaze for extra holiday appeal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup eggnog
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Coating:

1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons eggnog
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools to Use

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Large mixing bowls
Medium mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Cookie scoop (2 tablespoon size)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Wire cooling rack
Plastic wrap
Piping bag or spoon (for glaze)

How to Make the Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Step-1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set them aside.

This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily.

Step-2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar together. Mix on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes.

The mixture should become light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.

Step-3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.

The extra egg yolk adds richness and reinforces the eggnog character.

Step-4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Whisk thoroughly to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly. This prevents clumping in your final dough.

Step-5: Mix the Dough

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions. Alternate with splashes of eggnog.

Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Do not overmix or your cookies will become tough.

Step-6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.

Chilling prevents excessive spreading during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step-7: Prepare the Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.

The nutmeg coating distinguishes these from traditional snickerdoodles.

Step-8: Shape the Cookies

Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the chilled dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.

If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for another 15 minutes.

Step-9: Coat the Dough Balls

Roll each dough ball generously in the cinnamon-nutmeg sugar mixture.

Ensure complete coverage for the signature snickerdoodle appearance. Place the coated balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step-10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked.

This is perfect. They will continue to set as they cool. Do not overbake or they will become dry.

Step-11: Cool the Cookies

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them carefully to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before glazing or storing. This cooling time ensures the proper texture develops.

Step-12: Make the Optional Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons eggnog, and vanilla extract.

Add more eggnog one teaspoon at a time until you reach a drizzling consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Step-13: Decorate and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies using a piping bag or spoon. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

The glaze adds an extra layer of eggnog flavor and festive appearance.

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Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 cookie without glaze):

Calories: 104
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sodium: 76mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture and easier mixing.
Measure flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling off.
Do not skip the chilling step as it prevents flat, greasy cookies.
Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor, especially nutmeg.
Check cookies early as oven temperatures vary and overbaking ruins the texture.
Store properly in an airtight container to maintain softness for up to 5 days.
Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months for quick future batches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the cream of tartar which gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and texture.
Using cold butter that creates lumpy dough and dense cookies.
Overmixing the dough after adding flour which develops too much gluten.
Not chilling the dough resulting in flat, spread-out cookies that lack structure.
Baking at the wrong temperature causing either raw centers or overdone edges.
Using old baking soda that has lost its leavening power.
Crowding the baking sheet preventing proper air circulation and even baking.

Creative Serving Ideas

Cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
Ice cream sandwiches using vanilla or cinnamon ice cream as filling.
Crumbled topping over hot chocolate, coffee drinks, or holiday desserts.
Gift boxes arranged in festive tins with tissue paper for holiday presents.
Dessert platter alongside gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark.
Dunking companions served warm with hot eggnog or spiced apple cider.
Breakfast treats paired with morning coffee during the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Cookies Without Eggnog?

Yes, you can substitute the eggnog with whole milk mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

The flavor will be milder but still delicious. This substitution works in a pinch.

How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

They actually stay softer longer than regular cookies due to the eggnog. Keep them away from direct sunlight.

Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?

Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why Is Cream of Tartar Important?

Cream of tartar is essential for authentic snickerdoodles. It provides the characteristic tangy flavor, helps create a chewy texture, and prevents the cookies from browning too quickly.

Can I Use Low-Fat Eggnog?

Full-fat eggnog works best for the richest flavor and proper texture.

Low-fat versions may cause the cookies to spread more during baking. Stick with regular eggnog for best results.

Do I Have to Use the Glaze?

The glaze is completely optional. The cookies are delicious on their own with just the cinnamon-nutmeg sugar coating.

Add it only if you want extra sweetness.

What If My Dough Is Too Sticky to Roll?

Chill the dough for an additional 15-30 minutes. You can also lightly dust your hands with flour when shaping the balls.

Cold dough is easier to handle.

Can I Add Other Spices?

Yes, a pinch of cardamom or ginger complements the eggnog flavor beautifully.

Add them to the dry ingredients in small amounts. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Why Did My Cookies Turn Out Flat?

This usually happens when the dough is not chilled long enough or if the butter was too soft.

Always chill for at least 1 hour. Proper chilling is crucial for thickness.

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes, baked cookies stay fresh for 5 days in an airtight container.

Unbaked dough can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 3 months. This makes them perfect for holiday prep.