Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup eggnog; 1 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp butter, softened; 1-2 tbsp eggnog; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies. Soft and chewy, these festive cookies are infused with the warm flavors of eggnog and topped with a sweet frosting, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Simple to make and irresistibly tasty, they capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2025-12-08T17:18:44.506Z

There's something magical about holiday cookies, and these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies bring that magic to life. With the comforting taste of eggnog, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle.

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are an excellent way to usher in the holiday season, infusing your gatherings with delightful flavors reminiscent of festive celebrations. These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also an exciting visual addition to any cookie platter. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the sweet frosting brings an irresistible charm that is sure to please guests of all ages.

These cookies beautifully embody the spirit of Christmas through their heartwarming flavors, featuring the warm, creamy essence of eggnog complemented by the aromatic spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. They are perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet gift to loved ones, dressed up in festive packaging that showcases their seasonal appeal.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly every time, make sure to accurately measure your ingredients, especially the flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge, avoiding the temptation to scoop directly from the bag, which can lead to dense cookies. Another critical step is allowing your butter to soften adequately; this contributes to the cookies' light, fluffy texture.

When forming the cookie dough, remember to space them appropriately on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and spreading. It's important to keep an eye on the baking time, as each oven can vary. Look for lightly golden edges to determine when they're done; remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Frosting Variations

While the sweet frosting perfectly complements the flavor of the Eggnog Snickerdoodle cookies, feel free to experiment with flavors! Consider adding a hint of eggnog spice to the frosting for a stronger flavor connection or switch out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique twist. You could even fold in crushed peppermint or mini chocolate chips for an extra festive flair that will surprise and delight friends and family.

Additionally, if you're looking for a lighter version of the frosting, consider substituting cream cheese for butter in the recipe. This creates a creamier spread that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the cookies while retaining that delightful sweetness needed to highlight each bite.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup eggnog
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp butter, softened
1-2 tbsp eggnog
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Mix together until smooth.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Incorporate Eggnog

Stir in the eggnog until the mixture is smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Form Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Create Thumbprints

Using your thumb, make an indent in the center of each cookie.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Frost

Let the cookies cool before adding the frosting on top of each thumbprint.

Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Storing Your Cookies

To maintain the freshness of your Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but you'll find they may not last that long because they are likely to disappear quickly! If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed bag or container for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours for the best texture. You can also warm them briefly in the oven if you prefer them to be fresh out of the oven.

Pairing Suggestions

These delightful cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or your favorite holiday-themed beverage. Consider complementing their flavors with a spiced chai latte or a warm eggnog, which enhances the creamy undertones in the cookie. Their delicious taste also fits wonderfully with a simple glass of milk, making them a perfect treat for all ages.

For a festive gathering, arrange these cookies alongside other holiday goodies like sugar cookies and peppermint bark to create an inviting dessert table. The variety of flavors and textures will not only appeal to your guests but also enhance the festive spirit of your celebrations.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add different flavors to the cookies?

Yes, you can experiment with different spices or extracts to customize the flavor.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.