Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats
Delightful eggnog-flavored cookies with a sweet filling, perfect for the holiday season.
These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a festive treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog with a delightful cookie base. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift, they are sure to bring joy to your celebrations!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Rich eggnog flavor that captures the essence of the holidays
- Soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth
- Adorable thumbprint design filled with sweet icing
A Holiday Treat to Cherish
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful fusion of festive flavors and comforting textures. These cookies embody the spirit of the holiday season with their rich eggnog essence, making them the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Each bite transports you to a cozy winter gathering, where the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air.
Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they also look incredibly charming. The adorable thumbprint design allows for a generous dollop of sweet icing, adding a decorative touch that enhances their appeal. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as a sweet gift, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
The ingredients in Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The combination of nutmeg and rum extract gives these cookies their distinctive holiday taste, while the soft, buttery texture ensures each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This balance of flavors makes them a standout choice among holiday treats.
The sweetness of the filling complements the cookies beautifully, providing a delightful contrast to the rich eggnog flavor. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa or a festive beverage, these cookies are a delightful indulgence that captures the essence of the season.
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly, it's crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Use the spoon and level method for flour to avoid dense cookies. Additionally, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars, resulting in a light and airy dough.
When shaping the cookies, be gentle when making the thumbprint indentation to maintain the structure. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make it easier to handle and help the cookies retain their shape while baking.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon rum extract
- Ground nutmeg for garnish
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, rum extract, and nutmeg, mixing well.
Shape and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and rum extract until smooth. Once the cookies are cooled, fill each thumbprint with the icing and sprinkle with ground nutmeg.
Allow the icing to set before serving.
Storing Your Cookies
To keep your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. If desired, you can refresh their flavor by warming them briefly in the oven before serving.
Customizing Your Cookies
One of the great things about Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies is their versatility. While the original recipe is delicious, you can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Consider using flavored chocolate, fruit preserves, or even caramel for a unique twist. These variations can elevate the cookies and add a personal touch to your holiday baking.
You can also experiment with different spices. While nutmeg is a classic choice, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger can enhance the holiday flavor profile even further. Let your creativity shine and create a cookie that reflects your unique taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different flavor of extract?
Yes, you can substitute the rum extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.
→ What can I use instead of butter?
You can use a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Delightful eggnog-flavored cookies with a sweet filling, perfect for the holiday season.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Sweet Treats
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon rum extract
- Ground nutmeg for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, rum extract, and nutmeg, mixing well. Gradually add the flour mixture until combined.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and rum extract until smooth. Once the cookies are cooled, fill each thumbprint with the icing and sprinkle with ground nutmeg.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g