Imagine biting into a cookie so soft, so perfectly spiced, that it instantly transports you to a cozy winter evening by the fireplace. These Soft Eggnog Sugar Cookies are not just another holiday recipe – they're a magical experience that combines the rich, creamy essence of eggnog with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a holiday cooking novice, these cookies are about to become your new festive obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Then mix in the eggnog and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingertips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with an eggnog glaze for extra festive decoration.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better cookie texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes, which ensures even baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
- Optional Enhancements: For an extra festive touch, try dusting with powdered sugar or creating a simple eggnog glaze to drizzle on top.
- Storage Secret: Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, delectable texture for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for 1-2 days before baking for even more convenience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
