Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup eggnog; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons eggnog; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Ground nutmeg for sprinkling

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

Delight in the festive flavors of these Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-01T21:45:44.768Z

These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies bring the essence of the holiday season right to your kitchen. Their rich, buttery flavor is enhanced by a hint of nutmeg and a sweet eggnog filling, making them a delightful treat for both family and friends. Perfect for cookie exchanges or simply as a festive snack, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Rich eggnog flavor with warm spices
Soft and buttery texture that melts in your mouth
Adorable thumbprint design filled with sweet frosting

      

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. These cookies bring together the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog with the warmth of spices, creating a treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Their charming thumbprint design is not only eye-catching but also allows for a generous dollop of sweet frosting, making each bite a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to indulge in a seasonal treat, these cookies are sure to impress. They are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a great choice for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the unique flavor profile of eggnog will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly, it’s important to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help with precision, especially when measuring flour. Additionally, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar, which contributes to the light and fluffy texture of the cookies.

When rolling the dough into balls, try to keep them uniform in size for even baking. If you find the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping. This will make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them a convenient treat to have on hand during the holidays. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Just roll them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag for later use. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw and follow the instructions for baking.

For a unique serving suggestion, consider pairing these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea or a festive holiday drink. The combination of flavors will elevate your holiday dessert table and impress your guests, making your gathering even more memorable.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

For the Filling

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons eggnog
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ground nutmeg for sprinkling

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and eggnog. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your thumb to make an indent in the center of each cookie.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Prepare the Filling

While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Fill each thumbprint with the eggnog filling and sprinkle with ground nutmeg.

Let the cookies set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Why Eggnog?

Eggnog is a beloved seasonal beverage, rich and creamy with hints of nutmeg and vanilla. Using eggnog in baking not only imparts its delicious flavor, but also adds moisture, resulting in soft, tender cookies. The warm spices typically associated with eggnog, such as nutmeg and cinnamon, complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Incorporating eggnog into your recipes during the holiday season is a wonderful way to embrace tradition while adding a twist to your favorite treats. These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a perfect example of how this classic drink can transform a simple cookie into a festive delight.

Variations to Try

While the classic eggnog flavor is undeniably appealing, you can also experiment with different fillings for your thumbprint cookies. Consider trying a spiced rum frosting or a cranberry-orange glaze for a tangy contrast to the sweetness. These variations can provide a delightful surprise for those who enjoy trying new flavor combinations.

Another fun twist is to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor. Almonds or pecans would complement the eggnog beautifully, while chocolate chips can introduce a sweet richness that balances the spices.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly for this recipe.

→ How should I store the 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 baked cookies without the filling. Thaw and fill before serving.

→ What can I substitute for the eggnog?

You can use milk or a non-dairy alternative, but the flavor will differ.