If you’re looking to elevate your cookie game this holiday season, the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute treasure. These soft, tender cookies capture the warm, festive flavors of classic eggnog with the perfect hint of spice, creating a delightful treat that melts effortlessly on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or just indulging in a cozy night in, these cookies bring the essence of seasonal joy in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and festive aroma of our Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for chewy, soft cookie structure.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay tender without getting cakey.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the eggnog’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings that unmistakable warm, holiday spice note.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and ensures the cookies stay delightfully soft.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a slight crispness on the edges.
- ½ cup eggnog: The star ingredient infusing creamy, festive flavor into every bite.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds moisture and richness for a dense, tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon rum extract (optional): Gives a subtle holiday kick reminiscent of traditional eggnog.
- Extra nutmeg or cinnamon sugar for sprinkling: Adds a pretty, aromatic finishing touch.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. This blend ensures your cookies get evenly spiced and tender from the very start.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is a critical step in creating cookies with that coveted melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Liquids for Flavor and Moisture
Next, mix in the eggnog, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and rum extract if you’re using it. Blend until smooth and creamy—this combination is what gives these cookies their unique festive flair and tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine the Dough
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so take care to combine gently for the perfect soft bite.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. For a touch of extra festive sparkle, sprinkle the tops with additional nutmeg or cinnamon sugar before popping them into the oven.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn a delicate golden color while the centers remain set but soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps maintain their tender texture.
How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
An extra sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon sugar just before serving adds a wonderful aroma and festive charm. For a truly decadent touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of eggnog to echo the beautiful flavors within.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or—naturally—a cold glass of eggnog to echo and enhance their holiday spirit. They also serve as a sweet complement alongside a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a fun contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, try stacking the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe with small sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly leaves for a festive look. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a creamy spread of vanilla or cinnamon buttercream, turning them into elegant little desserts that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay beautifully soft and flavorful for several days, making them perfect for baking ahead for parties or simple enjoyment throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or as shaped dough balls. When freezing dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Baked cookies freeze well too—just thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to freshly baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or microwave briefly for a few seconds. This gentle reheating revives their softness and comforting aromas perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the eggnog in this recipe?
While eggnog is key for that signature flavor, if you’re out, you can substitute with milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg and vanilla extract. Just know it won’t be quite the same festive experience but still delicious!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, you’ll need to use a trusted gluten-free flour blend, preferably one designed for baking to ensure good texture.
Can I add frosting or decorations to these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are a fabulous canvas for festive frosting, glazes, or sprinkles. A simple eggnog glaze enhances their flavor, but you can also use cream cheese frosting or even dip them in melted white chocolate for extra indulgence.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies keep their softness for up to 5 days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to preserve their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
What makes these cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
The addition of eggnog, nutmeg, and optional rum extract infuses these cookies with a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays, paired with a tender, soft texture that really defines them as a special seasonal treat.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s a heartfelt invitation to welcome the most cherished holiday flavors into your home—simple to create and impossible to resist. Whether it’s your first time baking these or your hundredth, they’ll never fail to bring smiles and sweet warmth to any occasion. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of holiday magic that truly melts in your mouth.
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic festive flavors with these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Soft, buttery, and subtly spiced with nutmeg, these delightful cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring the creamy richness of eggnog and a hint of vanilla and rum extracts, they offer a tender texture that melts away with every bite. Easy to make and decorated with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon sugar, they bring joy to any cookie platter or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup eggnog
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon rum extract (optional)
Toppings
- Extra nutmeg or cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well incorporated; this will distribute the leavening and spice evenly throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes and helps to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggnog, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and rum extract (if using) to the creamed butter and sugar until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Form and Sprinkle Dough: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with extra nutmeg or cinnamon sugar for added flavor and festive appearance.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cookies set properly and maintain their tender texture.
Notes
- For a festive twist, drizzle the cooled cookies with an eggnog glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with eggnog for added sweetness and moisture.
- These cookies remain soft when stored in an airtight container for several days, making them perfect for holiday gifting or parties.
- They freeze well for up to 2 months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
