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

Scale

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

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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