Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Creamy Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Baking delightful eggnog snickerdoodle thumbprint cookies brings festive cheer to any kitchen gathering.

Warm spices and creamy notes dance through this delectable treat.

Sweet aromas will fill your home with holiday magic.

Soft, pillowy cookies cradle a rich center that melts deliciously.

Delicate edges offer a crisp contrast to the smooth filling.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of cozy winter celebrations.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible seasonal delights.

Tasty Matches For Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

  • Savor Eggnog Elegance: Holiday Drink and Food Pairings
  • Warmly Spiced Mulled Wine: Rich, cinnamon-infused red wine complements the cookie's warm spices, creating a cozy holiday flavor harmony that dances on your palate.
  • Create a Classic Milk Pairing: Cold, creamy whole milk balances the cookie's sweet eggnog notes, cutting through the richness and enhancing the delicate nutmeg undertones.
  • Craft Caramel Affogato Moments: Drizzle a shot of smooth caramel espresso over the cookie, letting the coffee's warmth melt the white chocolate and intensify the cookie's festive character.

How To Store Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

  • Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Reheating Refrigerated Cookies: Warm cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore softness and bring back their original texture.
  • Counter Storage: Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies FAQ

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

  • How do I prevent the thumbprint from closing during baking?

Create a deep indent using your thumb or the back of a spoon, and gently press again right after removing the cookies from the oven to maintain the shape.

  • What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?

You can fill the thumbprint with caramel, jam, or even a dollop of eggnog-flavored buttercream for variety. Choose something that complements the warm spices in the cookie.

Why Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies Are So Fun

  • Craft Holiday Magic: Transform traditional snickerdoodles into a festive treat that captures the warm, cozy essence of the holiday season with a delightful eggnog twist.
  • Master Simple Baking Skills: Designed for bakers of all levels, this recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfectly sized cookies with a sweet white chocolate center make these treats irresistible for family gatherings, potlucks, and cookie exchanges.
  • Quick Kitchen Adventure: Requires minimal preparation and baking, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor characteristic of snickerdoodle cookies.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Contributes a rich, aromatic taste that complements the eggnog flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, tender base for the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
  • Eggnog: Brings a festive, creamy flavor to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Coating and Topping:
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Provides a sweet, spicy exterior coating for the cookies.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Offers an optional creamy, sweet topping for extra indulgence.

How To Make Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Set this magical mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, whip the butter and granulated sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like texture.

This takes about 3 minutes of serious mixing action.

Step 4: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg, pour the eggnog, and splash in vanilla extract.

Mix until everything becomes best friends and combines completely.

Step 5: Merge Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient blend to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into adorable 1-inch balls.

Give them a luxurious bath in cinnamon sugar coating.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Place the sugary dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them personal space.

Step 8: Create Cookie Dimples

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a cute little indent in the center of each cookie.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Send the cookies into the oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for light golden edges as your signal they’re ready.

Step 10: Add Final Touches

Fresh out of the oven, gently press white chocolate chips into the warm cookie centers if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies chill on a wire rack until they’re ready to be devoured.

Enjoy your festive treat!

Tips That Help With Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

  • Ensure flour is properly measured using the spoon and level method to prevent dense, dry cookies.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to help maintain cookie shape and prevent spreading.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Gently press thumbprint indentations to avoid cracking the delicate cookie surface.
  • For dairy-free option, substitute eggnog with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter alternative.

Fun Ideas For Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

  • Holiday Rum Splash: Replace eggnog with rum-infused eggnog for a more festive adult-friendly cookie with deeper, richer flavor notes.
  • Maple Pecan Crunch: Swap white chocolate chips with chopped pecans and drizzle maple glaze over cookies for a nutty, caramel-like finish.
  • Gingerbread Fusion: Mix ground ginger and molasses into the dough, then fill thumbprint centers with cream cheese frosting for a warm, spiced cookie experience.
  • Orange Zest Elegance: Add fresh orange zest to the dough and fill thumbprints with orange marmalade for a bright, citrusy transformation of the classic recipe.
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Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive holiday spirit mingles with classic eggnog snickerdoodle thumbprint cookies, creating a delightful seasonal treat that blends warm cinnamon and creamy eggnog flavors. Christmas cookie lovers will savor each sweet, spiced bite of this irresistible dessert that delivers comfort and joy in every crumbly, delectable morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups (281.25 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) eggnog

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Optional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) cinnamon sugar (for rolling)
  • 1/4 cup (42 grams) white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
  3. Cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
  4. Incorporate egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and well integrated.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a consistent dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, rolling each ball generously in cinnamon sugar coating.
  7. Arrange cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining about 2 inches of spacing between each to allow for spreading.
  8. Create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the rounded back of a spoon.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for edges to turn a delicate golden brown and centers to look slightly set.
  10. While cookies are still warm, optionally press white chocolate chips into the center of each thumbprint.
  11. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
  • Experiment with dairy-free eggnog or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version of the cookies.
  • Use a small measuring spoon or the back of a clean cork to create uniform thumbprints without cracking the cookie surface.
  • If white chocolate isn’t preferred, swap with caramel drops or festive sprinkles for added flavor and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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