As the winter chill sets in and the festive season beckons, there’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Just the thought of Eggnog Cutout Cookies brings a smile to my face, reminding me of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, decorating cookies while sipping on rich, spiced eggnog. This delightful recipe is a beautiful twist on traditional holiday flavors, combining warm nutmeg and cinnamon with the creamy sweetness of eggnog and a hint of rum.
Even better, these cookies are incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for those busy days when you want something special without spending all your time in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing for a cookie exchange, or simply indulging in a sweet treat yourself, these Eggnog Cutout Cookies are bound to impress. Let’s dive into this simple yet elegant recipe that promises to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
Why are Eggnog Cutout Cookies a Must-Make?
Irresistible flavor: The delightful mix of eggnog, nutmeg, and a hint of rum makes each bite a festive celebration.
Easy to make: Even with a few simple steps, these cookies come together in no time, perfect for busy bakers!
Creative fun: Decorate them with icing and sprinkles to unleash your holiday spirit while involving the whole family.
Versatile shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun designs for holiday gatherings or parties, adding a personal touch.
Crowd-pleaser: These cookies are guaranteed to wow your guests and make your holiday celebrations even sweeter.
Eggnog Cutout Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake some festive magic!
For the Cookie Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – A staple for stability in your cookie dough.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cookies rise to a delightful softness.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds that signature eggnog warmth to each bite.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Enhances the cookies’ cozy, holiday flavor.
- 2 cups white sugar – Sweetens the treat perfectly for a holiday indulgence.
- ¾ cup butter, softened – Ensures your cookies come out tender and rich.
- 2 eggs – Binds everything together and adds moisture to the dough.
- ¼ cup eggnog – Infuses a delicious creaminess and festive taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A classic flavor that complements the eggnog beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon rum extract – Enhances that traditional holiday spirit without the alcohol!
For the Icing
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup – Creates a glossy finish for your cookie decorations.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to your icing flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon rum extract – Ties in perfectly with the eggnog theme.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Offers a delightful hint of spice to complement the cookies.
- 3 cups powdered sugar, or as needed – Adjust for the perfect icing consistency that drizzles nicely.
Get prepared to fill your kitchen with the enticing scent of Eggnog Cutout Cookies—a delicious way to celebrate the holidays!
How to Make Eggnog Cutout Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Get your baking adventure started by warming the oven, allowing the heat to create the perfect baking environment for your cookies.
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Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well blended, bringing out those holiday spices.
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Cream the butter and sugar. In a separate bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, making sure the sweetness permeates.
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Mix in the wet ingredients. Beat in eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, encasing that festive flavor.
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Combine the mixtures. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined; the dough should be soft but manageable.
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Scoop dough onto baking sheets. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.
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Bake the cookies until golden. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden and the center is cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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Prepare the icing. While the cookies cool, mix together eggnog, corn syrup, vanilla extract, rum extract, nutmeg, and powdered sugar until smooth for a delightful drizzle.
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Drizzle the icing. Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over them to add a festive touch and a bit of extra sweetness.
Optional: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing for a fun, holiday flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Eggnog Cutout Cookies
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your nutmeg and cinnamon are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can dull the taste of your Eggnog Cutout Cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and shape without sticking.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking and golden edges on your cookies, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep that dough light!
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape.
- Decorate Creatively: Experiment with different icing designs and sprinkles to make your Eggnog Cutout Cookies truly festive and personalized!
What to Serve with Eggnog Cutout Cookies?
As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, pair these delightful cookies with some festive favorites that enhance their sweet charm.
- Spiced Apple Cider: The warm, spiced notes of cider complement the nutmeg and cinnamon in the cookies, creating a cozy festive drink.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: Indulge in the creamy sweetness of hot chocolate that marries perfectly with the spiced flavors of the cookies.
- Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, refreshing treat adds a delightful contrast to the soft, rich cookies, making for a heavenly combination.
- Creamy Cheesecake: A slice of holiday cheesecake adds a luxurious touch, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with a velvety finish.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a fresh, bright flavor that complements the richness of the Eggnog Cutout Cookies.
- Nutty Biscotti: For a delightful crunch, serve biscotti alongside coffee or tea to elevate your cookie experience.
These pairings will create a festive table, ensuring your sweet escapades are truly memorable and enticing!
How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Cutout Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and soft, making them perfect for snacking!
Fridge: If you want to enjoy them a little longer, store them in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just remember to seal them tightly to maintain moisture.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer, wrapped securely, for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before indulging.
Icing Storage: For best results, ice the cookies before serving. If you have leftover icing, keep it in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring it’s in an airtight container.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Eggnog Cutout Cookies is a breeze, especially with a little foresight! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. Additionally, the baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, maintaining their delightful taste and texture. When you’re ready to serve, allow the cookies to cool completely before drizzling the icing, which can also be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated until needed. With these make-ahead tips, you can savor festive flavors while saving precious time during the busy holiday season!
Eggnog Cutout Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Customize your Eggnog Cutout Cookies to match your taste buds or dietary needs, and enjoy every delightful twist!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for deliciously soft cookies.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use plant-based eggnog for a dairy-free delight.
- Spice Variations: Swap in cardamom or allspice for nutmeg and cinnamon, giving your cookies a unique flavor profile.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough, introducing a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of icing, melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
- Zesty Option: Incorporate the zest of one orange into the dough for a refreshing citrus burst that pairs beautifully with eggnog.
- Sugary Topping: Sprinkle granulated sugar or coarse sugar on the cookies before baking for a delightful sugary crust.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness brilliantly.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas; each variation will create a new adventure to savor during the holiday season!
Eggnog Cutout Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of eggnog should I use?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought or homemade eggnog for these cookies. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider a non-dairy eggnog. Just ensure it has a rich flavor profile to complement the spices.
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your delicious cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days, just make sure they’re tightly sealed to retain moisture.
Can I freeze Eggnog Cutout Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature until they soften.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels a bit too sticky, don’t fret! Chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without the mess.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
While Eggnog Cutout Cookies are delightful for humans, they aren’t suitable for pets due to ingredients like sugar and spices, which can be harmful in large quantities. Always keep these treats out of your furry friends’ reach!
How can I ensure my cookies are perfectly baked?
To achieve the ideal texture, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Bake your cookies for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remember to rotate your baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking—happy baking!
Delicious Eggnog Cutout Cookies Perfect for Holiday Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Get your baking adventure started by warming the oven, allowing the heat to create the perfect baking environment for your cookies.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well blended, bringing out those holiday spices.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a separate bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, making sure the sweetness permeates.
- Mix in the wet ingredients. Beat in eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, encasing that festive flavor.
- Combine the mixtures. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined; the dough should be soft but manageable.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.
- Bake the cookies until golden. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden and the center is cooked through.
- Prepare the icing. While the cookies cool, mix together eggnog, corn syrup, vanilla extract, rum extract, nutmeg, and powdered sugar until smooth for a delightful drizzle.
- Drizzle the icing. Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over them to add a festive touch and a bit of extra sweetness.