Name: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: Cookie Dough; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.; 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.; ½ teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a tangy flavor and helps stabilize the dough.; 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice.; ½ teaspoon nutmeg: A key flavor in eggnog, adding a festive touch.; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, creamy texture.; 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies.; ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.; 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.; ½ cup eggnog: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their unique flavor.; For the Filling; ½ cup powdered sugar: For sweetness in the filling.; 2 tablespoons eggnog: To create a creamy filling.; Optional Substitutions; Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.; Dairy-free butter: Substitute with a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.; Coconut sugar: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.

Spread the love

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to combine the festive flavors of eggnog with the comforting texture of snickerdoodles? Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints are the perfect holiday treat that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a unique twist to traditional cookies. With the holiday season approaching, these delightful cookies can elevate your dessert table and impress your guests. In this post, we’ll explore the intricacies of creating these delicious cookies, ensuring that you have all the tools and knowledge needed to bake them perfectly.

Ingredients List

To create the perfect batch of Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints, you will need the following ingredients:

Cookie Dough

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
½ teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a tangy flavor and helps stabilize the dough.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: A key flavor in eggnog, adding a festive touch.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, creamy texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies.
½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
½ cup eggnog: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their unique flavor.

For the Filling

½ cup powdered sugar: For sweetness in the filling.
2 tablespoons eggnog: To create a creamy filling.

Optional Substitutions

Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
Dairy-free butter: Substitute with a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Coconut sugar: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.

Timing

Creating these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints takes approximately 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average cookie recipe due to the simplicity of the thumbprint method. Here’s the breakdown:

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Cooling Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked; this is okay as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the eggnog until smooth.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon or pipe the eggnog filling into the thumbprint indentations.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor, consider the following modifications:

Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
Reduce Sugar: Cut down the granulated and brown sugar by 25% or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Add Oats: Incorporate ½ cup of rolled oats for added texture and nutrition.
Use Greek Yogurt: Replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option.

Serving Suggestions

These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints are perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

Holiday Cookie Platter: Serve them alongside other holiday cookies like gingerbread and peppermint bark for a festive dessert table.
Pair with Hot Beverages: Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced chai to enhance the cozy flavors.
Gift Giving: Package them in decorative tins or boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making these cookies, here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:

Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them firm up. Skipping this step can lead to breakage.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy, especially with flour.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints fresh, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Conclusion

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, perfect for the holiday season. With their unique flavors and festive appeal, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free eggnog.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of eggnog?

For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a mixture of milk and vanilla extract, or a dairy-free milk alternative.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and may appear slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.