Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Cookies

Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Cookies blend the warm and spicy flavors of traditional gingerbread with the creamy, comforting essence of eggnog. Tasting one of these cookies is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly winter evening. Imagine a cookie that perfectly balances sweetness and spice, and you have these little delights. Not only are they delicious, but they also create a festive atmosphere, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with your favorite beverage.

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As you take the time to bake these cookies, you’ll find that the process is just as enjoyable as the end result. It’s a perfect activity to share with family or friends, creating lasting memories alongside the mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen. So grab your apron and get ready for a delightful baking adventure with this Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Cookies Recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

This Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Cookies Recipe beautifully marries rich flavors to create a texture that’s soft yet slightly chewy. The eggnog adds moisture without making them too dense, resulting in cookies that are perfect for nibbling. The spices—ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg—pair beautifully with the buttery base, providing warmth and nostalgia with each bite. Plus, the gold sanding sugar adds just the right amount of sparkle, making your treats look as festive as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holidays, look no further. These cookies bring warmth and joy that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or cozying up at home, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Friends and family will rave about the delightful creaminess of the eggnog icing paired with the spiced goodness of the cookies. Each bite offers a heartwarming taste that evokes lovely, nostalgic feelings.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (cold, sliced)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1 large Egg (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Cake Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Nutmeg
• 1 tsp Ground Ginger
• 1/3 tsp Ground Cloves
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Gold Sanding Sugar
• 2 tbsp Salted Butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1/2 cup Eggnog
• 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1/8 tsp Nutmeg (for icing)

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Mix Butter and Sugar

Start by placing the cold, sliced unsalted butter and packed brown sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until you see a nice, creamy consistency. It should take about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the large egg and molasses. Keep the mixer going until everything blends seamlessly and the batter looks fluffy and light. This step is key for creating a rich flavor.

Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, grab the all-purpose flour and cake flour, and combine them with the baking soda, cornstarch, salt, nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and cinnamon. It’s important to whisk these dry ingredients well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Slowly add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer while running at low speed. Mix just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overwork the dough; that could lead to tough cookies.

Chill the Dough

Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to work with later.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat the Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Prepare the Gold Sanding Sugar

In a small bowl, pour in the gold sanding sugar. This will give your cookies that shimmering finish we all love during the holidays.

Scoop and Roll Dough

Using a small cookie scoop, portion out about 28 cookie balls. Roll each one in the gold sanding sugar. This step is simple but adds a festive touch!

Flatten and Bake

Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Lightly flatten each one with your hands. Bake for about 10 minutes or until you see the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Cool the Cookies

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Eggnog Icing

Prepare Eggnog Mixture

For the icing, start by combining eggnog, salted butter, sugar, and nutmeg in a small saucepan. Heat it on low, stirring continuously until the sugar has fully melted.

Boil the Mixture

Next, turn up the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Wait for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. After that, remove it from heat and let it cool down.

Add Powdered Sugar

Once cooled, whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Cookies

Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with your eggnog icing. Take half of the cookies, flip them upside down, and carefully squeeze icing on top. Then, place the un-iced cookie on top, gently pressing to push the icing to the edges. Repeat for all cookies until they’re all adorned with icing.

Serving Suggestions

These gingerbread eggnog cookies are perfect when paired with a steaming cup of eggnog or coffee. They’re also a stunning addition to a festive cookie platter. Imagine setting a beautiful display of these cookies, the shimmering gold catching the light and inviting everyone to indulge.

Tips for Success

• Remember to use cold butter at the beginning. This step helps achieve a better texture in the cookies.
• Chilling the dough is a must—it helps the dough hold its shape and prevents spreading while baking.

Variations

Get creative! You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra texture. For those who prefer a vegan option, simply swap the butter for vegan butter and use a flax egg instead.

Storage Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies before icing and enjoy them later!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a few days ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

2. What can I substitute for eggnog?
   Feel free to use any dairy-free milk mixed with a splash of vanilla and nutmeg instead of eggnog.

3. How do I know when the cookies are baked?
   They should be golden brown on top and slightly firm when you touch them.

4. Can I decorate the cookies differently?
   Sure thing! Sprinkles or colored icing can add a fun touch.

5. How long do these cookies last?
   In an airtight container, they can last up to a week.

Baking these Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Cookies is an invitation to embrace the holiday spirit fully. With every delightful bite, you’ll be reminded of cheerful gatherings and cozy moments, making them a heartwarming addition to your holiday traditions. Enjoy sharing these treats with loved ones or savoring them with a cozy drink by the fireplace!

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