Festive Eggnog Snickerdoodles Recipe

Spiced Holiday Eggnog Snickerdoodles Recipe for Cookie Lovers

Warm spices and creamy eggnog blend perfectly in these irresistible eggnog snickerdoodles that dance with holiday cheer.

The classic snickerdoodle takes a festive twist with rich, velvety eggnog swirled into every bite.

Soft, pillowy cookies coated in cinnamon sugar promise a delightful seasonal treat.

Each cookie carries the comforting flavors of nutmeg and vanilla that remind you of cozy winter gatherings.

The aroma of freshly baked snickerdoodles will fill your kitchen with pure nostalgic warmth.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies a delectable indulgence for anyone who loves classic holiday baking.

Dive into this simple yet magical recipe and spread some sweet seasonal joy.

Tips To Tweak Eggnog Snickerdoodles

  • Baking Brilliance: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Pro Tips
  • Butter Temperature Matters: Let butter soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, even mixing that creates a tender cookie texture.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies with more defined edges.
  • Moisture Magic: Replace some eggnog with rum or bourbon extract for an extra festive flavor boost without compromising the cookie's moisture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without losing the classic snickerdoodle taste.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and substitute eggnog with dairy-free nog alternatives to create an inclusive holiday treat that everyone can enjoy.

Ways To Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodles

  • Holiday Cookie Platter Paradise: Arrange these eggnog snickerdoodles on a festive ceramic plate with different holiday cookies for a gorgeous dessert display.
  • Winter Beverage Pairing Bliss: Serve alongside warm mulled wine, hot cocoa, or classic eggnog to enhance the seasonal flavor profile and create a cozy winter treat experience.
  • Gifting Delights: Package these soft, spiced cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or holiday ribbons for a homemade edible gift that spreads instant cheer to friends and family.
  • Dessert Transformation Magic: Crumble cooled cookies over vanilla ice cream or use as a delicious cake topping to elevate simple desserts with extra holiday warmth and spice.

Storage And Prep Tips For Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

  • Freezing Magic: Wrap cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, store in freezer-safe bags for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Make-Ahead Masterplan: Prepare dough up to 3 days before baking, refrigerate in sealed container. Let dough soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and rolling.
  • Freshness Hack: Add a slice of bread to storage container to maintain moisture and softness of snickerdoodles. Replace bread slice every 2 days to keep cookies perfectly tender.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 23

What Goes Into Eggnog Snickerdoodles

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Soft and creamy base that provides rich, luxurious texture and helps cookies spread perfectly.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Eggnog: Adds classic holiday flavor and moisture to the dough, bringing festive warmth.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's soft, tender structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its deep, aromatic sweetness.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cookie's fundamental structure and provides a tender crumb.
  • Cream of Tartar: Adds tangy flavor and helps create the signature snickerdoodle texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread with a light, airy consistency.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor notes.
  • Nutmeg: Introduces warm, distinctive holiday spice that complements eggnog perfectly.
For Coating:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Provides a delightful spiced exterior that caramelizes and adds festive crunch to each cookie.

Gear You’ll Need For Eggnog Snickerdoodles

  • Mixing Bowls: Large bowl for wet ingredients, separate bowl for dry ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: For creaming butter and sugar, and mixing wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: To measure consistent dough portions.
  • Baking Sheets: For baking cookies evenly.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing sugar-spice coating.
  • Wire Rack: For cooling cookies after baking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.

Making Eggnog Snickerdoodles Made Easy

  • Holiday Warmth

Capture the spirit of the season with these delightful cookies that bring cozy memories and sweet comfort. The magical blend of traditional snickerdoodle and rich eggnog creates a taste that feels like a warm holiday embrace.

  • Cookie Dough Creation

Mix softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like texture. Splash in eggnog, a whisper of egg, and vanilla, blending until everything harmonizes. Gently fold in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and a sprinkle of nutmeg, creating a tender dough that promises deliciousness.

  • Sugary Magic Coating

Combine sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a shallow dish, preparing a sparkling mixture that will dress each cookie in festive charm.

  • Cookie Shaping

Scoop tender dough and roll into perfect spheres. Lovingly roll each ball through the sugar mixture, ensuring a complete, glittering transformation.

  • Baking Moment

Slide cookies into a warm oven, letting them bake until edges turn golden and centers remain soft. The aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday joy.

  • Cooling and Sharing

Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to a cooling rack. These treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Festive Eggnog Snickerdoodles Recipe

Festive Eggnog Snickerdoodles Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 23 1x

Description

Festive eggnog snickerdoodles blend holiday cheer with classic cookie comfort. Warm spices and creamy eggnog notes create a delightful seasonal treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) eggnog
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Ignite the oven to 350F (175C) and drape parchment paper across baking sheets, establishing a pristine baking landscape.
  2. Flavor Foundation: Whip butter and sugar into a cloud-like emulsion, then incorporate eggnog, egg, and vanilla extract, churning until silky and harmonious.
  3. Dry Component Assembly: Sift flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg together, creating a unified spice-infused base with balanced leavening properties.
  4. Dough Fusion: Delicately unite wet and dry mixtures, folding until a tender, malleable dough forms without aggressive manipulation.
  5. Aromatic Coating: Blend sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a shallow vessel, crafting a fragrant, spice-laden dusting for cookie transformation.
  6. Cookie Shaping: Scoop consistent dough portions, rolling between palms to construct symmetrical spheres with precision.
  7. Sugar Encrustation: Lavishly roll each dough ball in the spiced sugar mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage and textural intrigue.
  8. Baking Choreography: Position cookies on prepared sheets with strategic spacing, allowing room for graceful expansion during thermal exposure.
  9. Thermal Alchemy: Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring for set edges and tender centers—the hallmark of perfect snickerdoodle evolution.
  10. Cooling Ritual: Permit cookies to stabilize on baking sheets momentarily, then transfer to a wire rack for complete thermal dissipation and textural refinement.

Notes

  • Control Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal cookie texture and even mixing.
  • Avoid Overmixing Dough: Gently fold ingredients to prevent tough, dense cookies; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
  • Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent dough balls for even baking and professional appearance.
  • Spice Balance Matters: Adjust nutmeg and cinnamon quantities to personal taste, but maintain the classic snickerdoodle flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 23
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star