Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24.0
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup eggnog; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup eggnog; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Experience a festive twist on a classic favorite with these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies. Soft, chewy, and infused with the warm spices of eggnog, these delightful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings. Each cookie is topped with a creamy eggnog frosting that adds an irresistible touch to every bite. Bake up a batch to share or enjoy them all yourself during the cozy winter months.

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2025-12-13T06:29:53.489Z

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies combine two holiday favorites into one delicious treat. These cookies are perfect for any festive occasion and are sure to impress your guests.

A Holiday Treat Like No Other

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies bring a delightful fusion of flavors that capture the essence of the holiday season. Combining the beloved texture of traditional snickerdoodles with the creamy, spiced notes of eggnog, these cookies offer a unique experience for your taste buds. Each bite melds the soft, chewy cookie with a velvety frosting, making them an ideal addition to your festive dessert platter.

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, with their charming indents filled with luscious frosting. They are sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering, leaving your guests asking for the recipe. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or package them up as gifts, their enchanting flavors will make them a cherished addition to your seasonal celebrations.

Why Eggnog for the Holidays?

Eggnog has long been a holiday staple, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia during the colder months. Its creamy texture and rich flavor create the perfect backdrop for baking, transforming ordinary treats into festive delights. By incorporating eggnog into these cookies, you not only enhance their taste but also invite the familiar scents of the holidays into your kitchen.

The combination of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg found in eggnog adds depth and warmth to these thumbprint cookies. This seasonal twist elevates the classic snickerdoodle into something truly special, making it a beloved recipe that you’ll want to revisit year after year. Each time you bake them, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

Perfect for Sharing and Gifting

With their festive appearance and delightful flavors, Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Bake a batch and arrange them on a beautifully decorated platter, or package them in mason jars for thoughtful gifts. Personal touches like ribbon and holiday tags can make them even more special, spreading joy to those lucky enough to receive them.

These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a gesture of goodwill that encapsulates the spirit of the season. The act of baking and sharing such treats can strengthen bonds and create cherished memories, making your holiday gatherings even more memorable.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup eggnog

For the Eggnog Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup eggnog
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and eggnog until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Form the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading. Using your thumb, create an indent in the center of each cookie.

Bake and Cool

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla, and beat until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, pipe or spread the eggnog frosting into the indents of each cookie.

Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly, make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, well-integrated dough that will yield soft, chewy cookies. Additionally, don't overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; gentle folding is key to maintaining that tender texture.

It’s also important to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, so consider using the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. This small tip can make a significant difference in the final result, ensuring your cookies turn out deliciously soft and chewy.

Storage and Freshness

After baking, allow your cookies to cool completely before storing them. This not only helps preserve their texture but also prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them perfect for on-the-go indulgence.

For longer storage, consider freezing your unbaked cookie dough. Simply scoop the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. This allows you to bake fresh cookies at a moment's notice — simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the freezer.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for eggnog?

You can use a mixture of milk and cream with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon if you don't have eggnog.