One of the absolute classic winter flavors is eggnog, a rich drink made with dairy milk, egg yolks, nutmeg and a healthy dash of rum or bourbon (for those that prefer their eggnog with a little kick). The flavors of eggnog easily translates into a soft, tender cookie that will make your entire home smell like the holidays! Serve these cookies with a large glass of real milk (of course), and enjoy! For the best flavor, grate just a touch of fresh nutmeg over the tops before serving.
Storebought or homemade eggnog?
The answer is easy: either! You can certainly make these cookies with homemade eggnog (use homemade eggnog before you add the bourbon or rum), but this recipe is developed using store bought eggnog, and frankly, we could use all the breaks we can find these days.
Any tips on glazing the cookies?
When glazing these cookies, be sure to sift the powdered sugar before adding the eggnog and extracts. If your powdered sugar has lumps in it, you won’t be able to get the lumps out after you’ve added the liquid – trust us! Practice drizzling the glaze on a piece of parchment paper first to make sure you have a consistency that you’re comfortable with. And if you find the glaze too thin and hard to work with, you can add more powdered sugar (a tablespoon at a time) to thicken it up. If it’s drying too fast, try thinning it with more eggnog, 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
How do I store and freeze these cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container, and they’ll last 3 days at room temperature. In addition, the cookies will freeze fine but keep in mind the glaze might dissolve when you thaw them out. If you want to make them ahead of time to serve at a later date, you can freeze them unglazed in an airtight container or a resealable freezer Ziplock bag. Thaw and then glaze before serving for optimum appearance. Frozen eggnog cookies can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup white sugar 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup eggnog, store-bought is fine 2 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional) 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted 2 tablespoons eggnog 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
To finish:
Grated nutmeg
Mix on slow speed until most of the ingredients are blended, then increase to medium speed and mix until the butter is creamy and clings to the side of the bowl, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through mixing and then afterwards. Beat together with a fork then drizzle the mixture into the mixing bowl as it is turned on to low speed. Continue to mix on low speed until all the liquid is incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to make sure the dough is completely homogenized. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking mats. Place them on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Repeat with baking the remaining cookies.
