Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the festive flavors of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies, a perfect treat for the holiday season.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-01T19:13:44.653Z

These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful blend of holiday flavors, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. The creamy eggnog filling pairs wonderfully with the buttery cookie base, creating a treat that is both nostalgic and delicious.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Rich eggnog flavor with a hint of nutmeg
  • Soft and buttery texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful blend of festive flavors that capture the essence of the holiday season. With their rich eggnog flavor and a hint of nutmeg, these cookies are sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Their unique taste is reminiscent of traditional eggnog, making them a perfect choice for holiday cookie platters or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also provide a wonderful texture that melts in your mouth. The soft and buttery base pairs perfectly with the creamy eggnog filling, creating a treat that is both satisfying and indulgent. Each bite offers a taste of nostalgia, evoking memories of cozy winter evenings spent by the fire.

Easy to Make and Fun to Share

One of the best things about Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies is how simple they are to make. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies are forgiving and easy to customize, allowing you to get creative with flavors and decorations.

These cookies are also a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Their charming appearance and delightful flavor will impress your guests, making them an excellent conversation starter. Plus, you can easily prepare them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones during the busy holiday season.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To keep your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, although they are often devoured much sooner! If you want to make them ahead of time, consider freezing the unbaked cookie dough. You can simply thaw and bake them fresh when you're ready to serve, ensuring that your cookies are warm and inviting.

For an extra festive touch, consider serving these cookies alongside a glass of eggnog or hot cocoa. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these cookies are sure to bring joy and holiday cheer to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Eggnog Filling

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons eggnog
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of ground nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.

Form the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each ball.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Eggnog Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon the filling into the cooled cookie indentations and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.

Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To achieve the best texture for your Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies, make sure your butter is properly softened. This means it should be at room temperature and easy to cream with the sugars. Over-creaming can lead to cookies that spread too much, while under-creaming may result in dense cookies. Pay attention to the consistency of your dough—it should be soft but not sticky.

When rolling the dough into balls, try to keep them uniform in size for even baking. Using a cookie scoop can help with this. Also, don't be afraid to adjust the size of the indentation in the center based on how much filling you want. A deeper indentation will hold more eggnog filling, providing a delightful surprise in every bite.

Creative Variations

While the classic Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are delightful as is, feel free to get creative! Consider adding chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as spiced cream cheese or fruit preserves, to give your cookies a unique twist.

For a festive presentation, consider drizzling the filled cookies with white chocolate or sprinkling them with colorful holiday sprinkles. This not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor. Tailoring these cookies to your preferences can make them even more special and enjoyable for your holiday celebrations.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly for the filling.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when ready.

→ What can I use instead of nutmeg?

You can substitute nutmeg with cinnamon for a different flavor profile.

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Delight in the festive flavors of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies, a perfect treat for the holiday season.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  4. 1 large egg yolk
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Eggnog Filling

  1. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons eggnog
  3. 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. A pinch of ground nutmeg for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.

Step 03

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each ball.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 05

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon the filling into the cooled cookie indentations and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 2g