Introduction
The holiday season brings warmth, joy, and the irresistible aroma of baked treats. At BoastRecipes, we’re elevating the classic sugar cookie by infusing it with the rich, creamy spirit of eggnog. These Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies feature a tender, subtly spiced base crowned with a luxurious eggnog buttercream. They’re an instant holiday favorite, perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply savoring a quiet moment. Add this truly special recipe to your holiday repertoire.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, quality ingredients for your festive Eggnog Sugar Cookies:
For the Cookies:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup eggnog
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
For the Eggnog Frosting:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
* 3-4 tablespoons eggnog
* 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect holiday cookies:
1. Prepare Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
4. Add Wet: Beat in egg, then gradually add eggnog, vanilla, and optional rum extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Combine: On low speed, slowly add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Chill Dough: Form dough into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading.
7. Roll & Cut: Lightly flour surface. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Place on prepared sheets.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly set and centers are soft. Avoid overbaking.
9. Cool: Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, cream softened butter. Gradually beat in sifted powdered sugar, alternating with eggnog and vanilla. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
11. Frost & Garnish: Frost completely cooled cookies. Garnish with a pinch of fresh nutmeg.
Expert Tips
Achieve perfect Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies with these insights:
* Avoid Overmixing: Overworking dough develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix only until combined.
* Chill Dough Properly: Essential for preventing excessive spreading and maintaining cookie shape and tender texture.
* Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggnog ensure proper emulsification for a smooth dough and silky frosting.
* Fresh Nutmeg: Use freshly grated nutmeg for superior, authentic eggnog flavor, a significant improvement over pre-ground.
* Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are just set. They will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft bite.
Variations
Personalize your Eggnog Sugar Cookies:
* Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or allspice to the dough for deeper warmth.
* Boozy Frosting: Substitute 1 tablespoon of eggnog in the frosting with dark rum for an adult twist.
* Festive Flair: Decorate with colorful holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, or a white chocolate drizzle.
* Cookie Sandwiches: Create decadent treats by filling two cookies with extra eggnog frosting.
Conclusion
Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies beautifully capture the essence of holiday indulgence. Combining classic sugar cookie comfort with rich, spiced eggnog notes, they offer an elegant and delicious treat. Baking them fills your home with inviting aromas, and sharing them spreads genuine cheer. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your seasonal traditions, bringing joy and deliciousness to your festive celebrations. Happy baking from BoastRecipes!
