Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat

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The holiday season calls for indulgent, festive treats, and these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies perfectly fit the bill. Combining the beloved flavors of snickerdoodles with a luscious eggnog ganache, these cookies are the epitome of Christmas in dessert form. With their soft, cinnamon-sugar coating, creamy eggnog filling (with a hint of rum!), and the aromatic touch of freshly grated nutmeg, they bring warmth and joy to every bite.

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Perfect for cookie boxes, holiday parties, or simply indulging with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are destined to become a seasonal favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring this festive delight to life!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 4 oz (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup light brown sugar, gently packed
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 1 medium egg (about 50 grams), room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 245 grams (about 1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour (see notes)
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cream of tartar

For Rolling the Dough Balls:

• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Eggnog Ganache Filling:

• 4 oz white chocolate, chopped or broken into small pieces
• 2 tbsp eggnog
• 1 tbsp dark rum or ¼ tsp rum extract (optional, see notes)
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions1. Preheat Your Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough

• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even incorporation.
• Sift together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick, cohesive dough forms.

3. Shape and Coat the Cookies

• Scoop out dough portions, about 1 tablespoon each (or 15 grams for precise measurements).
• Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.
• Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Using your thumb, a finger, or the back of a ½ teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. If the dough cracks, press it back together.

4. Bake the Cookies

• Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
• If the indentations puff up during baking, press them back down while the cookies are still warm using the same tool or your thumb.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Eggnog Ganache

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate, eggnog, and rum or rum extract (if using).
• Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring well between each session, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler for more controlled melting.
• Stir in freshly grated nutmeg for added festive flavor. The ganache will thicken as it cools.

6. Assemble the Cookies

• Once the cookies are completely cooled, fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of the eggnog ganache.
• Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg over the ganache for a festive touch.
• Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for a few hours, or refrigerate the cookies to speed up the process.

Flavor Profile

• Cookies: Buttery, soft, and rich with the warmth of cinnamon and sugar.
• Ganache: Creamy and luxurious with the unmistakable holiday flavors of eggnog, white chocolate, and a subtle hint of rum.
• Nutmeg: Adds an aromatic, spicy note that enhances the festive appeal.

Tips for Success

1. Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality white chocolate for a smoother ganache and more pronounced flavor.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easy mixing and consistent results.
3. Chilling the Ganache: If the ganache is too runny, let it cool further or refrigerate briefly to achieve the perfect consistency.

Variations

• Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace the rum with an additional splash of vanilla extract for a kid-friendly treat.
• Chocolate Variation: Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a twist on the classic eggnog flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these cookies with a glass of chilled eggnog or a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate holiday treat.
• Arrange them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Serve them alongside other holiday cookies for a festive dessert platter.

Final Thoughts

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are the ultimate celebration of holiday flavors. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing the joy of the season with loved ones. With their balance of soft cookie dough, creamy ganache, and warming spices, these cookies capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.

So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the festive baking begin! These cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition for years to come.

Conclusion

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit in every bite. From the buttery, cinnamon-kissed snickerdoodle base to the creamy, decadent eggnog ganache, these cookies embody the warmth and joy of the season. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or gifting to loved ones, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Whether you enjoy them with a steaming cup of cocoa or share them as part of a festive dessert spread, these cookies are guaranteed to bring cheer and nostalgia to your holiday celebrations. Gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and bake up a batch of these irresistible treats to create sweet memories that will last a lifetime.