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Friends I'm so excited to share my favorite holiday cookie recipe with you! These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints have become my signature Christmas treat and I can't wait for you to try them. Picture this: the softest cinnamon sugar cookie filled with the most incredible eggnog ganache (and yes you can spike it with rum!) topped with freshly grated nutmeg. Every time I make these they disappear from cookie swaps faster than you can say Merry Christmas!
How These Cookies Came to Be
You know how some recipes just feel like Christmas magic? That's exactly what inspired these cookies! I wanted to capture everything we love about eggnog in a perfectly soft snickerdoodle. After countless batches (my family didn't mind being taste testers!) I finally created the perfect balance of flavors. The best part? No chilling required these beauties hold their shape perfectly!
Let's Gather Our Cookie Ingredients
- Butter: Use whatever you have on hand salted or unsalted both work great here!
- Sugars: We're using both brown and white for the perfect chewy texture.
- Egg: Just one medium egg keeps everything soft and tender.
- Vanilla: The good stuff please it makes such a difference!
- Cream of Tartar: This gives snickerdoodles their signature tang.
- Baking Soda: For that perfect tender crumb.
- Kosher Salt: I love Diamond Crystal but any kosher salt works.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose measured carefully.
- Cinnamon Sugar: The magical coating that makes these extra special.
For That Amazing Eggnog Filling
- White Chocolate: Trust me go for the good stuff like Ghirardelli bars chips just won't work as well.
- Eggnog: The star of our show! Though heavy cream works too if you can't find eggnog.
- Rum or Rum Extract: A little splash makes these extra festive (totally optional though!).
- Fresh Nutmeg: Please please grate it fresh the aroma is incredible!
Let's Make Some Magic
- First Up: Cookie Time
- Beat that butter and sugar until it's super fluffy I'm talking light as clouds here. Mix in your egg and vanilla then add all those dry ingredients until you've got this gorgeous thick dough.
- Shape Those Beauties
- Roll tablespoon-sized balls in our cinnamon sugar mixture then make those signature thumbprints. Into a 350°F oven they go for just 7 minutes. Give them another gentle press while they're warm if needed.
- The Ganache Glory
- Here's where it gets fun! Melt your white chocolate and eggnog in short bursts in the microwave stirring between each. Add that rum if you're using it and don't forget the fresh nutmeg absolute heaven!
- The Final Touch
- Fill each cookie with about half a teaspoon of our ganache. Let them set up at room temp or pop them in the fridge if you're impatient like me!
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My Biggest Tip
Let's talk about working with white chocolate because it can be tricky! Short bursts in the microwave are your friend here and keep stirring between each one. And please trust me on using the good chocolate bars chips just won't give you that silky smooth texture we're after.
Keeping Them Fresh
- On Your Counter: Pop them in an airtight container they'll stay perfect for about 5 days.
- In the Freezer: These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months! Just layer them with parchment paper so they don't stick.
- Thawing Tips: Let them hang out in the fridge overnight when you're ready to enjoy them.
What Makes These Extra Special
I love how these cookies combine everything magical about the holiday season. That soft snickerdoodle base the creamy eggnog filling and that hint of nutmeg it's like Christmas in every bite. Plus they're just so pretty on a cookie platter!
Make Them Your Own
- Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of cardamom to the dough it's amazing!
- Switch Up the Filling: Try caramel or peppermint ganache for something different.
- Get Festive: Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles before the ganache sets.
Perfect for Gifting
Want to make someone's day? Pack these cookies in a pretty tin with some parchment between layers. I love including the recipe on a handwritten card it's such a personal touch. These have become my go-to holiday gift for neighbors and teachers!
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Your Questions Answered
- Can I make the dough ahead? Absolutely! It keeps in the fridge for two days just let it warm up a bit before baking.
- No rum? No problem! Use rum extract or skip it entirely they're still amazing.
- Freezing that ganache? You can freeze it for up to a month just give it a good stir after thawing.
The Perfect Pairing
These cookies are begging to be enjoyed with your favorite holiday drink! I love them with spiced chai tea classic eggnog or hot cocoa. Having friends over? Serve them with mulled wine or spiked coffee for a cozy grown-up treat.
Why We Love Thumbprints
There's something so special about thumbprint cookies don't you think? That perfect little well of filling the way they look on a cookie plate and how easy they are to customize. They're like little edible presents!
Cookie Swap Star
If you're heading to a cookie swap these are guaranteed to steal the show! The unique eggnog twist and pretty presentation always get people asking for the recipe. Plus they travel well which is always a bonus!
Making a Big Batch
This recipe doubles or triples beautifully! I often make a huge batch and freeze half for later. Nothing better than having emergency Christmas cookies stashed away trust me!
Baking with Kids
Want to get the little ones involved? Skip the rum and let them help roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar. They love making the thumbprints and decorating with sprinkles. It's such a fun holiday activity!
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Taking It Up a Notch
- Fancy Filling: Try using a piping bag for the ganache it looks so professional!
- Extra Pizzazz: A little white chocolate drizzle over the top makes them extra festive.
- Get Creative: Use tiny cookie cutters instead of thumbprints for fun shapes.
Year-Round Variations
- Fall Version: Try pumpkin spice ganache for autumn.
- Valentine's Special: Pink ganache and heart shapes for February.
- Spring Fling: Lemon cream filling and fresh zest for springtime.
Making Them Picture Perfect
Want to really wow your guests? Arrange these beauties on a tiered plate with some fresh rosemary sprigs and a dusting of powdered sugar. It looks like a winter wonderland and makes such a gorgeous centerpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does egg size matter in this recipe?
The recipe uses a medium egg. Using larger eggs will change the moisture content and affect how the cookies spread and their final texture.
- → Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling isn't required but can help cookies keep their shape. You can prep and chill ahead if desired, but they should hold shape without chilling.
- → What if I don't want to use rum?
You can simply omit the rum or rum extract without replacing it. The ganache will still be delicious with just eggnog flavor.
- → Why is weighing flour important?
The flour ratio is crucial for proper texture. Weighing ensures accuracy, but if measuring by volume, use the spoon and level method for best results.
- → How long does the filling take to set?
The ganache filling will set after a few hours at room temperature. For faster setting, place cookies in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These holiday cookies combine classic snickerdoodles with eggnog flavors, featuring a white chocolate ganache filling that can be spiked with rum for extra flavor.