If you’re craving a cookie that captures the cozy, festive spirit of the holidays in every bite, look no further than these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies. They blend the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread with the rich, creamy essence of eggnog, topped with a luscious dollop of nutmeg-spiced icing right in the center. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a festive experience, perfect for sharing with family or gifting to friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a joy because each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the spicy gingerbread base to the creamy eggnog glaze, every component is essential to bring these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies to life.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure that holds the cookie together perfectly.
- Ground ginger: Gives those unmistakable holiday spice vibes that define gingerbread.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth that complements the ginger beautifully.
- Ground cloves: Offers a subtle, slightly sweet earthiness to the spice blend.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them a tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel undertone for extra depth.
- Egg: Binds the dough and helps achieve that perfect chewiness.
- Molasses: The heart of gingerbread flavor, with its deep, robust sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
- Eggnog: Infuses the cookies with creamy festive flavor, making them stand out.
- Powdered sugar: Key for creating that smooth, spiced icing for the thumbprints.
- Nutmeg: Sprinkled into the icing and on top for a classic holiday aroma and touch.
How to Make Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients—flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt—in a bowl. In a separate larger bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, vanilla, and eggnog to the wet mixture until everything is well combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until you have a soft, spiced dough that’s ready for shaping.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial because it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavors as they meld together.
Step 3: Form the Thumbprints
Once chilled, roll the dough into golf ball-sized portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball without pushing all the way through. This is where the creamy icing will nestle later on.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The aroma of spices and molasses baking will fill your kitchen—it’s pure holiday magic.
Step 5: Prepare the Eggnog Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and spreadable. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to fill those thumbprint wells.
Step 6: Fill and Garnish
Spoon the eggnog icing into each cookie’s thumbprint indentation. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little nutmeg on top of the icing before it sets. Let the icing firm up at room temperature or pop the cookies in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the process.
How to Serve Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny sprinkle of crushed candy cane can elevate these cookies visually and add delightful contrast to their spicy, creamy flavors. Fresh sprigs of rosemary or a twist of orange peel alongside the plate create a beautiful, seasonal presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai, peppermint hot chocolate, or even a glass of chilled eggnog. Serving them alongside fresh fruit or a simple cheese platter adds a lovely balance between sweet, savory, and fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies in a festive tin or on a decorative platter lined with holiday-themed parchment paper. You can also tie a few together with twine as edible gifts, or stack them with layers of wax paper for a charming cookie tower at your holiday party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead holiday treat.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough balls, flash freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag. Baked cookies can be frozen in a single layer with parchment paper between. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature to preserve that signature soft texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, reheat them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the icing melt unevenly and the cookie too soft.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog for these cookies?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works wonderfully and saves time, but if you have homemade eggnog, even better for an extra personal touch.
What if I don’t have molasses?
If molasses isn’t on hand, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit lighter and less traditional.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure all your ingredients, especially the spices and baking soda, are gluten-free certified.
How long do the cookies keep once iced?
Once iced, it’s best to eat them within 3-4 days to enjoy the freshest texture and flavor, but they can be stored up to a week if kept airtight in the fridge.
Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies have a soft, slightly chewy texture with a tender crumb, making them delightful to bite into every time.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the festive holiday spirit to your kitchen, these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are truly a treat worth savoring and sharing. Their blend of spices, creamy eggnog, and tender texture makes them a unique addition to any cookie platter or holiday celebration. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself!
PrintEggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
These Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies combine the festive flavors of traditional gingerbread with a creamy eggnog filling, making them a delightful treat for the holiday season. Soft and spiced cookies are perfectly balanced by the rich, smooth eggnog-flavored frosting nestled in each thumbprint, ideal for Christmas gatherings or cozy winter celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Eggnog Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Gingerbread Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy using a mixer. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a uniform dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Form Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared sheets about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation in the center of each cookie to create the thumbprint.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Eggnog Filling: While cookies cool, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the filling is fluffy and well combined.
- Fill Thumbprints: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon or pipe the eggnog filling into the indentations of each cookie. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra nutmeg on top for garnish.
- Serve and Store: Serve these festive cookies immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a festive touch, consider adding finely chopped candied ginger or crystallized ginger on top of the filling.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative; replace egg with flaxseed meal.
- These cookies freeze well. Freeze unfilled cookies and thaw before adding eggnog filling.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference, especially if you prefer a stronger ginger or cinnamon flavor.