Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that screams holiday cheer and tastes just like a cozy winter evening, you’re going to adore this Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these buttery little treats balance that warm, spiced eggnog flavor with a luscious, boozy icing that’s just the right touch of festive magic. They’re surprisingly simple to make, and once you try them, you’ll find they become a delightful staple at your holiday gatherings — trust me, my family goes crazy for these!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in simple, quality ingredients that come together to create that warm eggnog essence. Make sure your butter is softened just right so your dough comes out perfectly tender, and don’t skip the rum — it adds that authentic festive punch!

• Butter: Use unsalted and softened for easier mixing and the right buttery richness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the cookie dough.
• Light brown sugar: For a touch of molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s taste.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds a little richness.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts overall flavor and enhances the spice notes.
• All-purpose flour: The base of our dough — nothing fancy needed here.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Powdered sugar: For that smooth, sweet icing that fills the thumbprints.
• Captain Morgan Spiced Rum: Adds a warm, festive kick to the icing; if you’d rather skip the booze, I’ve got a note below with a great substitution.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a dusting tops off these cookies with that signature eggnog spice.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe, and I encourage you to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Whether it’s dialing up the spices or swapping out ingredients, it stays delicious all the way through.

• Non-alcoholic Icing: When I discovered that a splash of rum could be replaced with vanilla almond milk and a pinch of rum extract, it worked great for family members who prefer a booze-free treat.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or ground cloves to the dough gives an even more complex spin on the eggnog flavor — perfect if you’re a spice fanatic like me.
• Gluten-free option: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and still got great texture and flavor — just be sure to check your flour blend for one-to-one substitution.

How to Make Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed. I learned early on that this step really impacts your cookie’s texture, so don’t rush it! Once it’s light and creamy, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating again until incorporated.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Next, whisk together the flour and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add it to your wet mixture. I usually switch to low speed on my mixer for this to avoid flour explosions, but if you’re mixing by hand, just fold gently until everything comes together into a soft dough. The dough will be a bit firm but pliable — perfect for shaping.

Step 3: Shape and Create Thumbprints

Here’s the fun part: roll your dough into one-inch balls. Then, using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press a shallow well in the center of each ball. This is your little nest for the icing later. I find chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes helps keep your cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Place your cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about two inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 12 minutes — you want the edges just turning golden but the centers still soft. Pull them out and let them cool completely before adding the icing.

Step 5: Make the Boozy Eggnog Icing

Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Then stir in the Captain Morgan Spiced Rum (or your preferred substitute). The consistency should be thick but spreadable — add a little powdered sugar if it’s too thin. Once the cookies are cool, fill each thumbprint with a small spoonful of that heavenly icing.

Step 6: Top with Nutmeg and Serve

A final dusting of fresh ground nutmeg gives these cookies their classic eggnog vibe — this little touch makes all the difference, and I always keep my nutmeg grinder close by for that fresh aroma. Now, dig in or package them up for gifting!

How to Serve Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with just a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for that authentic eggnog flair. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of finely chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on the icing for added texture and warmth — it makes the presentation pop and adds a nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these thumbprint cookies with a warm mug of spiced cider, mulled wine, or your favorite holiday cocktail. They also go perfectly alongside a cheese and charcuterie board if you’re serving a party snack platter. My family and I especially like them with a cup of rich hot chocolate for a cozy night in.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I display these eggsnog thumbprints on a festive tiered cookie stand sprinkled with powdered sugar ‘snow.’ Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a lovely gift for neighbors or coworkers, and you can even customize the icing color by adding a drop of food coloring to match your party theme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover eggnog thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft — a trick I learned that really works wonders!

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and then transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. I’ve gotten great results doing this for holiday meal prep!

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, I usually let leftovers sit out for a bit after taking them from the fridge. If you prefer warm cookies, a quick 5-6 second zap in the microwave softens the butter in the icing just right without melting it completely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to holiday desserts because it combines nostalgic flavors with an easy-to-follow process. I love how every bite bursts with that warm, spiced eggnog essence paired perfectly with a sweet, boozy icing. If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a festive but straightforward cookie, this one’s a keeper — I promise you’ll be glad you gave it a try!

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