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The aroma of holiday cheer fills my home whenever I whip up these Eggnog Treats. Pillowy soft with a dreamy eggnog topping that dissolves instantly on your palate, these goodies embody the spirit of Christmas. I can honestly say after countless holiday baking sessions, these are the treats my family starts requesting the minute December rolls around.
The Charming Appeal of These Treats
What makes these goodies stand out is how they pack all the delightful elements of eggnog into a soft buttery bite. You won't need to worry about dough resting time as they're super quick to put together. Whenever I take them to seasonal parties, guests always want to know how I made them. That blend of seasonal spices with the luscious eggnog topping is simply unmatched.
What You'll Need for Eggnog Treats
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundation of our treats, and I typically go for the unbleached variety.
- Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, and Powdered Sugar: This trio works together to create that wonderful mouthfeel we're after.
- Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These cozy spices bring that festive flavor to life.
- Baking Powder: Your ticket to perfectly airy treats.
- Salt: A tiny bit enhances every other flavor component.
- Unsalted Butter: This gives that incredible melt-away texture.
- Egg Yolks: These add richness and tenderness to our treats.
- Eggnog: Our main attraction, go with full fat for maximum impact.
- Vanilla and Rum Extract: They add that authentic eggnog taste we all crave.
Steps to Create Eggnog Treats
- Get the Oven Ready and Mix Dough
- Turn your oven to 350°F and put parchment on your baking trays. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and those wonderful spices.
- Work the Butter and Sugars
- Beat butter and sugars until fluffy and light. Drop in those beautiful yolks one by one, then add vanilla, rum extract, and eggnog.
- Bring Everything Together
- Add dry items to wet mixture gradually. Keep your mixer speed low to avoid toughening the dough. Drop generous portions onto your prepared trays, leaving space between each.
- Cook Them Up
- Slide them into the oven for 11 to 13 minutes until barely set. Let them sit on the tray before moving them to cool fully.
Creating the Eggnog Topping
- Start the Topping
- Beat butter until it's incredibly fluffy. Mix in a dash of rum extract and eggnog until well blended.
- Adjust and Perfect
- Slowly incorporate powdered sugar. If needed, add more eggnog until you can spread it easily.
- Top Your Treats
- When treats are totally cool, spread this delightful topping over them. Finish with a light dusting of nutmeg for that holiday look.
How to Store Your Treats
These goodies will stay yummy in the refrigerator for around 4 days if you keep them in a sealed container. Want to make them early? They'll freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Just bring them to room temp before you serve them to restore that lovely soft texture.
Tips From My Kitchen
Don't skimp on the eggnog quality, full fat really does boost the flavor. Your butter should be properly softened before you mix it with sugar. Don't overmix your dough or you'll end up with tough treats instead of tender ones. And wait until they're completely cool before adding topping, I learned that mistake firsthand.
Creative Variations to Try
I sometimes toss in a bit of cardamom or cloves when I feel like changing things up. You can swap brandy extract for rum extract with great results. My grandchildren go crazy when I add a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate. During the holidays, we go crazy with festive colored sprinkles.
A Holiday Gathering Must-Have
It brings me so much joy watching these treats vanish at family get-togethers. They look stunning on any dessert spread with their smooth topping. I love pairing them with cups of hot chocolate or warm eggnog. There's nothing better than seeing someone's happy reaction after their first taste.
What Makes These Treats Unforgettable
These treats have a special way of combining spicy warmth with sweet creamy topping. They're the kind of goodie that brings everyone to the kitchen asking when they'll be done. Easy to make but totally impressive to share, these treats have become an essential part of our family's Christmas customs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the best way to measure flour?
Scoop the flour into your cup and level it off. Add an extra 2 tablespoons for thicker cookies if needed.
- → Can I swap in low-fat eggnog?
For the yummiest results, stick with regular eggnog since it gives the perfect texture and flavor.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
They’re best in 3-4 days if stored airtight, but keep in mind the frosting affects freshness.
- → Can I freeze these?
Freeze them plain, without frosting. Defrost first, then add the frosting for the best taste.
- → Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Check that your butter is room temp, not too soft. You can also chill the dough for better shape.