Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a festive, cozy cookie that captures the magic of the holiday season, look no further than this Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats marry the warm spices of classic gingerbread with the creamy, nostalgic flavor of eggnog, resulting in cookies that are tender, flavorful, and beautifully crowned with a luscious eggnog glaze. They are perfect for sharing with friends, gifting to loved ones, or simply indulging in a comforting moment by yourself. Once you try these cookies, you’ll be adding this recipe to your holiday favorites for years to come!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe plays a vital role, combining simple pantry staples and a few festive specials to create a cookie that’s rich in flavor and texture. The spices bring warmth and depth, while the eggnog adds a uniquely creamy note that sets these cookies apart.

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base for structure, giving your cookies just the right chewiness.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise beautifully and become tender.
• 1 tsp ground ginger: Adds that signature gingerbread kick—earthy and aromatic.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings sweet warmth that complements the ginger.
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle, nutty spice that rounds out the flavor.
• ½ tsp ground allspice: Adds complexity with hints of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Provides moisture and a deep molasses sweetness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds crispness and light sweetness.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
• ¼ cup eggnog: The star ingredient for moistness and that unmistakable holiday flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze filling for each thumbprint.
• 2-3 tbsp eggnog (for the filling): Mixed with powdered sugar to make a creamy glaze bursting with festive cheer.
• Optional: ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting: Adds a decorative touch and extra spice aroma.

How to Make Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get your oven ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple prep helps deliver perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Mix your dry spices and flour

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This step lets the warm spices distribute evenly throughout the dough, guaranteeing every bite bursts with holiday flavor.

Step 3: Cream your butter and sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This aerates the dough, giving your cookies a tender crumb and slight crispness on the edges.

Step 4: Add your wet ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then, gradually stir in the eggnog, making sure everything blends into a smooth, fragrant dough that’s packed with festive spirit.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be gentle—overmixing can create tough cookies, and we want these to be soft, tender, and inviting.

Step 6: Shape the cookie dough balls

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheets so they have room to puff and bake evenly.

Step 7: Make your thumbprints

Press a deep indentation into the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon. This is a fun step that lets you channel your inner baker and creates the perfect little well for the delicious glaze.

Step 8: Bake gently

Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes until their edges turn lightly golden. You’ll smell the spices warming the kitchen—an irresistible sign that these festive bites are almost ready.

Step 9: Prepare the eggnog glaze

While the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of eggnog in a small bowl. Adjust until you get a thick yet spreadable glaze that’s going to take these cookies over the top.

Step 10: Fill the cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, spoon or pipe the eggnog glaze into each thumbprint, smoothing gently with the spoon back. This creamy filling is what makes this Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe so special.

Step 11: Add a final festive touch (optional)

Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the glazed cookies for extra warmth and a gorgeous holiday presentation that will wow your friends and family.

How to Serve Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Dusting these cookies with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg not only boosts their aroma but also instantly elevates their appearance for that picture-perfect holiday table. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a snowy, festive feel.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a cup of rich coffee to balance the sweetness. They’re also delightful alongside a festive cheese board for a mix of savory and sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them on a festive platter lined with holly or evergreen sprigs or arrange them in a decorative tin tied with a holiday ribbon—perfect for gifting. You can even create a cookie stack tower interspersed with small sprigs of fresh rosemary for a rustic touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your thumbprint cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled and the glaze has set before storing to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies will keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the glaze and change the texture. Warmed cookies bring out the spices even more.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and adds that classic creamy flavor without extra fuss. Just make sure it’s well chilled for the best results when mixing.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

If you’re missing one or two spices, no worries. Ground cinnamon and ginger are the most essential, but you can still make tasty cookies by adjusting amounts. The allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon can be swapped or left out if needed.

How do I make sure the thumbprints hold their shape?

Press your thumb or spoon gently but firmly to create a deep indentation. Doing this right before baking helps the well retain its shape without flattening out during baking.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. You may need to adjust bake time slightly depending on your blend.

Is there a way to make the glaze dairy-free?

Simply use a dairy-free eggnog alternative, such as almond or coconut milk-based eggnog, and the glaze remains just as delicious and creamy.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the combination of eggnog and gingerbread in these thumbprint cookies. They are tender, warmly spiced, and perfectly glazed—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any holiday occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a festive treat to brighten your winter days, this Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is absolutely worth making. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy each bite as much as I do!

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