Why Make This Recipe
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. They bring together the holiday flavor of eggnog with the joy of cookie decorating. These cookies are fun to make with family and friends, and they create a festive atmosphere in your kitchen.
Not only do they taste great, but they also look wonderful on a holiday dessert table. With their creamy, spiced flavor, these cookies will surely impress your guests and become a beloved holiday tradition in your home.
Equipment Needed for Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
To make Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies, you will need some basic equipment. A stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment makes mixing the dough easy and efficient. You will also need mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons for precision in measuring the ingredients.
A rolling pin helps you roll the dough to the right thickness. You will require cookie cutters to shape your cookies, as well as baking sheets lined with parchment paper for baking. Finally, a wire rack is essential for cooling the cookies after baking.
What You Need to Make Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup prepared eggnog, room temperature
- Easy cookie icing
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
How to Cook Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies Step by Step
Start by preparing the dough for your cookies. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl so that all ingredients combine well.
Next, add the large egg yolks and vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix on low speed until fully combined, and then set this mixture aside. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg. This dry mixture will add depth of flavor to your cookies.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the prepared eggnog. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a clean surface. Form the dough into disks, wrap each disk in plastic wrap, and refrigerate them until firm. It’s best to chill for about 1 to 2 hours, ensuring that your dough is ready to roll.
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. After the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the rolled-out dough. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to your prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until they are dry and lightly golden on the edges.
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While your cookies are cooling, prepare the easy cookie icing. You can divide the icing into bowls and add red and green food coloring for festive designs.
Dip the cooled cookies in the colored icing, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the decorated cookies back on the wire rack to dry completely. Once the icing has hardened, your Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies are ready to be served or stored.
How to Make Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
To make Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies, begin with soft butter and granulated sugar. Mixing until the two are creamy sets a strong base for your cookies. The addition of egg yolks and vanilla enhances the flavor profile.
The dry ingredients play a crucial role, so do not skip the combination of flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. This combination will add that classic eggnog taste. Chilling the dough is vital, as it makes rolling and shaping easier.
While baking, keep an eye on the cookies to ensure they don’t overbake. After baking, cooling is equally important. Once they are cool, decorate according to your festive desires. Whether you opt for simple icing or more intricate designs, these cookies will shine brightly during the holiday season.
How to Serve Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies can be served in various delightful ways. Present them on a festive platter, surrounded by other holiday treats. A colorful display of cookies can add a joyful touch to any gathering.
For a cozy family evening, enjoy them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider. The flavors complement each other beautifully. You can also pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Another fun idea for serving is to use these cookies as a part of a holiday cookie decorating party. Set up a decorating station with different icing colors and toppings for friends and family to enjoy.
What to Serve with Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
While Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies are delicious on their own, serving them alongside complementary treats can enhance the experience. Consider offering hot chocolate or spiced apple cider to bring out the festive flavors in the cookies.
For a balanced dessert table, include a variety of cookies, like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint bark. These options create a delightful spread that caters to various tastes and preferences.
Adding a cheese platter with sharp and creamy cheeses can offer a nice contrast, cleansing the palate between sweet bites. Fresh fruits like pears or apples are refreshing choices that pair well with cookies.
How to Store Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
Storing Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies properly ensures they remain fresh and delicious. Once the cookies are fully dry and the icing has set, place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them from going stale.
Layer the cookies with parchment paper in between to avoid them sticking to one another. You can store them at room temperature for about a week, depending on the humidity in your area. If you’d like to extend their freshness, consider freezing the cookies.
To freeze them, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can last for several months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Tips to Make Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
To make the best Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies, use quality ingredients. Fresh eggnog and real vanilla bean paste are ideal for enhancing flavor. Softening the butter properly is key, so plan ahead.
Chilling the dough is essential to get perfectly shaped cookies. Don’t rush this step, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. When rolling out the dough, use flour generously to prevent sticking, but try not to overdo it, as too much flour can make the cookies tough.
Experiment with different shapes for the cookie cutters. Heart and star shapes can add a festive touch for holiday gatherings. Finally, get creative with the icing by using various piping techniques to decorate your cookies.
Variation
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding flavored extracts to the dough, such as almond or lemon. You can also add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for different textures.
For a spiced twist, adding cinnamon or ginger can enhance the flavor of the dough. Another fun idea is to sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the icing for a festive crunch.
If you want a more kid-friendly version, skip the icing and simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar after baking.
Best Time to Make Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies are best made during the holiday season. Their festive flavors and beautiful decorations align perfectly with celebrations and gatherings in December.
You can start making these cookies as early as late November, and they are excellent for holiday cookie exchanges. Baking a batch early allows you to enjoy them fresh and share them with friends or family.
To make it a holiday tradition, consider baking these cookies on a designated day, such as the first weekend of December, to kick off the festive month.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake when making Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies is mixing the dough too long. It can lead to tough cookies, so mix until just combined.
Another mistake is not adequately chilling the dough. Rushing this step can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
Finally, make sure not to overbake the cookies. They should be just set and slightly golden; checking them a minute or two before the suggested baking time can help.
Nutritional Notes
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies are a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Each cookie contains calories from sugar and butter, so be mindful of portion sizes.
If you’re looking for ways to make them healthier, consider using less sugar or substituting some of the butter for applesauce. Using whole wheat flour can also add more fiber to the cookies.
FAQs
Can I make Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough and freeze it for later use, or bake the cookies a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?
You can substitute vanilla bean paste with an equal amount of vanilla extract, though the flavor may be slightly different.
Can Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies be decorated ahead of time?
Absolutely! Decorate the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container once the icing is fully dry.
Conclusion
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their unique flavor and festive appearance make them a beloved treat for friends and family. Not only are they enjoyable to bake, but decorating them can bring joy and creativity into your kitchen.
By following this straightforward recipe and tips, you can create beautiful cookies that will spread holiday cheer. Whether you serve them at gatherings or keep them as a sweet treat for yourself, Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients and start baking a batch to enjoy during this wonderful season!
