Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies – Best Holiday Treat

There’s nothing quite like Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies to usher in the cozy spirit of the holidays. These cookies combine the nostalgic warmth of snickerdoodles with the rich, spiced creaminess of eggnog ganache. With a soft, tender center and a perfectly spiced exterior, each bite is like sipping a holiday classic — but in cookie form. Whether you’re prepping cookie boxes or entertaining with a festive dessert tray, these eggnog thumbprint cookies bring charm, flavor, and holiday cheer to any gathering.

Why You’ll Love These Holiday Treats

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies aren’t just pretty to look at — they’re incredibly flavorful and easy to make. The dough is fuss-free (no chilling required!), and the finished cookies hold their shape beautifully. Perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or just indulging by the fire, these cookies balance classic snickerdoodle tang with a creamy, spiced eggnog ganache that sets to a soft, fudgy finish. And yes — there’s a touch of rum for that extra holiday warmth (completely optional).

What You’ll Need for These Cookies

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• Butter: Provides richness and ensures a tender crumb.
• Brown and White Sugar: A blend that offers both moisture and crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds the dough and gives structure while maintaining softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
• Cream of Tartar: A key snickerdoodle ingredient that adds tang and softness.
• Baking Soda: Works with cream of tartar to create lift and chewiness.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, carefully measured for perfect texture.
• Cinnamon Sugar (for rolling): Delivers that classic snickerdoodle flavor and festive look.

Ganache Filling Ingredients

• White Chocolate: Rich and creamy base for the ganache — use high-quality bars.
• Eggnog: Infuses the ganache with seasonal flavor and smooth texture.
• Rum or Rum Extract: Optional, but adds warmth and authenticity to the eggnog profile.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Signature eggnog spice, sprinkled both in and on the ganache.

Smart Ingredient Swaps and Tips

Need a Substitute?

• No eggnog? Use heavy cream with a dash of nutmeg and rum extract.
• Avoiding alcohol? Omit the rum entirely — the eggnog and nutmeg carry the flavor.
• No cream of tartar? Replace with 1 teaspoon baking powder, but note the taste change.
• No white chocolate bars? Chips can be used, though the ganache may be less smooth.
• Gluten-Free Option? Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl once.
3. Add egg and vanilla, then beat until smooth and well-combined.
4. Sift in flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt, then mix until a thick dough forms.
5. Scoop dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and roll each in cinnamon sugar.
6. Place on baking sheet and press the center with your thumb or a ½ teaspoon.
7. Bake for 7 minutes until set but still soft. If indentations puff up, press gently while warm.
8. Prepare ganache by microwaving chopped white chocolate, eggnog, and rum in 15-second intervals. Stir until smooth and add nutmeg.
9. Fill each cookie with about ½ teaspoon of ganache and top with more freshly grated nutmeg.
10. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker firming. Ganache will firm to a soft, fudgy texture.

Tips to Get Them Just Right

• Don’t skip the flour measurement: 245g or about 2 cups (spooned and leveled) is key.
• Use high-quality chocolate: Chips can make the ganache grainy.
• Microwave carefully: Heat slowly to avoid seizing the chocolate.
• Avoid over-softened butter: It should be pliable but not greasy.
• No chilling needed: These cookies are designed to hold their shape right away.
• Want to prep ahead? You can shape and refrigerate the dough overnight for convenience.

Delicious Ways to Serve and Customize

• Pair with a glass of eggnog, chai tea, or mulled wine for a cozy treat.
• Top with crushed peppermint for extra holiday flair.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for a snow-kissed look.
• Stuff with chocolate ganache instead for a more indulgent version.
• Make-ahead tip: These cookies freeze well (up to 3 months). Use wax paper between layers.

The Joy of Holiday Baking with Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be — cozy, festive, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, gifting them to neighbors, or enjoying them with family by the fire, they’re sure to be a seasonal staple.

The warm spices, creamy filling, and soft snickerdoodle base create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. With their stunning appearance and irresistible taste, these cookies are more than a recipe — they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen.

Wrapping Up: A Holiday Favorite You’ll Want Every Year

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a seasonal treat — they’re a bite-sized celebration of everything we love about holiday baking. From the cinnamon-sugar cookie base to the creamy eggnog ganache filling, each element is thoughtfully crafted to capture the flavors of the season.

Whether you’re baking a batch for your Christmas cookie box, a holiday party, or simply to enjoy with a warm drink on a cold evening, these cookies will bring smiles, conversation, and festive flavor. And the best part? They’re just as easy to make as they are impressive to serve.

FAQ: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: These cookies combine the cozy spices of fall with the classic texture of snickerdoodles, making them a perfect companion to eggnog-based holiday treats. A soft, chewy cookie with a cinnamon-sugar coating, ideal for any autumn or winter gathering.
• Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Featuring rich pumpkin flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for those who love warm spices and soft-baked cookie styles. A great seasonal match to thumbprint cookies with festive fillings.
• Pumpkindoodle Cookies: A delightful hybrid of pumpkin pie and snickerdoodle, these cookies bring holiday charm in every bite. With cinnamon-sugar coating and soft centers, they echo the nostalgic comfort of thumbprint cookies while offering a unique seasonal twist.

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