I’ve been experimenting with festive treats, and one of my favorites has to be the non-alcoholic eggnog cookie. It captures all the comforting flavors of classic eggnog, which makes it perfect for gatherings. Plus, it’s suitable for all ages, so everyone can indulge. If you’re curious about how to make these delightful cookies and perhaps elevate your holiday baking, stick around for some enticing details and tips.
What kind of recipe is it?
Non-Alcoholic Eggnog Cookies are a delightful seasonal treat that capture the warm, festive flavors of traditional eggnog without the alcohol.
These soft, spiced cookies are infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family moments.
They’re an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a festive dessert that caters to all ages, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of the season.
Baking these cookies will fill your home with irresistible aromas and create cherished memories with loved ones.
Preparation Time
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of the Recipe | Easy |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Number of Servings | Approximately 24 cookies |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup (packed) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Whipped cream (optional) | For serving |
Feel free to let me know if you need further assistance!
Essential Kitchen Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls (Large & Medium) | Used to combine dry and wet ingredients separately for efficient mixing. | Any large or medium bowls (e.g., salad or mixing bowls). |
| Measuring Cups (Dry & Liquid) | Essential for accurately measuring flour, sugar, and milk to ensure proper texture and flavor. | Use a standard cup (like a coffee cup) for dry ingredients and any liquid measuring container for liquids. |
| Measuring Spoons | Needed for precise measurement of small quantities of baking powder, baking soda, spices, and extracts. | Use the top of a regular spoon; 1 tablespoon is roughly the size of a large dinner spoon, and 1 teaspoon is about a teaspoon size. |
| Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer | Ideal for creaming butter and sugars together smoothly and mixing dough without manual effort. | Mixing by hand with a wooden spoon or whisk, though it may take more effort. |
| Rubber Spatula | Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding in ingredients without deflating the batter. | A regular spoon can be used, though with less effectiveness for precise scraping. |
| Wooden Spoon | Useful for stirring ingredients and combining dough without damaging non-stick surfaces. | Any large spoon can substitute; a metal spoon can work but may scratch non-stick surfaces. |
| Baking Sheets (2-3) | Provides a flat surface for baking cookies evenly and allows for multiple batches. | Use any flat, oven-safe tray or even a shallow roasting pan. |
| Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats | Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and helps with easy cleanup. | Coat baking sheets lightly with cooking spray or butter; however, it may not prevent sticking as effectively. |
| Cookie Scoop or Spoon | For portioning dough into uniform cookies, ensuring even baking and consistent sizing. | A regular tablespoon can be used to manually scoop dough, though it may yield less uniform results. |
| Cooling Rack | Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking, preventing them from becoming soggy. | A wire rack from a store can be improvised, or cookies can be placed on a plate to cool if a rack isn’t available. |
| Oven Thermometer | Ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for baking, which is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture. | If you don’t have an oven thermometer, you can rely on the oven’s built-in settings, but it’s less accurate. |
These tools and their alternatives will help you efficiently make the Non-Alcoholic Eggnog Cookie recipe while accommodating various kitchen setups!
Cooking Steps
1. Mise en Place: Gather 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter (softened), 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pre-measure all ingredients for efficiency.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Position the oven rack in the center to ensure even heat distribution.
3. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets (approximately 30 x 40 cm or 12 x 16 inches) with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed to cream 115 g (1/2 cup) softened unsalted butter and 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
5. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until fully incorporated, approximately 1 minute.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
7. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in the large bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
8. Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough into uniform balls (about 25-30 g each). Place them 5 cm (2 inches) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set but slightly soft. The cookies should have a fragrant aroma and a golden-brown bottom.
10. Cooling: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes to set.
Then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely, which will prevent them from becoming soggy.
11. Storage: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations
- Maple Walnut Eggnog Cookies: Substitute 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar with 75 g (1/3 cup) maple syrup and add 100 g (1 cup) chopped walnuts for a nutty flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Eggnog Cookies: Replace 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk with 60 ml (1/4 cup) canned pumpkin puree and add 1/2 tsp of ground ginger for a seasonal twist.
- Chocolate Chip Eggnog Cookies: Incorporate 150 g (1 cup) chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, sweet addition that complements eggnog flavors.
- Gluten-Free Eggnog Cookies: Swap 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour with 250 g (2 cups) gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan Eggnog Cookies: Replace 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter with 115 g (1/2 cup) coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) instead of the large egg.
- Coconut Eggnog Cookies: Add 50 g (1/2 cup) shredded coconut and replace milk with coconut milk (60 ml or 1/4 cup) for a tropical take on the classic cookie.
- Baked Eggnog Cookie Bars: Instead of making individual cookies, spread the dough into a greased 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes for cookie bars.
- Cranberry Almond Eggnog Cookies: Mix in 100 g (1 cup) dried cranberries and 50 g (1/2 cup) slivered almonds for a tart and nutty flavor contrast with the eggnog.
Tips on plating and presentation
After exploring various delightful variations of eggnog cookies, it’s time to consider how to present those treats beautifully.
I recommend using simple yet elegant plating techniques, like a white plate that makes the cookies pop.
Add some festive garnishes, such as a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick beside the cookies, to enhance the holiday spirit and create a memorable display.
What other dishes can I pair it with?
When you’re thinking about dishes to pair with non-alcoholic eggnog cookies, consider serving them alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or a creamy hot chocolate for a cozy vibe.
These holiday desserts complement each other beautifully.
You could also add a festive fruit platter or a selection of nuts for delightful festive pairings that enhance your cookie experience and spread seasonal cheer.
What drinks can I pair it with?
To truly elevate your experience of non-alcoholic eggnog cookies, pairing them with the right drinks can make all the difference.
I love enjoying these cookies with festive beverages like spiced apple cider or rich hot chocolate.
For chilly evenings, cozy warmers such as herbal teas or creamy lattes provide the perfect complement.
Each sip enhances the delightful flavors of your cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Any Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions?
Absolutely! I love substituting ingredients for dietary alternatives. You can easily swap out flour for gluten-free options or use plant-based milk instead of dairy. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
I store leftover cookies in airtight cookie containers to keep them fresh. For the best flavor, I recommend using parchment paper to separate layers. Follow these storing tips, and your cookies will stay delicious longer!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely, I freeze my cookie dough all the time! Just make sure it’s well wrapped to maintain dough consistency. For freezing tips, label it with the date, so I remember when I made it.
What’s the Best Way to Decorate These Cookies?
I love using cookie icing for decorating! It’s so easy to create fun designs. Then, I sprinkle on some festive sprinkles to give those cookies a cheerful touch. They really brighten up any occasion!
How Long Do the Cookies Stay Fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. For extra freshness tips, I recommend storing them in an airtight container. Their shelf life extends if kept in the fridge, lasting up to two weeks.