Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies : The Best Holiday Cookies You’ll Ever Bake

Nothing says holiday cheer like a warm kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg. These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect blend of classic holiday flavors with a creative twist that makes them irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for Christmas cookie tray recipes, unique bake exchange ideas, or simply want to impress your guests with festive holiday cookies, this recipe checks all the boxes. It combines the soft, chewy texture of snickerdoodles with a creamy eggnog-spiced filling nestled in the center—creating the ultimate holiday thumbprint cookie.

Plus, if you’re a fan of cozy, nostalgic eggnog baking recipes, this one will quickly become your new favorite.

Before you get started, why not browse more holiday inspiration like these delightful pumpkin cheesecake truffles or crowd-pleasing apple crisp with oatmeal—perfect companions to your cookie tray.

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What Makes These the Best Holiday Cookies?

If you’re creating a list of Christmas flavored cookies to gift or serve at parties, you want something that stands out. These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies bring the warm spice of traditional snickerdoodles and pair it with the creamy richness of an eggnog center.

They’re:

• Chewy on the outside, creamy in the middle
• Infused with cinnamon and nutmeg for that signature holiday flavor
• A guaranteed hit at any cookie swap or dessert table
• Unique but nostalgic—like eggnog snowball cookies but with a modern flair

Looking for other creative cookie swap ideas? You might also love these Halloween brownie treats adapted for year-round fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies use simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s the full list:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1½ tsp cream of tartar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Eggnog Filling:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp eggnog
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon or splash of vanilla extract

Want to keep the Christmas flavors going strong? Try pairing these cookies with something creamy like fruit dip or a seasonal pumpkin fluff dip on your holiday table.

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Kitchen Equipment Checklist

Making these cookies is easy and doesn’t require any special tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag or small spoon for filling

If you enjoy baking seasonal treats, you may also want to explore other breakfast-friendly ideas like mini pancake cereal or pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape and Coat

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon sugar coating. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Make the Thumbprints

Use your thumb, the back of a teaspoon, or a rounded utensil to press a small indentation into each cookie. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are just set. Don’t overbake.

Step 5: Cool and Fill

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, prepare the filling by beating together butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Use a piping bag or small spoon to fill the center of each cookie with the eggnog mixture.

Cookies like these are perfect for a Christmas cookie tray alongside other seasonal favorites.

Baking Tips & Tricks

• Soft Butter = Creamy Dough: Don’t melt your butter—softened butter whips up better.
• Chill if Needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 20–30 minutes before baking.
• Perfect Thumbprints: Use the back of a measuring spoon for uniform indentations.
• Spice it Right: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste. Some even add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for an extra kick.
• Pipe, Don’t Overfill: Use a piping bag to control how much filling goes in—no mess.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

These cookies are wonderful as-is, but you can also try:

• Eggnog Cream Cheese Filling for a tangy twist
• Add a drop of rum flavoring (non-alcoholic) for a deeper eggnog profile
• Make them into Eggnog Snowball Cookies by skipping the filling and rolling in powdered sugar
• Add sprinkles or sanding sugar for sparkle
• Use a snickerdoodle protein bite approach for a more wholesome snack version

Or if you’re exploring more sweet holiday recipes, try these blueberry cream cheese bars or muffin tin mini apple pies for variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: These cookies should be soft. Watch the edges and pull them just as they begin to set.
• Adding filling while warm: Let cookies cool completely before adding the filling, or it will melt.
• Skipping the sugar coating: This step gives the cookies their signature snickerdoodle crunch.
• Under-mixing filling: Beat the filling until it’s fluffy for the best texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store filled cookies in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep them chilled for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unfilled cookies and add the filling after thawing.
• Make-Ahead: Bake the cookies in advance and freeze them. Make the filling fresh for best results.

These cookies are excellent for gifting, especially when packaged with pumpkin cheesecake cookies or apple pie dip for a well-rounded sweet assortment.

Presentation Tips

These Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Here’s how to make them stand out on your cookie tray:

• Arrange with other colorful cookies like chocolate chip cheesecake bars
• Use a festive plate or cookie tin lined with tissue or wax paper
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar or edible glitter
• Add a cinnamon stick or mini candy cane for décor

Looking to build a cookie tray with variety? Don’t forget chocolate pumpkin butter cups or pumpkin twists.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for:

• Cookie exchanges and office parties
• Holiday dessert buffets with no-bake pumpkin pie balls
• Pairing with warm drinks like lavender lemonade or strawberry cream soda
• Gifting in holiday tins with a mix of other Christmas cookie flavor ideas

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These cookies freeze beautifully and can be filled later.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Use vegan butter and a dairy-free eggnog alternative for both cookie and filling.

Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Absolutely! It works great in the filling and enhances the holiday flavor.

Do these travel well?
Yes, but chill them first so the filling sets firmly before packing.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well—perfect for gifting or big holiday parties.

Final Thoughts: Share the Joy with These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just want to make your house smell like Christmas, these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are a standout recipe. They’re rich, comforting, unique, and festive—exactly what Christmas cookie tray recipes should be.

They also pair beautifully with sweet and spicy sides like sweet chili meatballs or even savory cheese-stuffed mini peppers.

Add these cookies to your yearly baking list, and be prepared to make them more than once each season!

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