Eggnog Snickerdoodles – The Perfect Holiday Cookie with a Festive Twist

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eggnog Snickerdoodles take a beloved classic and give it a holiday makeover. They’re soft, buttery, and spiced to perfection, with just enough eggnog flavor to make them stand out. The dough comes together easily, and the cookies bake up beautifully—perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a glass of eggnog. Best of all, the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with pure holiday magic.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour: The base of these cookies, providing structure and chewiness.

Cream of tartar: Essential for that signature tangy snickerdoodle flavor and soft texture.

Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.

Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that give the cookies their holiday charm.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and forms the iconic cinnamon-sugar coating.

Brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture for the perfect chew.

Egg yolk: Provides richness and helps bind the dough.

Eggnog: Infuses the cookies with creamy, spiced flavor that sets them apart.

Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness.

Cinnamon-sugar mixture: A simple but essential coating that gives the cookies their snickerdoodle sparkle.

Optional glaze: A drizzle made from powdered sugar, eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra holiday flair.

Directions

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

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar for rolling. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, then coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For an extra festive touch, drizzle cooled cookies with the eggnog glaze and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes per batch
Total time: 25 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture. The cookies can also be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving or glazing.

Variations and Customizations

Glazed Eggnog Cookies: Add a thick drizzle of eggnog glaze for a sweeter, bakery-style version.

Nutmeg Lovers’ Twist: Increase the nutmeg for a bolder holiday spice flavor.

Stuffed Snickerdoodles: Add a small spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center before baking for a surprise bite.

Spiked Version: Use a tablespoon of rum extract or real rum for a grown-up flavor.

Frosted Sandwich Cookies: Spread eggnog buttercream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Mix white or dark chocolate chips into the dough for extra richness.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for perfect results.

Egg-Free Version: Replace the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt.

Crunchy Style: Bake an extra 1–2 minutes for crisp edges and a slightly crunchy bite.

Holiday Sprinkle Topping: Add festive red and green sugar for a decorative touch.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Yes, any store-bought or homemade eggnog works perfectly.

Do I need cream of tartar?

Yes, it gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and chewy texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely—chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I keep my cookies soft?

Don’t overbake, and store them with a slice of bread in the container.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have eggnog?

You can substitute with heavy cream mixed with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully for holiday baking.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

No, the eggnog adds creaminess that balances the sweetness nicely.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy eggnog alternatives.

What’s the best way to glaze them?

Let cookies cool completely before drizzling the glaze with a spoon or piping bag.

Conclusion

Eggnog Snickerdoodles combine the nostalgic flavor of classic snickerdoodles with the creamy, spiced essence of eggnog for a cookie that’s festive, cozy, and impossible to resist. Soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and full of holiday charm, these cookies are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Whether they’re part of your Christmas cookie platter or enjoyed with a mug of hot cocoa, they’re guaranteed to spread cheer with every bite.

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