The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re looking for a cookie that captures the magic of Christmas, look no further than Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Christmas Cookies. Picture this: soft, pillowy cookies dusted with cinnamon sugar, their centers cradling creamy eggnog frosting. Zucchini Ricotta Melts The aroma wafts through your home, instantly transporting you to a cozy winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and laughter. These cookies are more than just treats; they are tiny hugs for your taste buds!
Every bite brings together the warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, reminiscent of festive gatherings and cherished family moments. Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy night in with hot cocoa, these cookies bring joy and comfort to any occasion. Get ready to enjoy a delightful flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are simple to whip up, making them perfect for busy bakers
- Their festive flavor profile is both nostalgic and exciting
- Visually stunning with their thumbprint design, they make an eye-catching addition to any dessert table
- Versatile enough for holiday parties or cozy nights at home, they suit every occasion beautifully
I remember the first time I made these cookies for my family’s Christmas gathering. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed it was like “Christmas in a cookie!” It was one of those moments where I felt like a baking superstar.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Required for the cookie base; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
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Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise to fluffy perfection; don’t skip it. Cherry Cheesecake Fluff.
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Cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and flavor; use freshly ground if possible.
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Nutmeg: Essential for that classic eggnog flavor; fresh grated nutmeg gives the best results.
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Unsalted Butter: Provides richness; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; granulated sugar helps create that perfect crisp edge.
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Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor; light or dark will work fine.
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Eggs: Binding agent that adds richness; use large eggs as standard.
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Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors in your cookies; pure vanilla is best!
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Eggnog: The star of this recipe! Use store-bought or homemade—both work wonderfully. Homemade Samoas Recipe.
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Cream Cheese: For the frosting; it adds tanginess and creaminess to balance sweetness.
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Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the frosting without adding graininess; sift it before using for smooth results.
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Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for rolling the dough balls before baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together!
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Create Cookie Dough: In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in your dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture until combined into a soft dough. Don’t overmix—just bring it all together.
Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form dough balls and roll them in cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated evenly. Place them on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Create Thumbprints: Gently press your thumb into each cookie ball to create an indentation. No Bake Carrot Cake Bites Don’t press too hard! Bake the cookies in preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around edges.
Prepare Frosting: While cookies cool completely on wire racks, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in eggnog gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Now you have a batch of Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Christmas Cookies ready to impress at any gathering! Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats as you create memories with loved ones during this festive season! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Lavender Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Christmas Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, combining traditional flavors with a fun twist
- The creamy eggnog filling adds a delightful surprise, while the snickerdoodle base offers a cozy texture and warmth that makes every bite feel like a holiday hug
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your snickerdoodle dough and chilling it while you mix the eggnog filling for efficiency. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and develop that signature soft texture.

Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out traditional spices for something unique like nutmeg or cardamom to elevate your cookies. You can also experiment with flavored extracts in the eggnog filling for extra pizzazz.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The key to perfect Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Christmas Cookies is chilling the dough
- It helps them hold their shape better during baking
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for optimal texture
- Always use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact!
Sharing my first attempt at these cookies was quite memorable; my friends devoured them in minutes! Their smiles were all the encouragement I needed to keep baking these festive delights every holiday season.

FAQ
What is the best way to achieve a soft cookie texture?
Chilling your dough before baking helps maintain a soft, chewy texture in the final cookies.
Can I use store-bought eggnog instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly for a quick and easy filling option.
How long can I store these cookies?
These delicious cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for about five days at room temperature.

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the festive spirit with these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies. Soft and pillowy, each cookie is rolled in cinnamon sugar and features a creamy eggnog frosting center, creating a cozy flavor experience that captures the essence of holiday cheer. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture; place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Press your thumb into each ball to create an indentation. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- While cookies cool, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth; mix in eggnog gradually to desired consistency.
- Fill thumbprints with frosting once cookies are completely cool.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg



