Eggnog snickerdoodles are a fun, festive twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie. These soft, chewy cookies get a cozy holiday vibe from the warm spices and a hint of creamy eggnog flavor, all rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating that adds just the right touch of sweetness and spice.
I love making these during the holidays because they smell amazing while baking, filling the whole house with cinnamon and nutmeg goodness. It’s like capturing the spirit of eggnog in cookie form! I often sneak a few before they even cool down because that little eggnog kick makes them taste extra special.
These cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or just enjoying with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. I also like to gift them in cute tins to friends and family—everyone seems to enjoy this cozy, spiced treat that feels both familiar and a little different at the same time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggnog: This gives the cookie its signature holiday flavor. If you don’t have eggnog, you can use milk with a pinch of nutmeg and vanilla extract for a similar taste.
Cream of Tartar: This keeps the snickerdoodles soft and chewy. If you don’t have it, try adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder instead but expect slightly different texture.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice): These warm spices bring holiday spirit to the cookies. You can adjust amounts or swap with pumpkin pie spice if preferred.
Butter and Sugar: Using softened unsalted butter helps the dough cream well with sugar, giving a tender cookie. Brown sugar isn’t used here but adding a bit can add deeper flavor if you like.
How Do You Get Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodles Every Time?
Here’s how to make sure your cookies turn out just right:
- Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This traps air and makes the cookies tender.
- Mix flour and eggnog into the batter gently, don’t overmix. This prevents tough cookies.
- Roll dough balls generously in the cinnamon-sugar mix to get that classic crust.
- Bake just until edges set but centers are still soft; they will firm up as they cool.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking before moving. This helps them finish baking without breaking.
Following these steps will give you soft, flavorful cookies perfect for the holidays or anytime you want a cozy treat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need a couple to whisk dry ingredients and mix the dough easily.
- Electric hand or stand mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar smooth and quick.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measuring ensures the perfect texture and flavor.
- Baking sheet – To hold the cookies while they bake; line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack – Helps cookies cool evenly and stay crisp on the edges without overbaking.
- Small bowl – For mixing the cinnamon-sugar coating before rolling the dough balls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup to the dough for a chocolatey surprise inside.
- White chocolate or caramel bits: They melt beautifully for a sweet extra.
- Using regular milk with a splash of vanilla instead of eggnog: Perfect if you want a milder flavor or don’t have eggnog.
- Adjust spices: Try adding a pinch of cloves or ginger for a different holiday spice twist.
Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup eggnog
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Time Needed
Getting these cookies ready will take about 15 minutes of preparation and 9-11 minutes of baking. Allow an extra 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet before moving them to a rack to cool fully. So plan roughly 30 minutes from start to having fresh eggnog snickerdoodles to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps make the cookies nice and tender.
3. Add Egg and Flavors
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients and Eggnog
Gradually add in the dry flour mixture alternately with the eggnog. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Be gentle — mix just until everything is combined to keep the cookies soft.
5. Roll Cookies in Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Shape the dough into 1 to 1 ½ inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mix.
6. Bake Your Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers still seem soft.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll firm up perfectly while cooling. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to eat! Enjoy with a glass of eggnog or your favorite warm drink for the perfect holiday treat.
Can I Use Frozen Eggnog for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the eggnog completely and give it a good stir before measuring. Using frozen or partially frozen eggnog can affect the dough’s texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Eggnog Snickerdoodles?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan or Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based egg replacer like flax eggs. Swap eggnog with a dairy-free alternative such as almond or coconut eggnog for similar flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Adjust Spice Levels?
If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the nutmeg and allspice by half. For extra warmth, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry mixture. Taste-testing the dough itself isn’t recommended since it contains raw egg.