These cozy eggnog cookies are a holiday delight! Soft and buttery, they’re dipped in creamy white chocolate, bringing together festive flavors in each bite.
Every time I make these, it feels like a mini holiday party in my kitchen! Plus, they disappear fast—everyone loves that sweet white chocolate touch. 🎄🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggnog: This is essential for that classic flavor! If you don’t have any, you can substitute with milk mixed with some vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg to mimic the taste. For a non-dairy option, use almond or oat milk with some nutmeg and vanilla.
Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds that warm holiday aroma. If you want a different spice profile, cinnamon or allspice can be good alternatives, but they will change the classic eggnog taste slightly.
White Chocolate: I love using white chocolate chips for ease, but you can chop up a good-quality white chocolate bar for a smoother finish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a sugar-free white chocolate.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy cookies is not overbaking them. Here’s what to do:
- Keep a close eye on them as they bake, and take them out as soon as the edges are set and they look slightly underbaked in the middle.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up but keeps them soft.
- If you want a richer flavor, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies spread less and maintain a nice structure.
White Chocolate Covered Eggnog Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 oz white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- Optional: holiday-colored sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe will take about 25 minutes to prepare, with another 12-15 minutes for baking. And once they’re out of the oven, you’ll want to let them cool for another 10 minutes before they’re ready to be drizzled with chocolate and enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggnog and Flavor:
Beat in the egg until it’s fully incorporated. After that, stir in the eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will help ensure everything is evenly distributed within the cookies.
5. Mix It Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Shape and Bake:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. They might look a little underdone—this is perfect!
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Melt the White Chocolate:
While the cookies cool, melt the white chocolate. Place the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
9. Decorate the Cookies:
Drizzle or spread the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. If you’d like, you can sprinkle festive red, green, and white sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets.
10. Let It Harden:
Allow the white chocolate to harden at room temperature, or you can hasten the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
After the chocolate has set, your White Chocolate Covered Eggnog Cookies are ready to be served! They are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or simply enjoying at home with a glass of milk.
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor and color. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture a bit, but the cookies will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay fresher for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before consuming!
What If I Don’t Have Eggnog on Hand?
No worries! You can replace the eggnog with a mix of 1/4 cup milk, adding a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg to mimic the flavor. This works well in a pinch!