These Eggnog Iced Gingerbread Cookies are a festive treat! With warm spices and a sweet eggnog icing, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
What’s better than cookies that taste like Christmas? I can’t resist sneaking one too many while they cool. Don’t blame me; the smell is just too good! 🎄
These cookies are super fun to make and look pretty on your holiday table. Plus, the eggnog icing gives them a tasty twist that makes every bite special. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookies. However, if you need a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free blend. It works well without changing the texture too much!
Ground spices: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives these cookies their warm flavor. If you don’t have one spice, you can increase the others slightly or use pumpkin pie spice as a convenient alternative.
Molasses: This adds depth and sweetness. If you run out, you can substitute honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be different. Dark corn syrup could also work in a pinch.
Eggnog: This special ingredient makes the icing unique. If you want a non-dairy option, use coconut milk or a vegan eggnog alternative. For a different flavor, any cream can work too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is typical here, but if you’re out, margarine or coconut oil can be used instead for a dairy-free version. Just note that it might change the texture slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Chill Cookie Dough?
Chilling the dough is super important for these gingerbread cookies. It firms up the dough for easier rolling and helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- After mixing, wrap your dough in plastic wrap to avoid drying out.
- Flatten it into a disc before chilling. This helps it cool more evenly.
- Ensure your fridge is cold enough—aim for around 40°F (4°C).
- Let the dough chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will enhance the flavors too!
Trust me, one little step can make a big difference in achieving those perfect gingerbread cookies!
Eggnog Iced Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Eggnog Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (orange, yellow, gold) for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful process takes about 30 minutes of hands-on prep time, plus at least 2 hours to chill the dough. After baking, allow another hour for cooling and icing. So, plan for around 4 to 5 hours before you can fully enjoy these cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gingerbread Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined, and set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract one at a time, making sure everything is fully incorporated after each addition. It will smell amazing!
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing. Keep blending until a smooth dough forms. Wrap this dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
6. Roll and Cut the Cookies:
Once the dough is chilled, lightly flour your workspace. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Transfer your cookie shapes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Eggnog Icing:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the icing consistency with more eggnog if needed—just make sure it’s spreadable.
9. Ice the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, you can start icing them! Spread or pipe the eggnog icing onto each cookie, then sprinkle with festive orange, yellow, and gold decorations for a cheerful touch.
10. Set the Icing:
Allow the icing to sit at room temperature until it fully sets. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour. Once set, they’re ready to be stacked, served, or enjoyed!
Enjoy your festive, spiced Eggnog Iced Gingerbread Cookies with that perfect creamy eggnog flavor on top! They’ll surely add cheer to any holiday gathering! ✨🍪
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. This should yield a similar texture, so everyone can enjoy these festive cookies!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and proceed with rolling and cutting.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the iced or uniced cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Use Different Spices?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices. If you don’t have one of the specified spices, you can increase the amounts of the others or even use a premixed pumpkin pie spice for a fun twist!
