Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe - A Delicious American Treat

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of eggnog with a buttery cookie base. These cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa.

History

Thumbprint cookies have been a popular dessert for many years, with variations found in different cultures around the world. The addition of eggnog to the traditional thumbprint cookie recipe adds a unique twist that is perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

0.67 cup of softened butter
0.5 cup of granulated sugar
0.13 tsp of ground nutmeg
2 egg yolks
1 tsp of vanilla
1.5 cup of all-purpose flour
2 slightly beaten egg whites
1 cup of finely chopped walnuts
0.25 cup of butter
1 cup of sifted powdered sugar
1 tsp of rum or 0.25 tsp of rum extract
1 to 2 tsp of milk
ground nutmeg

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, beat 0.67 cups of butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
Add granulated sugar and 0.13 tsp of nutmeg; beat until combined.
Beat in egg yolks and vanilla.
Beat in as much flour as you can.
Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon.
If necessary, cover and chill the dough for about 1 hour or until it is easy to handle.
Shape the dough into 1 inch balls.
Roll the balls in egg whites, then in chopped walnuts.
Place the balls 1 inch apart on lightly greased cookie sheets.
Press the centers with your thumb.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
Cool the cookies on wire racks.
For the filling, beat 0.25 cups of butter until softened.
Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
Beat in rum or rum extract and enough milk to make a spreading consistency.
Spoon or pipe about 0.5 tsp of filling into the center of each cookie.
Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves to the cookie dough for extra holiday flavor.
Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for the coating.
Substitute rum extract with bourbon or brandy for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before shaping it into balls to make it easier to handle.

- Use a wooden spoon to stir in the remaining flour to avoid overmixing the dough.

- Pressing the centers of the cookies with your thumb before baking creates the perfect indentation for the filling.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become dry. Remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly browned.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies with a glass of eggnog or a cup of hot cocoa for a festive treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy helps create a tender cookie.

- Rolling the dough in egg whites and walnuts adds a crunchy texture to the cookies.

- Filling the cookies with a creamy rum-flavored filling adds a decadent touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute margarine for butter for a dairy-free version of the cookies.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

- Replace rum extract with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version of the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. The filled cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Serve them alongside a cup of eggnog or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.

Pairing Recommendations

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies pair well with warm beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies contain dairy (butter) and nuts (walnuts). They may also contain eggs.

Summary

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in carbohydrates and proteins, but higher in fats and calories. They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a delicious holiday treat that combines the flavors of eggnog with a buttery cookie base. With a creamy rum filling and crunchy walnut coating, these cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Mabel's house for the holidays. Aunt Mabel was known for her delicious baked goods, and I always looked forward to sampling her newest creations.

On this particular visit, Aunt Mabel had just taken a batch of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies out of the oven. The warm, spicy aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to try one. As I took a bite, I was instantly transported to a cozy winter evening by the fire, sipping on a mug of creamy eggnog.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make these cookies myself. Aunt Mabel was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently walked me through each step of the process. As I mixed the butter, sugar, and spices together, I could feel the love and care that went into each cookie.

The secret to these cookies, Aunt Mabel told me, was the eggnog-infused dough. The rich, creamy flavor added a unique twist to a classic thumbprint cookie. After shaping the dough into small balls and pressing my thumb into the center of each one, I filled them with a dollop of homemade eggnog frosting.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the irresistible scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. When they were finally done, I eagerly bit into one, savoring the buttery, spiced cookie and the creamy frosting that melted in my mouth.

From that moment on, Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies became a staple in my holiday baking repertoire. I made them every year for my family and friends, and they were always a hit. Over the years, I experimented with different variations, adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.

I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing it down from generation to generation. Each time I made a batch of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies, I felt a connection to Aunt Mabel and the warm memories of that holiday visit so many years ago.

As I grew older, I continued to hone my baking skills, learning new techniques and trying out different recipes. But no matter how many new treats I discovered, Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies remained a favorite, a comforting reminder of the holiday traditions that brought my family together.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, I can't help but smile as I bake a fresh batch of Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies. The memories of Aunt Mabel's kitchen flood back to me, and I am grateful for the love and joy that baking has brought into my life.

And as I take a bite of a warm, freshly baked cookie, I am once again transported to that cozy winter evening by the fire, savoring the taste of eggnog and the warmth of family and tradition. Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple pleasures that bring us together during the holiday season.