Eggnog Thumbprints

Eggnog Thumbprints Recipe - Classic American Holiday Treat

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

Introduction

Eggnog Thumbprints are a delicious and festive holiday cookie that combines the flavors of eggnog and rum in a sweet and buttery cookie base. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

History

Thumbprint cookies have been a popular treat for generations, with the classic recipe featuring a thumbprint indentation filled with jam or chocolate. The Eggnog Thumbprint recipe puts a holiday twist on this classic cookie by incorporating the flavors of eggnog and rum into the filling.

Ingredients

0.75 cup butter or margarine
0.5 cup sugar
0.25 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
0.5 tsp vanilla
0.25 tsp salt
2 cup all-purpose flour

Filling

0.25 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 tbsp rum [1]
Ground nutmeg

How to prepare

In a large mixer bowl, beat 0.75 cup of butter or margarine until softened.
Add sugar and brown sugar, and beat until fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla, and salt, and beat well.
Add flour and beat until well mixed.
Cover and chill for about 1 hour or until easy to handle.
Shape into 1 inch balls.
Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Press down centers with thumb.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 12 minutes or until done.
Remove and cool.

Filling

For the filling, in a small mixer bowl, beat 0.25 cup of butter or margarine until softened.
Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
Add rum and beat well.
Spoon about 0.5 tsp of filling into the center of each cookie.
Sprinkle with nutmeg.
Chill until the filling is firm.

Variations

Substitute rum extract for the rum in the filling for a non-alcoholic version.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Use a small spoon or melon baller to create an indentation in the center of each cookie before baking.

- Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before filling them to prevent the filling from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Eggnog Thumbprints with a glass of eggnog or a cup of hot cocoa for a festive holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Chill the dough before shaping and baking to prevent spreading.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute vanilla extract for the rum in the filling for a kid-friendly version.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch. - Serve on a platter with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Eggnog Thumbprints with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Eggnog Thumbprints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

- To reheat, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eggnog Thumbprints contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Eggnog Thumbprints contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Eggnog Thumbprints contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Eggnog Thumbprints contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggnog Thumbprints are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Eggnog Thumbprints contain dairy (butter) and eggs.

Summary

Eggnog Thumbprints are a sweet and buttery holiday cookie that is relatively low in calories and protein, but higher in carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Eggnog Thumbprints are a delicious and festive holiday cookie that combines the flavors of eggnog and rum in a sweet and buttery cookie base. With a creamy rum filling and a sprinkle of nutmeg, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Eggnog Thumbprints. It was a cold winter day, and I found myself flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I turned the brittle pages, a yellowed piece of paper fell out and landed at my feet. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Eggnog Thumbprints.

The recipe was written in beautiful cursive handwriting, and the ingredients included butter, sugar, flour, nutmeg, and of course, eggnog. The instructions were simple, yet detailed, and I could almost smell the delicious aroma of the cookies just by reading the recipe.

I knew I had to try making them right away, so I gathered all the ingredients and got to work. As I mixed the dough and formed it into small balls, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I remembered watching my great-grandmother bake in her kitchen, her hands moving with a grace and precision that only comes from years of practice and love.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the scent of nutmeg and eggnog filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the cookies out of the oven and let them cool before taking a bite.

The first taste was pure bliss. The cookies were soft and buttery, with a hint of nutmeg and eggnog that danced on my taste buds. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection.

Over the years, I've made these Eggnog Thumbprints for countless family gatherings, holiday parties, and bake sales. Each time I bake them, I can't help but think of my great-grandmother and the legacy of love and tradition that she passed down to me through her recipes.

I've shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about how delicious they are. Some have even asked me to teach them how to make them, and I always do so with a smile on my face, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that spans generations.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking and baking that has been passed down to me. It's not just about following a recipe or creating something delicious – it's about connecting with the past, honoring the memories of those who came before me, and creating new memories to pass on to future generations.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, searching for a new recipe to try, I encourage you to look to your own family history. You never know what treasures you may uncover, or what delicious treats you may discover along the way. And who knows, you may just stumble upon a recipe as special and beloved as my Eggnog Thumbprints.