Holiday Cookie Magic

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These holiday cookies combine the warm spices of snickerdoodles with rich eggnog ganache filling. Rolled in cinnamon sugar and topped with fresh nutmeg, they're perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:53 GMT
A close-up of a wire rack displaying several cinnamon-sugar cookies topped with a creamy filling. Pin it
A close-up of a wire rack displaying several cinnamon-sugar cookies topped with a creamy filling. | recipesbyclare.com

Every Christmas season my kitchen turns into a wonderland of holiday spices and these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints are always the star. The moment that warm cinnamon aroma mingles with fresh nutmeg it feels like pure Christmas magic. I love watching faces light up when people discover the creamy eggnog filling inside these soft spiced cookies.

A Cookie Worth Celebrating

I adore how these cookies bring together two holiday favorites. The soft snickerdoodle base just melts in your mouth while that silky eggnog ganache center makes every bite feel extra special. They're my go to when I want to wow everyone at cookie exchanges.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Half a cup perfectly softened makes these cookies dreamy.
  • Sugars: The mix of brown and white creates such lovely flavor.
  • Egg: Just one brings everything together.
  • Vanilla Extract: A full teaspoon for that perfect background note.
  • Cream of Tartar: This gives that classic snickerdoodle tang.
  • Baking Soda: For the perfect soft texture.
  • Kosher Salt: Just a touch makes everything pop.
  • Flour: Measure carefully for the best texture.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Roll those cookies for that signature sparkle.
  • White Chocolate: Spring for the good stuff it really matters.
  • Eggnog: Real eggnog makes the filling sing.
  • Rum: Optional but adds such lovely warmth.
  • Nutmeg: Fresh grated makes all the difference.

Let's Start Baking

Making cookie magic:
Get your butter and sugars perfectly fluffy then mix in your egg and vanilla. Add those dry ingredients until you've got a beautiful dough.
Shape with care:
Roll your dough in that sparkly cinnamon sugar make those thumbprints nice and deep then into the oven they go.
Creating silky ganache:
Gently melt your white chocolate with eggnog stirring until smooth add a splash of rum if you like.
The finishing touch:
Fill each cookie with that luxurious ganache and let them set until perfect.

My Best Tips

Take your time with the white chocolate warming it slowly prevents any graininess. Make those thumbprints deep enough to hold plenty of filling and let everything set completely before you stack them.

Keep Them Fresh

These beauties stay perfect for about five days in an airtight container. If you're sharing them use little squares of parchment between layers. They freeze wonderfully too just wrap them up tight.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon to the ganache for extra warmth. You can even swap in different fillings like caramel or dark chocolate ganache each one brings its own special magic to these cookies.

Holiday Magic in Every Bite

These cookies truly capture everything wonderful about Christmas baking. The way they combine familiar comfort with elegant presentation makes them so special. Every time I make them they bring such joy whether shared at parties tucked into gift boxes or enjoyed quietly with a cup of tea.

A close-up of freshly baked cookies with a creamy frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, arranged on a wire cooling rack. Pin it
A close-up of freshly baked cookies with a creamy frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, arranged on a wire cooling rack. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why weigh the flour for this recipe?
Precise flour measurement is crucial for proper texture. Weight measurement ensures accuracy, as cup measurements can vary. The right amount prevents spreading and maintains the thumbprint shape.
→ Can I skip the rum in the filling?
Yes, the rum or rum extract is completely optional. You can omit it without replacing it, and the ganache will still be delicious.
→ Why do the cookies need a second press?
Sometimes the thumbprint indentation puffs up during baking. Pressing while still warm ensures there's enough space for the ganache filling.
→ How long does the ganache take to set?
The ganache will set at room temperature after a few hours. For faster setting, you can place the filled cookies in the refrigerator.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes, you can make the cookies ahead. Store filled cookies in an airtight container, with layers separated by wax paper to prevent sticking.

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprints

Soft cinnamon sugar cookies filled with creamy eggnog ganache and topped with fresh nutmeg. A festive twist on classic thumbprints.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature.
02 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed.
03 1/4 cup white granulated sugar.
04 1 medium egg (50g), room temperature.
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 245 grams (1 3/4 cups) all purpose flour.
07 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
08 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
09 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar.
10 1/3 cup sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for rolling).
11 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped.
12 2 tablespoons eggnog.
13 1 tablespoon dark rum or 1/4 teaspoon rum extract (optional).
14 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy in stand mixer.

Step 03

Beat in egg and vanilla until creamy.

Step 04

Mix in flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until thick dough forms.

Step 05

Form 1-tablespoon (15g) balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, make thumbprint indentation.

Step 06

Bake 7 minutes, press centers again if needed while warm.

Step 07

Microwave white chocolate, eggnog, and optional rum in intervals until melted, add nutmeg.

Step 08

Add 1/2 teaspoon ganache to each cookie, top with fresh nutmeg.

Notes

  1. Weighing flour ensures best results.
  2. Ganache sets at room temperature.
  3. Rum is optional in filling.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with paddle.
  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Kitchen scale.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, eggnog).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 1 g