Easy Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies with Creamy Ganache

Soft eggnog snickerdoodle cookies topped with a creamy eggnog ganache—festive, easy, and perfect for the holidays!holidays!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cookies baking in the oven during the holiday season. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering, a cookie exchange during the Christmas season, or simply craving a sweet treat, these Easy Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies with Creamy Ganache are sure to steal the spotlight. These sweet treats combine the nostalgic flavor of classic snickerdoodles with a luscious eggnog-infused ganache that eggnog lovers will love. Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these cookies embody the warmth and coziness of the most wonderful time of year in every bite.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its simplicity paired with gourmet flavor. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these stunning treats, but the end result will certainly impress your friends and family. The combination of cinnamon sugar, white chocolate, and eggnog delivers a festive fusion that feels both classic and indulgent. Let’s break down why you’ll fall in love with this recipe, the key ingredients, and how to make (and store) these holiday cookies with ease. If you are a fan of eggnog, you won’t want to miss this recipe on your holiday cookie tray!

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Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cookie Recipe

If you love traditional snickerdoodles but want to elevate them for the holidays, this easy eggnog cookies recipe is for you. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies:

• Festive Flavor Combination: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggnog gives these cookies a holiday-inspired twist that’s perfect for the season. If you love eggnog flavor, these are for you!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The addition of cream of tartar keeps the cookies soft and pillowy while the ganache adds a creamy center.
• Easy to Make: With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and a straightforward process, even novice bakers can nail this recipe.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies not only taste incredible but also look beautiful with their creamy ganache topping, making them ideal for a holiday cookie exchange.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit at parties, potlucks, or as a cozy treat with a warm drink on a chilly evening.

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A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these decadent cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and a soft texture to the cookies.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor with its molasses notes.
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar – For a perfect balance of sweetness.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the dough and creates structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour – The base ingredient that gives the cookies their structure.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Adds just a bit of lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar – A signature ingredient for classic snickerdoodles, ensuring their chewy texture.

For the Rolling Sugar:

• 1/3 cup granulated white sugar – For coating the cookies in a sweet crunch.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Adds that signature snickerdoodle spice.

For the Eggnog Ganache:

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips – Creates a creamy, sweet ganache filling.
• 2 tablespoons eggnog – Infuses the ganache with festive flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – This sprinkle of nutmeg adds warmth and holiday spice.
• 1 tablespoon rum – For a subtle kick and depth of flavor (optional). You can also use rum extract if you prefer.

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How to Make Delicious Eggnog Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create these soft, eggnog snickerdoodle cookies recipe with their creamy ganache topping:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Make the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter with both sugars. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well incorporated.

1. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
2. Form the Cookies:  Using a cookie scoop, roll about 1 tablespoon of the cookie dough into a ball. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolling sugar (sugar and cinnamon). Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
3. Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Use your finger to press a small indentation into the center of each ball. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
4. Make the Ganache: While the cookies bake, prepare the eggnog ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, eggnog, and rum. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
5. Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies have baked and slightly cooled on a wire rack, fill each indentation with the creamy ganache. Sprinkle a light dusting of nutmeg on top for a festive finish.
6. Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool completely and let the ganache set for a few hours before serving. Enjoy!

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How to Store these Soft Eggnog Cookies

To keep these cookies fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: If you’d like to make these cookies ahead of time, they freeze beautifully! Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Tips for Making Eggnog Snickerdoodles

• Soften Your Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened (not melted) to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Snickerdoodles are best when they’re soft and chewy, so take them out of the oven just as the edges begin to set for perfectly chewy cookies.
• Customize the Ganache: If you prefer, you can skip the rum or replace it with a splash of vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version. This eggnog icing really makes the recipe, to customize it to your preferences.
• Even Indentations: Use a small spoon or your thumb to create uniform indentations for the ganache filling.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels sticky, chilling it for 15-20 minutes can make it easier to roll.

Check out more of my favorite holiday sweet treats:

Easy White Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs Recipe

Chocolate Molasses Cookies {perfectly soft & chewy}

The Easiest 3-Ingredient Peppermint Bark Recipe