Bring the warmth and coziness of the holidays to your table with these Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies. Featuring a buttery base, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with silky eggnog frosting, these cookies are as festive as they are delicious. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these cookies are a true holiday treat. The addition of a vibrant cherry garnish makes them almost too pretty to eat – but trust us, you won’t be able to resist!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Frosting Base:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup full-fat eggnog
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup full-fat sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sparkling white sanding sugar
Eggnog Velvet Frosting:
- Frosting base (prepared earlier)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Garnish:
- 16 red candied cherries, halved
Directions:
- Prepare Frosting Base:
- Whisk sugar, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add eggnog, whisking until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thick and pulls away from the pan (about 8 minutes).
- Transfer to a wide bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bring to room temperature before using.
- Make Cookie Dough:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, condensed milk, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
- Gradually beat in flour to form dough, ensuring even mixing. Cover with plastic wrap between batches.
- Shape and Bake:
- Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls, then roll in sanding sugar. Flatten each ball into 2-inch rounds with a sugared glass.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets and bake for 10 1/2 minutes. Cool on sheets for 1 minute, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting:
- Transfer frosting base to a mixer. Beat with the paddle attachment for 30 seconds on medium speed until smooth.
- Add butter one tablespoon at a time while mixing on medium speed. Scrape bowl as needed and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Decorate Cookies:
- Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe frosting rosettes onto cooled cookies.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if desired. Garnish each with a cherry half.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 51 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 190 per cookie
Servings: 30-35 cookies
Indulge in the Festive Flavors of Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies
The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, share moments of joy, and indulge in treats that warm the soul. Among the array of seasonal desserts, the Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies stand out as a quintessential festive delight. These cookies not only capture the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog but also add an elegant touch to your dessert table. With their delicate texture, velvety frosting, and eye-catching cherry garnish, these cookies are more than a sweet treat they’re a celebration of holiday cheer.
A Creative Twist on Tradition
Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies combine the best elements of two beloved desserts: the traditional Mexican tres leches cake and the classic holiday eggnog. The result is a cookie that offers the moist, creamy qualities of tres leches with the nostalgic spices of eggnog. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the holiday flavor profile, while the rich frosting takes these cookies to a new level of indulgence.
The cookies also showcase the versatility of butter, a cornerstone ingredient that elevates their flavor and texture. Butter not only adds a melt-in-your-mouth richness but also creates the perfect foundation for the spices to shine. The delicate balance of sweetness, creaminess, and spice makes these cookies an unforgettable addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a cookie exchange, or simply looking for a delightful way to enjoy a cozy evening at home, Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies fit the bill. Their festive appearance, complete with a cherry-topped frosting rosette, makes them an instant centerpiece for any gathering. They’re also the perfect edible gift, packaged in a decorative tin or box, spreading holiday warmth with every bite.
For families, baking these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition. The process, from mixing the dough to decorating with frosting, is engaging and fun, making it a wonderful activity for kids and adults alike. The memories created while baking these cookies are as sweet as the treats themselves.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
The magic of these cookies lies in their unique composition and meticulous attention to detail. The dough, enriched with sweetened condensed milk and cream, ensures a soft and tender crumb. Rolling the dough in sparkling sanding sugar before baking adds a subtle crunch and a touch of sparkle that catches the light beautifully. The frosting, made with a base of eggnog and whipped to perfection, adds a layer of luxurious creaminess that complements the cookie’s texture. Finally, the cherry garnish not only provides a pop of color but also adds a hint of fruity sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
These cookies are also highly customizable. While the recipe calls for a classic eggnog-flavored frosting, you can experiment with different garnishes, such as crushed peppermint, toasted coconut, or a sprinkle of edible glitter, to suit your preferences or match a particular theme.
The Role of Butter in Baking Excellence
One of the key ingredients in Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies is butter, which plays a crucial role in their texture and flavor. Butter is a natural emulsifier, helping to create a smooth, cohesive dough. It also contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb and rich taste. When whipped into the frosting, butter creates a light, fluffy texture that’s easy to pipe and holds its shape beautifully.
Choosing high-quality butter is essential for achieving the best results. Unsalted butter is recommended for its neutral flavor, allowing the spices and eggnog to shine without overpowering the palate. The quality of the butter you use will directly impact the richness and overall quality of the cookies.
A Treat That Embodies Holiday Spirit
Beyond their deliciousness, Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies embody the spirit of the holidays. They’re a reminder of the simple joys of the season baking with loved ones, sharing good food, and creating memories that last a lifetime. The warm spices, creamy textures, and festive decorations capture the essence of holiday cheer in every bite.
Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a glass of chilled eggnog, or a cup of spiced tea for the ultimate holiday experience. Whether you’re savoring them by the fire or serving them to guests, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to any occasion.
Conclusion:
Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies are more than just a dessert they’re a celebration of flavor, tradition, and creativity. Their unique combination of creamy eggnog, warm spices, and buttery richness makes them a standout treat for the holiday season. Easy to make and delightful to share, these cookies are perfect for any festive occasion or quiet moment of indulgence.
As you bake and enjoy these cookies, you’ll find that they’re not just a recipe, but a way to embrace the magic of the season. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the festive baking begin. The result will be a batch of cookies that taste as wonderful as the memories they create.
