Imagine a cookie so delicate it literally melts in your mouth, infused with the rich, creamy essence of classic holiday eggnog. These Christmas Baking Eggnog Meltaways are not just a dessert – they're a festive experience that transforms your kitchen into a winter wonderland of flavor! With their delicate texture and powdery sugar coating, these cookies are the ultimate treat that will have your family and guests begging for more.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and eggnog to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and nutmeg to ensure even distribution of the spice.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, carefully roll each cookie in the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, coating completely.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely. Once cooled, roll in powdered sugar again for a second coating.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted - room temperature is key for the perfect creamy texture.
- Chill the dough before forming cookies to prevent spreading and maintain their beautiful round shape.
- Use fresh, high-quality nutmeg for the most authentic holiday flavor.
- When rolling in powdered sugar, do the first coating while cookies are still warm and the second coating after they've completely cooled for maximum sugar coverage.
- Don't overbake! These cookies should remain pale and soft, with just a hint of golden edges.
- For extra festive flair, you can add a tiny pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar coating.
- Store in a single layer to prevent the delicate cookies from breaking or losing their perfect sugar coating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
