I still remember the moment I realized Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies could be both nourishing and delightfully simple to make. It was one chilly November afternoon, and I was craving festive Christmas cookies without the usual sugar overload or complicated recipes. I wanted something that felt special but also fit into my real-life kitchen flow. That’s when I decided to blend the warm spices of a gingerbread cookie recipe with the cozy richness of eggnog, and just a dollop of jam in the center to brighten things up.
Making these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies quickly became one of my favorite holiday spiced cookies to pull together. They’re comforting, not too sweet, and honestly, they feel like a little sweet treat that’s easy to share with friends or family without the stress. I love that they fit into a balanced, nourishing approach to the holidays—enjoying dessert, but without the guilt or the fuss. If you’ve been looking for festive Christmas cookies that feel both indulgent and mindful, this recipe might just be your new go-to.
What’s great about these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies is how adaptable they are. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply trying to add a touch of joy to a quiet weeknight, they feel just right. And I’m excited to invite fellow home cooks to try these out, tweak them to their liking, and find that sweet spot between delicious and nourishing in their own kitchens. Trust me, you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make these holiday spiced cookies shine.
If you’re curious about more festive cookie ideas, I recommend checking out this lovely holiday cookie recipe roundup with over 200 favorites for inspiration. And if you’re into thumbprint cookies with jam like these, there’s a charming gingerbread thumbprint cookies with eggnog filling recipe over in a baking community that many home cooks adore.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the ingredient list for Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies—simple, honest, and designed to keep your kitchen time fun. No stress if you don’t have everything; I’ll share easy swaps along the way.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (If you’re feeling adventurous, whole wheat pastry flour works nicely for more texture).
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (This gives a slight lift).
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (Freshly ground if you can! It amps up that warmth).
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (Feel free to swap with coconut oil if you want dairy-free).
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed (Light brown sugar adds a lovely molasses note).
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup eggnog (You can find eggnog in the regular dairy section this time of year, or substitute with almond milk plus a splash of vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg).
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fruit jam (like raspberry or cranberry) (This is the heart of your thumbprint cookies! I like tart jam to balance the spice).
This Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies recipe keeps costs low by using pantry basics and a small amount of special ingredients. On busy days, I sometimes grab pre-ground spices from the bulk aisle to save time. Leftovers? These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to five days (if they last that long!). You can also freeze them for a quick festive snack later on.
I love adding a little extra cinnamon on top just before baking to give these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies a cozy finishing touch. It’s a little kitchen tip that always gets compliments!
Let’s Make It Together!
Alright, fellow home cooks, let’s roll those sleeves up and make some Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies. This process usually takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, but every kitchen varies—that’s okay!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready makes the next steps easier.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This is your holiday spiced cookie base—the smell alone starts the festive vibe.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a mixer.
- Beat in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Your kitchen will begin to smell wonderfully warm—this is the magic of those holiday spices and rich eggnog.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low just until incorporated. Don’t overmix here—your Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies dough should be soft but firm enough to roll.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into balls. Place them on your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press your thumb into the center of each dough ball, creating a shallow well—this is where your jam will go! If your thumbprint feels sticky, lightly flour it to avoid sticking.
- Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam. It’s okay if the jam is a little full; it’ll soften nicely as it bakes.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are just starting to brown but the centers still look soft.
- Let your Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly.
While you wait, it’s a great time to tidy up, set the table for guests, or maybe grab a cup of spiced tea. Trust me, the aroma your kitchen fills with will make this a moment to savor.
If you’re wondering about shortcuts, sometimes I mix the dough the night before and refrigerate it. It makes the dough easier to handle, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Don’t worry if your dough looks a little crumbly—just press it together gently before rolling.
I used to overcomplicate holiday cookies with too many ingredients. But these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies remind me that simple flavors and a little love go a long way.
How I Love to Serve This!
These Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are my go-to festive Christmas cookies when I want something joyful but not over-the-top sweet. I often serve them alongside a hot mug of chai or cinnamon-spiced coffee for an easy afternoon treat.
Pairing them with simple sides like fresh apple slices or a small bowl of vanilla yogurt works surprisingly well—something crisp or creamy balances the warm spices beautifully.
For occasions, these holiday spiced cookies shine at cookie swaps, casual holiday gatherings, or as a sweet finish to a cozy meal. They’re kid-friendly, too, making them great for school celebrations or baking with the little ones.
For a lovely presentation, place your Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies on a festive plate lined with parchment paper. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving gives a delicate snowy look.
If you have leftovers (not that there usually are!), I find they make a great topping crumbled over oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast the next morning.
One seasonal variation I tried was swapping the jam for whipped eggnog cream cheese filling—deliciously creamy and unexpected.
Friends and family always smile when I pull these out; they tell me these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies feel like the holidays without the sugar crash.
If you like this style, you might enjoy checking out my recipes for chocolate cut-out heart cookies or the zesty orange clove cookies that bring similar comforting vibes.
Common Questions Answered
- Can I make Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also bake the cookies and keep them in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for longer. Just thaw to room temp before serving. - What if I don’t have eggnog?
No worries! A simple mix of milk (or almond milk) mixed with a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg works well as a quick swap. - Can I use other jams in these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies?
Definitely. Raspberry, cranberry, or even apricot jam all add a lovely fruity brightness. You can mix things up based on what you have at home. - Are these cookies suitable for dairy-free diets?
You can swap the butter for coconut oil and use almond milk eggnog alternatives. The cookies will be slightly different in texture but still deliciously nourishing. - How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for lightly browned edges and a soft center. They’ll firm up more as they cool, so don’t wait until they’re hard in the oven. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double it for larger batches. I recommend baking on multiple trays and swapping racks halfway through baking to keep even. - What’s the best way to store these thumbprint cookies with jam?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw completely before serving.
If you love this recipe, you might find inspiration in the holiday cookie recipes and decorating ideas community, where home cooks share lovely tips and festive cheer.
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies hold a special place in my kitchen because they combine classic holiday flavors with a simple, feel-good approach. I don’t have to stress about complicated steps, and I can enjoy baking — and eating — without guilt.
My Favorite Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Tips:
– Use fresh ground spices whenever possible; the flavor difference is worth it.
– Chill your dough if it feels too soft—it makes shaping easier.
– Don’t overfill the jam wells; a little goes a long way and keeps things neat.
Over time, I’ve tried a few variations—like swapping the jam for a dollop of whipped cream cheese mixed with eggnog or adding finely chopped nuts on top for a bit of crunch. Still, I come back to the classic jam-filled thumbprints most often; they feel like a cozy hug in cookie form.
I hope you’ll dive in, personalize this recipe, and let it bring some festive joy to your kitchen. Remember, these Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are about comfort, connection, and simple nourishment—not perfection.
If you want to mix things up after trying these, check out the easy and delicious cake mix cookies for another low-stress treat.
Here’s to more easy, nourishing baking moments for you and yours!
Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Delight in these festive Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies, combining warm spices with creamy eggnog flavors for a perfect holiday treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/3 cup eggnog glaze or frosting for filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers are soft.
- Remove from oven and immediately press the thumbprint indentation again if it has puffed up.
- Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, fill each thumbprint with eggnog glaze or frosting.
Notes
For extra festive flair, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top of the eggnog glaze before it sets.