A cozy, boozy twist on the classic thumbprint cookie — soft buttery rounds spiced with nutmeg and finished with a rum frosting.
introduction
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are small, festive cookies that capture the flavor of holiday eggnog in every bite. They pair a tender, nutmeg-scented shortbread with a boozy rum frosting for a nostalgic seasonal treat. If you enjoy variations on thumbprint cookies like Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, these eggnog-spiced bites will be an easy new favorite.
why make this recipe
- Quick to prepare and friendly to bakers of all skill levels.
- Festive flavors: nutmeg, vanilla, and a splash of rum make them perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Thumbprint format lets you customize fillings — swap the rum frosting for jam, chocolate, or cream cheese if desired.
- They keep well and travel easily, making them great for cookie exchanges or gifting.
how to make Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
This recipe follows a simple shortbread-style dough enriched with an egg yolk and rum for authentic eggnog notes. Chill time isn’t required, though the dough is easy to handle if briefly chilled. Roll into small balls, press an indentation with your thumb, bake until just golden at the edges, then fill the cooled wells with rum frosting.
Ingredients :
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon rum
- 1/2 cup rum frosting (for filling)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and rum.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Once cooled, fill the indentations with the rum frosting.
- Enjoy your delicious Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies!
how to serve Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Serve at room temperature on a holiday cookie platter or alongside a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea. For an adult-only gathering, pair with an eggnog cocktail or a small pour of dark rum to echo the cookie’s filling.
how to store Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If filled with a perishable frosting, refrigerate and consume within 4–5 days. Layer with parchment between rows to prevent sticking. Cookies can also be frozen unfilled for up to 3 months; thaw and fill after warming slightly.
tips to make Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter so creaming produces a light, airy dough.
- Don’t overwork the dough once you add flour — mix until just combined to keep cookies tender.
- If the dough is too sticky to roll, chill 15–20 minutes.
- Press the indent gently; it should hold shape during baking. If the thumbprint puffs up, press again while warm.
- For a flavor twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum extract to the dough — similar flavor experiments can be found in other cookie recipes like Almond Joy Cookies.
variation (if any)
- Nonalcoholic: Replace the tablespoon of rum with an extra teaspoon of vanilla and a teaspoon of milk or eggnog for the dough; use a rum-flavored extract in the frosting.
- Chocolate-filled: Replace rum frosting with chocolate ganache for a richer treat.
- Nutty: Mix finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the dough for texture and flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these egg-free?
A: The dough uses one egg yolk for richness. You can try replacing the yolk with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (yolk-like richness) or a commercial egg replacer, but texture may vary.
Q: Is the rum frosting very boozy?
A: The frosting contains rum for flavor but not strong alcohol heat. Adjust the rum amount or use rum extract for milder flavor.
Q: Can I make the frosting ahead?
A: Yes — make the rum frosting 2–3 days ahead and store refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and stir before filling.
Conclusion
For more eggnog thumbprint inspiration and flavor variations, check out this take on Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies (soft and tender) and this festive Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies – Two Cups Flour.
Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies (soft and tender)
Eggnog Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies – Two Cups Flour
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and rum.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Once cooled, fill the indentations with the rum frosting.
