Dreamy Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies Recipe For Holiday Magic

Warm holiday gatherings spark joy with every delectable eggnog tres leches cookies that blend festive flavors into one irresistible treat.

These soft, pillowy cookies capture the essence of traditional Mexican desserts with a creamy Christmas twist.

Rich eggnog infuses each bite with velvety smoothness and nostalgic spices.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance across your palate, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and warmth.

Delicate yet indulgent, these cookies promise to become a cherished seasonal favorite.

Bakers seeking a unique holiday confection will fall in love with this delightful fusion of classic and contemporary flavors.

Prepare to wow your loved ones with these mouthwatering, festive delights.

Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies Delicious Points

• Transform traditional tres leches into delightful cookies that capture festive cheer with a delicious twist.
• Simple steps and minimal ingredients make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to pros.
• Gorgeous rosette frosting and bright cherry garnish create a stunning dessert that looks professionally decorated without complicated techniques.
• Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and winter celebrations where people crave something special and memorable.

Ingredients for Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The essential dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cookie.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the cookie base.

• Condensed Milk: Provides moisture and enhances the sweet creamy profile of the cookies.
• Cream: Adds richness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Eggnog: Brings traditional holiday flavor and additional creamy consistency.

• Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cinnamon: Classic eggnog spices that provide warm, aromatic flavor.
• Sanding Sugar: Creates a sparkly, sweet exterior coating for the cookies.
• Maraschino Cherries: Provides a bright, festive topping for the finished cookies.

• Granulated Sugar, Flour, Salt: Form the base for the creamy frosting.
• Butter: Helps create a fluffy, smooth frosting texture.

Tools for Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cookie dough ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating the thick frosting base with precision.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending sugar, flour, and eggnog without lumps.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating butter, sugars, and creating fluffy frosting.
• Baking Sheet: Necessary for baking cookies to golden perfection.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Piping Bag: Great for creating beautiful rosette frosting designs.
• Sugared Glass: Helpful for pressing and shaping cookie rounds.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Ideal for allowing cookies to cool completely after baking.

Baking Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

Step 1: Craft Velvety Frosting Base

Combine sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan.

Pour in eggnog and whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious cream.

Transfer to the refrigerator for a quick 30-minute chill, then allow it to return to room temperature.

Step 2: Mix Magical Cookie Dough

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Condensed milk
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Warm holiday spices

Beat until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Slowly incorporate flour until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Step 3: Shape Festive Cookie Rounds

Roll dough into small balls, each about a tablespoon in size.

Generously coat each ball in sparkling sanding sugar.

Use a sugar-dusted glass to gently press each ball into delicate 2-inch rounds.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide cookies into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms develop a light golden hue.

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Take the prepared frosting base and beat until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Gradually introduce softened butter, whipping until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 6: Decorate with Festive Flair

Pipe elegant rosettes of frosting onto each cooled cookie.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting.

Crown each cookie with a vibrant maraschino cherry half for a final touch of holiday cheer.

Handy Tips for Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

• Add extra nutmeg or rum extract to amplify the classic holiday eggnog taste in your cookies.
• Use coarse sanding sugar for a sparkling, crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture to each cookie.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain clean cookie edges.
• Ensure frosting base is completely cooled to room temperature for smooth, stable piping results.
• Store cookies in single layers between parchment paper to preserve frosting design and prevent sticking.

Fun Swaps for Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace eggnog and condensed milk with coconut milk and almond milk. Use vegan butter and gluten-free flour for a plant-based version.
• Spiced Nutmeg Variation: Increase nutmeg and cinnamon quantities. Add ground cardamom for extra warmth and depth of holiday flavor.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar. Replace sanding sugar with crushed nuts for texture and lower glycemic impact.

Serving Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

• Holiday Cookie Companions: Serving Suggestions
• Festive Eggnog Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative holiday tray with cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, and sprigs of fresh rosemary for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled glass of moscato or sweet sherry to complement the rich, creamy eggnog flavor profile of the cookies.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, perfect for holiday hostess gifts or cookie exchange parties.
• Brunch Dessert Delight: Offer as a sweet finale to Christmas morning breakfast or brunch, alongside coffee or hot cocoa for a delightful treat.

Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies Storage Plan

• Store cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain frosting's texture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften. Avoid overheating to prevent butter separation and maintain cookie's delicate texture.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore original softness and flavor before serving.

FAQs

• What makes the eggnog flavor stand out in these cookies?

The combination of eggnog, condensed milk, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon creates a rich, festive holiday flavor profile that captures the essence of traditional eggnog in cookie form.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. The frosted cookies can also be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before serving.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll benefit from having a piping bag for creating beautiful frosting rosettes, and a sugared glass helps create uniform cookie shapes, but these aren’t absolutely essential for making the recipe.

Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Creamy eggnog tres leches cookies blend Mexican and holiday traditions in one irresistible dessert. Sweet, spiced cookies soaked in rich milk mixture promise festive indulgence for winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon heavy cream

Frosting Base:

• 3/4 cup full-fat eggnog
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Decorative Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons white sanding sugar
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 16 red candied cherries, halved
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the frosting foundation by combining sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan. Slowly incorporate eggnog, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens substantially. Refrigerate for half an hour, then allow to reach room temperature.
2. Create cookie dough by thoroughly blending butter, sugars, condensed milk, cream, vanilla, and spices until uniformly smooth. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Shape cookies by rolling dough into small spheres, generously coating each in sanding sugar. Gently flatten into 2-inch rounds using a sugar-dusted glass.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Position cookies on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for light golden edges. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire rack.
5. Craft frosting by whipping the prepared base until silky smooth. Gradually integrate softened butter, continuing to beat until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
6. Decorate cookies by piping elegant frosting rosettes across surface. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set, then garnish each cookie with a vibrant maraschino cherry half.

Notes

• Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar levels in the frosting base and cookie dough to suit different taste preferences, using less for a more subtle sweetness or adding a touch more for those with a sweet tooth.
• Enhance Eggnog Flavor: Boost the eggnog essence by adding a splash of rum extract or freshly grated nutmeg to the cookie dough for an extra festive touch.
• Make Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Prepare Ahead: The cookie dough and frosting base can be made in advance and refrigerated, making party prep a breeze and allowing flavors to develop more deeply.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg