Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies Recipe For Festive Holidays

Name: Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup full-fat eggnog; 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 ground 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; Frosting base (as listed above); 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 16 red candied cherries, halved

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Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies bring the cozy vibes of the holidays right to your kitchen, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. This recipe stands out for its straightforward steps, making it ideal for anyone, from new bakers to seasoned pros, who wants festive treats without the fuss. With the rich flavors of butter, sugars, condensed milk, eggnog, spices, and flour coming together, these cookies offer a delightful indulgence that feels just right for holiday gatherings.

One reason you’ll adore these cookies is their ease of preparation. This Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies recipe is straightforward and quick to make, perfect for busy bakers seeking delicious results without complex steps. Plus, they pack in health benefits like calcium from eggnog and moderate calorie content, making them a smarter choice for holiday treats. Their versatility shines too, as you can tweak ingredients for vegan or gluten-free versions, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy them.

What really sets these apart is the distinctive flavor profile. The blend of eggnog with the traditional tres leches method creates a uniquely rich and aromatic taste that stands apart from typical cookies. Imagine soft, moist bites infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering a festive warmth that elevates any dessert spread. For more ideas on holiday baking, check out our Churro Cheesecake Cookies recipe to add variety to your treats.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies
2. Essential Ingredients for Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies
5. Mastering Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies
8. Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

Essential Ingredients for Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies, as they combine everyday pantry staples with festive elements for a truly indulgent result. These cookies rely on a mix of butter, sugars, condensed milk, eggnog, spices, and flour to create their signature rich texture and flavor. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the ingredients needed, formatted clearly for easy shopping and measuring.

Frosting Base Ingredients

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

Cookie Ingredients

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 ground 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 Ingredients

Frosting base (as listed above)
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

Garnish Ingredients

16 red candied cherries, halved

This structured list ensures you have every item with precise measurements, making it simple to whip up 30-35 cookies in about 40 minutes preparation time and 11 minutes cooking time. For those looking to experiment, options like substituting for dietary needs are covered in later sections, but always start with these basics for the best results.

How to Prepare the Perfect Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies is a fun and rewarding process that brings out the holiday spirit in every step. Start by preparing a frosting base that adds a creamy finish, then move on to the cookie dough for that perfect base. With a total preparation time of about 40 minutes and 11 minutes of baking, you’ll have fresh treats ready to enjoy, yielding around 30-35 cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Frosting Base

First, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Gradually add 3/4 cup full-fat eggnog and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 8 minutes until it thickens. Refrigerate this mixture for 30 minutes, then let it come to room temperature before using.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Next, in a bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 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 ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder until smooth. Gradually mix in 2 cups all-purpose flour to form the dough, keeping it covered between batches to prevent drying.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon balls, coat each with 3 tablespoons sparkling white sanding sugar, and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press each ball into 2-inch rounds using a glass with sanding sugar on the bottom. Bake at 350°F for 10 1/2 minutes, then cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to racks.

Step 4: Add the Frosting and Garnish

For the frosting, beat the cooled frosting base and gradually add 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter, beating until fluffy. Pipe rosettes onto each cooled cookie, refrigerate for 30 minutes to set, and press halved red candied cherries into the center for a colorful touch. These steps create indulgent, festive cookies perfect for any occasion, with the refrigerating helping the frosting set better.

As a bonus, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper at the start. First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients, adapting to dietary preferences if needed. Second Step: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Third Step: Beat in the other wet ingredients thoroughly, then mix in the dry ones. Fourth Step: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the sheet. Fifth Step: Bake as directed. Sixth Step: Cool and frost. Seventh Step: Garnish and chill.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

One of the best parts about Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies is how easy they are to adapt for different needs, keeping the rich flavors intact. Whether you’re avoiding dairy or gluten, simple swaps let you enjoy these treats without missing a beat. This flexibility makes them a hit for families with varied preferences, ensuring no one feels left out.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed mixtures for a vegan-friendly protein source.
Use plant-based butter substitutes to maintain richness without dairy.
Substitute traditional dairy eggnog with vegan or almond-based eggnog alternatives.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Adjust spices: swap nutmeg with cinnamon or allspice for different festive notes.
Incorporate citrus zest like orange or lemon to brighten the flavor.
Use gluten-free flour blends or oat flour based on dietary needs.
Add a splash of vanilla extract or rum-flavored essence to enhance the traditional tres leches experience.

These substitutions help tailor Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies to various dietary restrictions. For more inspiration on adapting recipes, try our Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches for a similar twist.

Mastering Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies to the next level is all about fine-tuning techniques and getting creative. With practice, you’ll master pro tips that make these cookies even more irresistible. Let’s dive into ways to elevate your baking game while keeping things simple and fun.

Pro cooking techniques: Chill the cookie dough before baking to prevent spreading and achieve a thicker texture. Use a stand mixer to cream ingredients evenly for optimal fluffiness.
Flavor variations: Experiment with adding finely chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for textural contrast and bursts of flavor.
Presentation tips: Dust cookies with powdered sugar or garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant holiday touch.
Make-ahead options: Prepare the cookie dough a day in advance and refrigerate. You can also soak and refrigerate the cookies overnight for intensified flavor, perfect for busy schedules.

These expert strategies let you personalize Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies while holding onto that seasonal charm.

How to Store Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies: Best Practices

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigeration	Up to 5 days	Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing	Up to 3 months	Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating	N/A	Warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or a low oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Using proper storage keeps these cookies fresh and flavorful. Meal prep considerations make them great for holidays, as you can prepare in advance.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

What are Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies and how do they taste?

Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies are soft, moist cookies inspired by the traditional tres leches cake but made with a festive eggnog-flavored milk soak. They combine flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla with the rich creaminess of eggnog-soaked sponge-like cookie dough. The result is a creamy, spiced treat that feels indulgent and holiday-appropriate, with a texture that is tender and slightly cake-like rather than crunchy.

How do you make Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies from scratch?

To make Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies, start by preparing a soft cookie dough using butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. After baking the cookies, soak them in a mixture of eggnog, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk for at least an hour to absorb the flavors. Chill the cookies so they set properly and develop a moist, tender texture. This soaking step is key to mimicking the tres leches dessert experience in cookie form.

Can I substitute ingredients in Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies for dietary restrictions?

Yes, you can make substitutions to accommodate dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and replace the eggnog and milk components with coconut milk or almond milk mixed with dairy-free condensed milk alternatives. For gluten-free cookies, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind that changes might affect texture and flavor slightly, so test adjustments to suit your preference.

How should I store Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies to keep them fresh?

Store Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator since they contain milk products and are soaked to be moist. Proper refrigerated storage keeps them fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months, thawing them in the fridge before serving to maintain their soft texture and flavor.

What is the best way to serve Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies for holiday gatherings?

Serve Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for added festive appeal. They pair well with hot beverages like coffee, spiced tea, or hot chocolate. Arrange them on a decorative holiday platter to make an inviting dessert centerpiece. Because of their rich flavor and moist texture, serving them alongside lighter treats balances the dessert spread.

Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies Recipe for Festive Holiday Treats