Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies: The Perfect Holiday Treat

There’s something about the holiday season that invites us to savor the flavors we hold dear. The creamy, nostalgic taste of eggnog and the soft, indulgent texture of tres leches come together in one delectable bite with Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies. These festive treats are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining rich, buttery dough, spiced frosting, and the sweetness of candied cherries.

Whether you’re baking for a party, family gathering, or a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to bring joy and warmth to your table. Let’s dive into the details and uncover how to make these holiday-inspired cookies step by step.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

Baking these cookies isn’t just about creating a dessert—it’s about crafting an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Festive Flavors: The combination of eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg encapsulates the holiday spirit.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, buttery cookies paired with creamy frosting deliver an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Simple Elegance: Beautifully frosted and adorned with candied cherries, these cookies look as amazing as they taste.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for gift boxes, holiday parties, or a sweet surprise for loved ones.

Ingredients for Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

For the Frosting Base

Ingredient	Quantity
Granulated sugar	½ cup
All-purpose flour	5 tablespoons
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Full-fat eggnog	¾ cup

For the Cookie Dough

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Sweetened condensed milk	¼ cup
Powdered sugar	2 tablespoons
Heavy cream	1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract	½ teaspoon
Cinnamon	½ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	¼ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Baking powder	¼ teaspoon
All-purpose flour	2 cups
White sanding sugar	3 tablespoons

For the Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	¾ cup

For Garnishing

Ingredient	Quantity
Red candied cherries	16, halved

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

1. Prepare the Frosting Base

• Whisk together granulated sugar, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan.
• Add the eggnog and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture becomes very thick.
• Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bring to room temperature before using.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, condensed milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
• Gradually add the baking powder and all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Shape and Coat the Cookies

• Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon balls and coat each ball in white sanding sugar.
• Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
• Flatten each ball into a 2-inch round using the bottom of a glass dipped in sanding sugar.

4. Bake the Cookies

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Bake the cookies for 10½ minutes or until the bottoms are light golden brown.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

5. Make the Frosting

• Beat the cooled frosting base until smooth.
• Gradually add softened butter, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

6. Decorate the Cookies

• Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe rosettes of frosting onto each cookie.
• Chill the cookies for 30 minutes to set the frosting.
• Top each cookie with a halved candied cherry for a festive finish.

Tips for Perfect Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before rolling.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Full-fat eggnog and real butter enhance the richness of these cookies.
• Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Pipe with Care: Use consistent pressure when piping frosting to create uniform rosettes.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Total Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	2g
Sugar	11g

Creative Variations

1. Chocolate Twist

Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a rich chocolate flavor.

2. Vegan Version

Substitute butter with plant-based butter, eggnog with almond nog, and condensed milk with coconut cream.

3. Spiced Cookie Base

Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra layer of holiday warmth.

4. Mini Tres Leches Sandwiches

Sandwich two cookies together with frosting in between for a fun twist.

FAQs About Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and frosting a day in advance. Store the dough in the refrigerator and frost the cookies closer to serving time.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Frost them after thawing for the best results.

3. What’s the texture of these cookies?

These cookies are soft and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth quality, enhanced by the creamy frosting.

4. Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe.

5. Can I skip the sanding sugar?

The sanding sugar adds a festive touch and slight crunch but can be omitted if preferred.

6. What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off as a substitute.

Conclusion: Bring Joy to Your Table with Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

The holidays are the perfect time to experiment with bold, festive flavors, and Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies deliver on every level. From their soft, spiced dough to their luscious frosting and beautiful garnish, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ready to bake your way into the holiday spirit? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet rewards of this delightful recipe. Don’t forget to share the joy by making an extra batch for your loved ones!

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