Description
Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies are a festive holiday treat that combines the creamy flavor of eggnog with the soft, buttery texture of tres leches-inspired cookies. Topped with a luscious frosting and festive candied cherries, these cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to look at—perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift.
Ingredients
For the Frosting Base
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup full-fat eggnog
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons white sanding sugar
For the Frosting
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For Garnish
- 16 red candied cherries, halved
Instructions
- Prepare the Frosting Base
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, and salt.
- Add the eggnog and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture becomes thick.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bring to room temperature before using.
- 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 flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Coat the Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon balls and coat each in white sanding sugar.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball into a 2-inch round using the bottom of a glass dipped in sanding sugar.
- Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the cookies for 10 1/2 minutes, or until the bottoms are light golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting
- Beat the cooled frosting base until smooth.
- Gradually add softened butter, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- 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.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and frosting a day in advance, and frost closer to serving time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American