Eggnog Blossoms: A Festive Cookie with a Holiday Twist

There’s nothing that captures the spirit of the holidays quite like Eggnog Blossoms — the perfect blend of creamy eggnog flavor, warm nutmeg spice, and the classic chocolate kiss on top. These cookies combine the nostalgic charm of blossom cookies with the rich, cozy flavors of eggnog, making them a must-have for any Christmas dessert table. With their buttery texture and festive aroma, Eggnog Blossoms are easy to make and irresistibly delicious, perfect for family gatherings or edible gift boxes.

Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Blossoms

Eggnog Blossoms are everything a holiday cookie should be — sweet, soft, and warmly spiced. The combination of rum extract, cloves, and nutmeg gives them that signature eggnog flavor, while a Hershey’s Hug candy adds a creamy chocolate contrast. These cookies are:

• Festive and aromatic: Perfect for Christmas and winter celebrations.
• Simple to prepare: Easy for bakers of all levels, ready in under 90 minutes including cooling.
• Beautifully presentable: The striped chocolate tops make them look straight out of a bakery.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spices or swap the extract for your preferred holiday twist.

Ingredients for Perfect Eggnog Blossoms

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for soft yet chewy cookies.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly and maintain a light texture.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors of butter and spice.
• Unsalted butter: Gives richness and a tender crumb while carrying the nutmeg’s aroma.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds sparkle to the coating.
• Heavy cream: Adds a subtle richness that mimics eggnog’s creamy texture.
• Rum extract: Recreates the traditional eggnog flavor without alcohol.
• Ground cloves: Adds warmth and a hint of spice depth.
• Egg yolk: Binds the ingredients and provides a tender texture.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: The hero of the flavor profile, giving that authentic eggnog essence.
• Striped milk chocolate–white chocolate drops (Hershey’s Hugs): The classic “blossom” finish for visual appeal and creamy sweetness.

Smart Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins

If you’re missing a few items or catering to dietary needs, here are great alternatives:

• No heavy cream? Use real eggnog for a stronger holiday flavor.
• No rum extract? Try vanilla extract or a splash of bourbon extract for a similar depth.
• Need dairy-free? Substitute butter and cream with plant-based versions like coconut oil and oat cream.
• Want extra spice? Add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy variation.

How to Make Eggnog Blossoms: Step-by-Step

1. Preheat and prepare: Heat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and ½ cup sugar on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about one minute.
4. Add the flavoring: Mix in the heavy cream, rum extract, ground cloves, egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons of nutmeg until the batter is smooth.
5. Combine: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low until just combined.
6. Shape the dough: Roll dough into 1-inch balls using a small scoop or tablespoon.
7. Coat in spiced sugar: Mix remaining ¼ cup sugar with 2 teaspoons nutmeg in a small bowl. Roll each ball in the sugar mixture to coat.
8. Bake: Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 14 minutes, rotating trays halfway through, until golden brown at the edges.
9. Add the chocolate: Immediately press a Hershey’s Hug into the center of each cookie while still warm.
10. Cool completely: Allow cookies to cool on the tray until the chocolate sets—about 1 hour—for that signature blossom shape.

Pro Tips for the Best Eggnog Blossoms

• Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies soft.
• Use freshly grated nutmeg: The aroma and flavor are far superior to pre-ground versions.
• Check doneness early: Depending on your oven, they may bake faster; look for golden edges.
• Cool before moving: Let cookies cool completely before transferring, or the chocolate center may smudge.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to a month.

Pairing Ideas and Delicious Variations

Eggnog Blossoms pair beautifully with holiday drinks like hot cocoa, mulled wine, or—of course—a glass of creamy eggnog. You can also try:

• Peppermint Eggnog Blossoms: Add a drop of peppermint extract and top with peppermint Hugs.
• Nutty Eggnog Blossoms: Mix finely chopped pecans into the dough for crunch.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for even richer flavor.

The Holiday Magic of Eggnog Blossoms

Eggnog Blossoms aren’t just cookies — they’re little bites of holiday cheer. With their creamy centers, warm spice notes, and festive look, they embody everything cozy about the season. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, wrapping them up as gifts, or enjoying them with family by the fire, these cookies bring that unmistakable holiday magic to every bite.

Bringing It All Together: The Joy of Eggnog Blossoms

The beauty of Eggnog Blossoms lies in their simplicity and nostalgic charm. These cookies bring together the warmth of traditional holiday spices and the familiar comfort of chocolate in every bite. They’re ideal for cookie swaps, gifting, or cozy nights by the fire with a mug of homemade eggnog. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your holiday baking journey, this recipe captures the essence of the season — festive, flavorful, and full of love.

If you’ve never made Eggnog Blossoms before, now is the perfect time to start a new holiday tradition. With their creamy center, golden edges, and irresistible eggnog aroma, these cookies are sure to become a favorite year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Blossoms

1. Can I use real eggnog instead of heavy cream in Eggnog Blossoms?

Yes! Substituting eggnog for heavy cream enhances the authentic flavor and adds extra creaminess to the dough. Just be sure to slightly reduce the sugar to balance the sweetness of the eggnog.

2. How do I keep Eggnog Blossoms soft after baking?

To keep them soft, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or parchment between layers. The moisture from the bread helps prevent them from drying out.

3. Can I freeze Eggnog Blossoms?

Absolutely. You can freeze both the unbaked dough and the baked cookies. For unbaked dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, allow them to cool fully before freezing in a sealed container for up to one month.

4. What other flavors go well with Eggnog Blossoms?

Eggnog Blossoms pair beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla-based desserts. You can also serve them with spiced cider, hot cocoa, or coffee with a splash of eggnog for a perfectly coordinated holiday treat.

More Relevant Recipes

• Giada’s Holiday Biscotti
• Giada’s Dried Cherry and Almond Cookies
• Gingerbread Reindeer

Print