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I stumbled upon these Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies during a Christmas baking spree when I craved something fancy yet familiar. They've turned into the number one holiday request from my family. That buttery cookie combined with smooth eggnog topping and bright cherries really brings Christmas cheer to your dessert plate.
Festive Holiday Delight
The thing that gets me about these cookies is how they blend two holiday favorites together. The soft buttery bottom just dissolves when you bite into it and that velvety eggnog frosting is so darn rich. Guests always ask for my secret when I serve them at get-togethers.
Everything You'll Need
- For Our Frosting Base: Rich eggnog plus sugar, flour and salt make the creamiest foundation.
- Our Cookie Magic: Cream, condensed milk, soft butter and sugars work together for tenderness.
- Warm Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla add that cozy holiday feeling.
- Building Blocks: Perfect structure comes from flour, baking powder and salt.
- Sparkly Finish: Festive shimmer comes from white sanding sugar.
- Velvet Frosting: More butter transforms that dreamy base into luxury.
- Pretty Finish: Red candied cherries make everything look bright and cheerful.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Starting Our Frosting
- We'll kick things off with that smooth base by mixing eggnog with sugar, flour and salt until it thickens beautifully. Don't stop stirring, then let it cool to the right temp.
- Creating Cookie Love
- While the oven heats up, whip those sugars with butter and condensed milk until they're fluffy as clouds. Add in the spices and vanilla for that Christmas morning scent.
- Shaping Joy
- Take your dough and form little balls, coat them in sparkly sugar and push them down gently. They'll bake into perfect rounds just waiting for their frosting hats.
- Frosting Dreams
- Your frosting base will change completely as you slowly add butter until it's soft as silk.
- The Final Touch
- Add those lovely swirls on top and finish each with half a cherry for that elegant holiday look.
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My Kitchen Secrets
Make sure your butter and eggnog aren't cold from the fridge, they'll combine way better. Don't forget the sanding sugar roll, it adds that magic sparkle. And wait till your frosting base cools completely before adding butter - you'll thank me when you see that amazing texture.
Gifting These Treasures
These goodies stay fresh for a week in the fridge if you store them right. When I give them as gifts, I like to stack them in cute tins with layers of parchment between. There's nothing quite like getting homemade cookies during the holidays.
Making Them Your Own
I sometimes switch up the sugar colors to match different holidays. Adding finely chopped pecans to the dough happened by mistake once, and now we can't get enough of that crunchy goodness. And try a dash of almond extract in your frosting when you want something different - it's amazing.
Why This Frosting Is Magic
This velvety eggnog frosting changes ordinary cookies into something really special. It's like spreading holiday fluff on each treat. The way it mixes those cozy spices with creamy sweetness makes everyone close their eyes and smile with every bite.
Perfect For Parties
Whenever I bring these to holiday gatherings, they're the first sweets to vanish from the table. Something about how fancy they look and that melt-away texture makes folks grab just one more. Even my friends who say they don't care for eggnog can't resist these beauties.
A Sweet Little Story
We nickname these Tres Leches cookies because the condensed milk in the dough gives you a hint of that famous cake in each bite. That ingredient makes them so soft they almost melt as soon as you taste them.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store these little treasures in your fridge in something airtight and they'll stay good for five days. If you're planning way ahead, just freeze the plain cookies without frosting, then dress them up when you need them. They'll taste freshly baked.
Planning Ahead
When things get crazy during the holidays, I often make the dough and frosting base a day early. Everything sits nicely in the fridge until I'm ready. Then it's just roll, bake, top with frosting and cherries - fresh cookies without any stress.
Why Everyone Loves Them
These cookies really glow with holiday magic from their sugar shimmer to their cherry crowns. They mix the comfort of eggnog with the fancy feel of a special dessert. Whether they're tucked in gift boxes or set out on pretty plates, they always make celebrations brighter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is the frosting unique?
The frosting starts with a cooked eggnog base, blended with butter for a super smooth texture. It's rich, stable, and pairs perfectly with the cookies.
- → Can I prep them early?
Absolutely! Just keep them chilled since the frosting is dairy-based. Let them warm up a bit before serving for the best taste.
- → What does sanding sugar do?
It gives a nice sparkle and keeps the dough from sticking. Plus, you’ll love the little crunch it adds to each bite.
- → Can I freeze unfrosted cookies?
Yes, freeze them before adding frosting. However, frosted ones should be refrigerated since freezing might change the texture.
- → What can replace candied cherries?
Try maraschino cherries, just dry them well. You can also swap in sprinkles or sugared berries for some festive flair.
Conclusion
These soft cookies bring together tres leches and eggnog flavors, finished with velvet frosting and festive cherries on top.