Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies

Introduction

If you’re a fan of both eggnog and Tres Leches cake, you’re in for a treat with these Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies! This recipe combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the moist, soaked texture of Tres Leches cake, all in cookie form. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite with their festive flavor and unique twist.

Every bite is packed with the cozy spices of eggnog—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla—while the milk soak gives them that signature softness and moisture that make Tres Leches cake so irresistible. They’re tender, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and packed with all the flavors that make the holiday season so special.

What I love most about these cookies is how they bring together two iconic holiday treats in one. They’re not only incredibly indulgent but also perfect for sharing at holiday parties or giving as a thoughtful gift. So, if you’re looking for a fun and festive treat that’s sure to impress, these Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies are the way to go! They’re easy to make, full of seasonal cheer, and perfect for spreading a little holiday joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The combination of eggnog and Tres Leches is both festive and delicious.
• Moist and Soft: These cookies have a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Whether for a holiday party or as a treat for yourself, these cookies bring that seasonal spirit to your kitchen.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these cookies are a breeze to make!
• Customizable: Add a little extra spice or top with whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 18-20 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fat: 8g, Fiber: 0g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup eggnog (preferably full-fat for richness)

the Milk Soak:

• ¼ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup eggnog
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Eggnog: The key ingredient here, giving the cookies their signature flavor and a creamy texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds a rich sweetness to the milk soak, intensifying the Tres Leches experience.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring that comforting holiday aroma and flavor to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog until well combined.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Milk Soak

1. Combine the Milk Ingredients: While the cookies are baking, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggnog, and sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl until well blended.

Soak the Cookies

1. Soak the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled slightly but are still warm, carefully dip each cookie into the milk soak for 1-2 seconds, allowing the cookies to absorb the liquid. Be careful not to let them soak too long, or they may become too soggy.
2. Rest the Cookies: Place the soaked cookies back on the wire rack and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the milk soak to fully absorb.

Garnish and Serve

1. Add Whipped Cream: For extra indulgence, top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
2. Serve: Enjoy your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies with a warm drink or as a festive treat for the holidays!

How to Serve

These cookies can be served in several delightful ways:

1. Classic Presentation: Serve them as-is with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple yet festive touch.
2. With Whipped Cream: Top them with whipped cream for extra indulgence—this will make them feel even more like a mini dessert!
3. With a Side of Eggnog: If you can’t get enough of that eggnog flavor, serve these cookies alongside a glass of eggnog for the ultimate treat.
4. As a Holiday Gift: Package these cookies in a cute box or jar with a bow for a personalized holiday gift that’s sure to impress.

Additional Tips

Maximize your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies with these helpful tips:

1. Don’t Over-Soak: Make sure to dip the cookies in the milk soak briefly—too long, and they can fall apart.
2. Use Full-Fat Eggnog: For the best flavor and texture, opt for full-fat eggnog in both the cookie dough and the milk soak.
3. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky to work with, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.
4. Customize the Spices: Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste for more or less spice. You can also add a pinch of clove for extra warmth.
5. Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to 2 months.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun twists on the classic Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies:

• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or clove to the dough for more holiday spice.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent twist.
• Vegan Version: Use non-dairy eggnog, a flax egg, and dairy-free butter to make a vegan-friendly version of these cookies.
• Nutty: Add crushed pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies to keep them fresh:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cookies before soaking them in the milk mixture. Once the cookies are fully cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To serve, let the cookies thaw at room temperature or heat them briefly in the microwave before soaking in the milk mixture.

Special Equipment

Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need to make your Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies:

• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To portion the dough.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the milk soak ingredients.
• Whisk: For mixing the ingredients together.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies:

• Can I use store-bought eggnog?
  Yes! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly fine for this recipe.
• Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to soak and serve.
• Can I make these cookies without the milk soak?
  The milk soak is what gives these cookies their signature moistness and Tres Leches flavor, but if you prefer drier cookies, feel free to skip it.
• Can I use dairy-free or non-dairy milk?
• Yes! You can easily make these cookies dairy-free by using a non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) in both the dough and the milk soak. Just make sure your eggnog is dairy-free as well.
• Can I freeze the cookies?
• Yes, you can freeze the cookies before soaking them. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw and soak as usual.
• What’s the best way to store these cookies?
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the best option!
• Can I add other spices to the dough?
• Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a pinch of ground ginger, clove, or even a dash of vanilla extract will give the cookies a unique twist.

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Conclusion

There you have it—a deliciously indulgent holiday treat in the form of Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies! These cookies bring the perfect festive twist to your dessert table, combining the rich flavor of eggnog with the classic moisture and texture of tres leches. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, sharing with loved ones, or enjoying them with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

So go ahead, bake up a batch, and let the holiday magic unfold in your kitchen!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!