There’s something truly magical about baking cookies during the holidays, and these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies capture that Christmas feeling perfectly. They’re soft, buttery snickerdoodle cookies with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, rolled in sugar, then filled with a creamy eggnog-flavored center that melts in your mouth. Every bite tastes like a cozy winter evening, twinkling lights, and the joy of Christmas baking.

These cookies feel classic and festive at the same time. They bring together the warm spice of snickerdoodles and the rich, nostalgic flavor of eggnog in a way that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, filling holiday treat boxes, or leaving something special for Santa, these cookies are guaranteed to stand out.

Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are soft, tender, and full of holiday flavor. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives them that familiar snickerdoodle warmth, while the eggnog filling adds a creamy surprise in the center.

You’ll love this recipe because:

• It’s festive and unique, yet still familiar
• The cookies stay soft and tender
• Perfect for Christmas parties and cookie exchanges
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• The eggnog flavor is subtle and cozy, not overpowering
• They look beautiful on holiday cookie trays

They’re the kind of cookie people ask about after just one bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Snickerdoodle Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Eggnog Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons eggnog
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

These simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that tastes like Christmas in every bite.

How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

1. Make the cookie dough

In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.

2. Add the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

3. Roll in cinnamon sugar

Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Roll the dough into balls, then roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

4. Create the thumbprints

Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet. Gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each cookie to create a small well.

5. Bake the cookies

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers are soft. Remove from the oven and gently press the centers again if needed.

6. Prepare the eggnog filling

While the cookies cool, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.

7. Fill the cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon or pipe the eggnog filling into the centers.

8. Chill and serve

Chill the cookies briefly to set the filling, then serve and enjoy.

How to Serve These Cookies

Eggnog snickerdoodle thumbprint cookies are perfect for:

• Christmas cookie trays
• Holiday parties and potlucks
• Cookie exchanges
• Homemade gift boxes
• Santa’s cookie plate
• Cozy evenings with hot cocoa or coffee

They look especially festive sprinkled with a little nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the filling.

Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies

• Don’t overbake soft centers are key
• Press the thumbprints twice (before and after baking)
• Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese
• Chill the filled cookies briefly for clean presentation
• Pipe the filling for a polished look
• Measure flour correctly to keep cookies tender

These small steps help ensure bakery-style results.

Fun Variations

• Rum Eggnog Cookies: add a splash of rum extract to the filling
• White Chocolate Eggnog: mix melted white chocolate into the filling
• Nutmeg Sugar Cookies: add nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar
• Chocolate Thumbprints: drizzle chocolate over the finished cookies
• Mini Thumbprints: make smaller cookies for gift boxes

Each variation keeps the festive spirit while adding something new.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: store filled cookies up to 4 days
• Unfilled cookies: store at room temperature up to 3 days
• Freezer: freeze unfilled cookies up to 2 months
• Assemble later: fill cookies the day you plan to serve

This makes holiday prep much easier.

Final Thoughts

These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are everything we love about Christmas baking — warm spices, creamy centers, and a cozy, nostalgic flavor that feels like the holidays. They’re soft, festive, and beautifully balanced, making them a standout on any cookie tray. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or starting a new holiday tradition, these cookies bring comfort, joy, and a little Christmas magic to every bite.

Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become a yearly favorite. 🎄🍪✨