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My Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies story began during a holiday baking marathon when I wanted to create something both elegant and nostalgic. Now they've become our family's most requested Christmas treat. The way that buttery cookie base meets creamy eggnog frosting topped with bright cherries creates pure holiday magic on your plate.
Pure Holiday Joy
What I love most about these cookies is how they bring together two beloved holiday flavors. That soft buttery base just melts in your mouth while the eggnog velvet frosting adds such richness. Every time I set them out at parties people can't believe they're homemade.
Everything You'll Need
- For Our Frosting Base: Sugar flour salt and rich eggnog create the creamiest start.
- Our Cookie Magic: Soft butter sugars condensed milk and cream make everything tender.
- Warm Spices: Vanilla cinnamon and nutmeg bring holiday warmth.
- Building Blocks: Salt baking powder and flour for perfect structure.
- Sparkly Finish: White sanding sugar adds such festive shimmer.
- Velvet Frosting: That dreamy base plus more butter for pure luxury.
- Pretty Finish: Red candied cherries make everything merry and bright.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Starting Our Frosting
- First we'll make that silky base whisking sugar flour and salt with eggnog until it's thick and dreamy. The secret is constant stirring then letting it cool just right.
- Creating Cookie Love
- While your oven warms mix those butter sugars and condensed milk until they're cloud-light. Our spices and vanilla make everything smell like Christmas morning.
- Shaping Joy
- Roll these precious dough balls in sparkly sugar then give them a gentle press. They bake into the most perfect rounds just waiting for their frosting crown.
- Frosting Dreams
- Watch that frosting base transform as you add butter bit by bit until it's pure velvet.
- The Final Touch
- Pipe those beautiful rosettes then top each with a cherry half pure holiday elegance.
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My Kitchen Secrets
Always let your butter and eggnog warm up to room temperature they'll mix so much better. Don't skip rolling in that sanding sugar it adds such lovely sparkle. Make sure your frosting base is completely cool before whipping in the butter it's worth the wait for that perfect texture.
Gifting These Treasures
These beauties stay perfect in the fridge for a week in a good container. When I'm gifting them I love tucking them into pretty tins with parchment paper layers. There's something about homemade cookies that makes holiday giving extra special.
Making Them Your Own
Sometimes I play with different colored sugars matching them to the season. Those finely chopped pecans in the dough were a happy accident one day now we love that nutty crunch. And that splash of almond extract in the frosting? Pure heaven when you want something different.
Why This Frosting Is Magic
This eggnog velvet frosting turns simple cookies into something spectacular. It's like spreading holiday clouds on each cookie. The way it balances those warm spices with creamy sweetness makes everyone close their eyes in pure joy with each bite.
Perfect For Parties
Every time I bring these to holiday gatherings they disappear first from the dessert table. There's something about their elegant look and that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes everyone reach for just one more. Even my friends who claim they don't like eggnog fall in love.
A Sweet Little Story
We call these Tres Leches cookies because of that condensed milk in the dough it's like having a tiny taste of that beloved cake in every bite. That special ingredient gives them such a tender crumb they practically melt on your tongue.
Keeping Them Fresh
Pop these precious cookies in an airtight container right in your fridge they'll stay perfect for five days. If you're planning way ahead freeze just the cookies without frosting then dress them up fresh when you need them. They'll taste like they just came from the oven.
Planning Ahead
I often make the dough and frosting base the day before when holiday prep gets busy. Everything waits patiently in the fridge until I'm ready. Then it's just roll bake frost and top with cherries fresh cookies without the rush.
Why Everyone Loves Them
These cookies just sparkle with holiday spirit from their shimmer to their cherry tops. They bring together the comfort of eggnog with the elegance of a special dessert. Whether they're nestled in gift boxes or arranged on pretty plates they never fail to make the season brighter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes this frosting special?
The frosting uses a cooked eggnog base that's combined with butter for a unique velvet texture. This method creates a stable, rich frosting that holds its shape well.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, but store them in the refrigerator due to the dairy in the frosting. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- → Why use sanding sugar?
Sanding sugar gives the cookies a festive sparkle and helps prevent sticking when flattening. It also adds a pleasant crunch to the exterior.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
These cookies can be frozen before frosting. However, the frosted cookies should be stored in the refrigerator as freezing may affect the texture.
- → What if I can't find candied cherries?
Maraschino cherries can be substituted, just be sure to pat them dry well. You could also use other festive toppings like sprinkles or sugared cranberries.
Conclusion
These holiday cookies combine the flavors of eggnog and tres leches in a buttery cookie, topped with a unique eggnog velvet frosting and festive candied cherries.