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I stumbled onto these Eggnog Tres Leches Cookies during a Christmas baking session when I wanted something fancy yet reminiscent of childhood. They've turned into the cookie everyone in my family begs for each December. There's something absolutely wonderful about how the soft, buttery cookies combine with that silky eggnog topping and bright cherries – it's like Christmas joy served on a plate.
Festive Holiday Bliss
The thing I can't get enough of is how these treats marry two classic Christmas flavors. That tender, melt-away cookie base just dissolves on your tongue while the velvety eggnog topping adds incredible depth. Whenever I serve them at gatherings, guests always ask for my bakery's name – they're shocked when I tell them they came from my kitchen.
Your Ingredient List
- For Our Frosting Base: Mix together sugar, flour, salt and smooth eggnog for the dreamiest starting point.
- Our Cookie Magic: Grab butter, sugars, condensed milk and cream to keep everything so wonderfully soft.
- Warm Spices: Mix in vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg for that cozy Christmas feeling.
- Building Blocks: Don't forget salt, baking powder and flour to make them hold together perfectly.
- Sparkly Finish: White sanding sugar brings that gorgeous holiday glimmer.
- Velvet Frosting: Combine your amazing base with extra butter for something truly indulgent.
- Pretty Finish: Top with red candied cherries to make everything look festive and bright.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Starting Our Frosting
- We'll begin with that smooth base by mixing sugar, flour and salt with eggnog until it thickens beautifully. You've gotta keep stirring constantly, then let it cool just right.
- Creating Cookie Love
- While the oven heats up, beat those butter, sugars and condensed milk together until they're fluffy as clouds. Add the spices and vanilla to fill your kitchen with that Christmas morning aroma.
- Shaping Joy
- Take your dough and form little balls, then roll them in that twinkly sugar before gently pressing them down. They'll bake into perfect rounds just waiting for their frosting crown.
- Frosting Dreams
- See that frosting base transform as you slowly add butter until it's smooth as silk.
- The Final Touch
- Swirl those gorgeous frosting dollops on top then finish each with half a cherry for that holiday wow factor.
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My Kitchen Secrets
Don't forget to warm your butter and eggnog to room temp for way better mixing. The sanding sugar roll is super important for that pretty sparkle. And make sure your frosting base cools completely before adding butter - you'll get that amazing texture worth waiting for.
Gifting These Treasures
These goodies stay fresh in the fridge for a week if you store them right. When I'm giving them as gifts, I pack them in cute tins with layers of parchment between them. There's nothing quite like homemade cookies to make holiday presents feel extra special.
Making Them Your Own
I sometimes switch up the colored sugars depending on what holiday we're celebrating. Adding finely chopped pecans to the dough happened by chance one day and now we love that crunchy twist. And try a dash of almond extract in the frosting when you want something totally different.
Why This Frosting Is Magic
This eggnog velvet topping transforms basic cookies into something amazing. It's like spreading Christmas clouds on each treat. The way it mixes those cozy spices with creamy sweetness makes everyone smile with pure delight after every bite.
Perfect For Parties
Whenever I bring these to Christmas get-togethers, they're always the first empty plate on the dessert table. Something about how fancy they look and that melt-away texture makes everyone grab just one more. Even my friends who say they don't care for eggnog can't resist them.
A Sweet Little Story
We named them Tres Leches cookies because the condensed milk in the dough gives you a tiny taste of that famous cake in every bite. That special ingredient makes them so soft they almost disappear on your tongue.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store these little treasures in an airtight container in your fridge and they'll stay yummy 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 just as fresh as the day you baked them.
Planning Ahead
When holiday craziness hits, I often make the dough and frosting base a day early. Everything waits nicely in the fridge until I'm ready. Then I just roll, bake, frost and top with cherries - fresh cookies without any stress.
Why Everyone Loves Them
These cookies truly capture the holiday spirit from their sugary sparkle to their cherry crowns. They bring together the warmth of eggnog with the fanciness of a special treat. Whether they're tucked in gift boxes or arranged on pretty plates, they always make the holidays feel a bit more magical.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes this frosting unique?
The frosting starts with a cooked eggnog mixture blended with butter. This combo gives it a velvety and stable texture that keeps its shape beautifully.
- → How far ahead can I make them?
You can make them early, but keep them chilled because of the dairy in the frosting. Bring to room temperature before serving for full flavor.
- → What’s special about sanding sugar?
Sanding sugar adds sparkle and crunch while also helping keep the dough from sticking. It makes the cookies look festive too.
- → Can I freeze these?
Yes, just freeze them unfrosted. Frosted cookies should be refrigerated since freezing might change the frosting's texture.
- → What if candied cherries aren’t available?
Maraschino cherries work fine—just blot them dry. You can also try sprinkles or sugared cranberries instead.
Conclusion
These festive treats mix buttery eggnog and tres leches flavors, finished with silky frosting and vibrant cherries on top.