Name: Irresistibly Chewy Spiced Rum Cookies for Cozy Holidays
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Adds sweetness); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Adds moisture and depth); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (For richness and chewiness); 1 large Egg (Binds ingredients); 2 tablespoons Spiced Rum or Rum Extract (For flavor); 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Main structure of cookies); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Leavening agent); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor); 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (Affects aesthetics); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (For crunch); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Cozy aroma); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (Warm spice); 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves (Adds depth)

The aroma of freshly baked cookies can transform any moment into a celebration, and these Spiced Rum Cookies do just that. With their soft, chewy texture and a delightful crackled top, they perfectly capture the festive spirit of holiday baking. This easy cookie recipe not only fills your kitchen with warmth and tantalizing scents, but it also serves as a crowd-pleaser during any gathering. You’ll love how quickly they come together, proving that good things don’t always take time. Whether you’re crafting those cherished gift boxes for neighbors or simply treating yourself, these spiced cookies will surely become a go-to delight. Curious to find out how you can whip up this scrumptious batch? Let’s dive in!

Why are Spiced Rum Cookies a must-bake?

Deliciously Unique: These Spiced Rum Cookies combine a buttery base with the warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, creating a flavor that’s anything but ordinary.
Simple to Make: With just a scoop-and-bake method, you’ll have these festive treats ready in no time— perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Their irresistible aroma and delightful taste make them an instant hit, whether at parties or cozy family gatherings.
Versatile Ingredient Options: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend or try dark rum for a bolder twist.
Perfect for Gifting: Package them in cute boxes as gifts for family or friends— they’ll be eagerly requested again and again! If you love cookies with enchanting flavors, don’t miss out on our Lava Brownie Cookies or for something a bit lighter, try our Vanilla Waffle Cookies!

Spiced Rum Cookies Ingredients

• Discover the magical mix behind these festive treats!

For the Cookie Dough

Sugar – Adds a delicate sweetness, perfect for balancing the spiced flavors.
Brown Sugar – Introduces moisture and a rich depth; dark brown sugar can enhance that molasses kick.
Butter – Provides luscious richness and chewiness; opt for unsalted for superior control over flavor balance.
Egg – Binds your ingredients beautifully and helps achieve that chewy texture; consider a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
Rum or Rum Extract – Delivers a burst of buttery rum flavor; vanilla or almond extract works when rum isn’t available.
Flour – Forms the backbone of your cookies; gluten-free flour blends make this recipe accessible for all diets.
Baking Soda – Acts as the leavening agent for that perfect rise.
Salt – Elevates the overall taste of the cookies.
Cream of Tartar – Contributes to the signature crinkle effect; feel free to omit, though it may impact aesthetics.

For the Sugar Coating

Granulated Sugar – Adding sweetness and crunch to the outside; it’s what makes each bite sparkle!
Ground Nutmeg – Offers a warm spice that dances well with the rum; adjust according to your taste preference.
Ground Cinnamon – Provides that cozy aroma, making your home smell like the holidays.
Ground Cloves – Adds depth and a hint of warmth to the flavor profile; a little goes a long way!

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to creating these delightful Spiced Rum Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spiced Rum Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed to create perfectly baked Spiced Rum Cookies. While the oven warms up, gather your mixing bowls and measuring cups, as you’ll want to have everything ready to create that delicious cookie dough shortly.

Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. You want the sugars to be well-incorporated and the butter to look pale, creating a creamy, airy base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Rum
Next, add in one large egg and 2 tablespoons of your favorite spiced rum or rum extract. Mix until well combined, ensuring that the egg is fully incorporated into the buttery mixture. The addition of rum will infuse your Spiced Rum Cookies with that unmistakable flavor, stirring thoughts of cozy holiday gatherings.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to preserve the cookie’s tender texture while incorporating the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Roll the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-1.5 inch balls. As you form each ball, you should see the dough sticking together nicely. This shape will create the perfect surface area for that delightful crinkle effect once dipped in the sugar-spice mixture later on.

Step 6: Prepare the Coating
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Mix these spices into the sugar until well blended. The fragrant coating will enhance both the appearance and flavor of your Spiced Rum Cookies, making them irresistibly inviting.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
To achieve thicker cookies with a final soft center, place the rolled dough balls in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This chilling step is essential; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. As they chill, you can prepare your baking sheets lined with parchment paper for the next step.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the freezer and roll each ball in the sugar-spice mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake them in your preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, or until the tops are crackled but the centers remain soft and chewy.

Step 9: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the Spiced Rum Cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly while maintaining that coveted chewy texture. Once fully cooled, serve them warm with a glass of milk or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment!

Expert Tips for Spiced Rum Cookies

Perfect Texture: Chill the dough: This crucial step helps create thicker cookies and maintains their soft center; don’t skip it.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined: Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies; keep that chewy texture intact for your spiced rum cookies!
Monitor Baking Time: Set a timer: Overbaking can result in dry cookies; aim for a soft center that retains a gentle chew.
Customize Your Spice: Adjust spice levels: Feel free to enhance or reduce spices like nutmeg and cloves based on personal preference for a personalized touch.
Use Quality Rum: Choose a good quality rum: The flavor is the star, so invest in a decent one for your Spiced Rum Cookies to truly shine!

What to Serve with Spiced Rum Cookies

The joy of baking comes alive when you pair these warm, aromatic treats with delightful accompaniments that elevate your holiday gatherings.

Spiced Coffee: This aromatic beverage complements the cookies beautifully, enhancing their warm flavors and making for an inviting treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast; it melts on the warm cookies for an indulgent experience.
Hot Apple Cider: The sweetness and warmth of spiced apple cider make it a fantastic drink to enjoy alongside these cookies, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
Gingerbread Latte: With its own spiced notes, a gingerbread latte offers a festive touch, perfectly balancing the flavors of the cookies.
Pecans or Walnuts: Adding toasted nuts not only introduces crunch but also enhances the cookies’ spiced flavor profile, bringing depth to each bite.
Chocolate Fondue: A small bowl of rich chocolate fondue offers a luscious dip, making the cookies even more irresistible for a special treat.
Cheeseboard: Pair a selection of cheeses with some fruit to create a savory balance that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.
Cozy Holiday Movie: Snuggle up with loved ones, serving these cookies alongside your favorite festive film for the perfect evening of warmth and joy.

How to Store and Freeze Spiced Rum Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days to keep them soft and chewy.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to a week; just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: Freeze Spiced Rum Cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for that fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture!

Spiced Rum Cookies: Creative Twists

Embrace your inner chef with these fun ways to customize your Spiced Rum Cookies! Let your creativity shine and make them truly your own.

Dark Rum: Use dark rum instead of regular for a richer, bolder flavor that elevates your cookies to new heights.
Ginger Spice: Add ground ginger to the dough for a zesty kick that harmonizes beautifully with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Nuts Galore: Roll the cookie dough in crushed pecans or walnuts before baking for an added crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft center.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in every bite, creating a heavenly marriage between rum and chocolate.
Spicy Twist: Incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder for an unexpected heat that enhances the sweetness with a nice bite.

For those adventurous bakers, a little customization can go a long way— think of it as crafting your signature cookie! And if you’re in the mood for more flavor adventures, our Lava Brownie Cookies and Vanilla Waffle Cookies are just a click away to inspire your next bake!

Dried Fruits: Toss in some raisins or chopped dried cranberries for a chewy texture and fruity twist that complements the spiced flavors beautifully.
Nut Butter Swirl: Add a swirl of almond or peanut butter in the dough for a creamy and nutty undertone that surprises your taste buds!

Make Ahead Options

These Spiced Rum Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without stress on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it into balls and placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For even longer storage, freeze the rolled cookie dough for up to 3 months; just be sure to separate the balls with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to bake, simply roll them in the sugar-spice mixture straight from the freezer and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have warm, chewy cookies that are just as delicious and festive as freshly made!

Spiced Rum Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Spiced Rum Cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars. Choose eggs that are fresh (check the expiration date) for the best binding. For flour, ensure it’s all-purpose unless you’re opting for a gluten-free blend, which should be stored properly to avoid moisture.

How should I store my Spiced Rum Cookies and for how long?
Store your Spiced Rum Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days to maintain their delightful chewiness. If you desire a longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week. Just remember to let them warm to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze Spiced Rum Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, indeed! Start by placing your baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Afterward, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, just pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to warm them up.

What should I do if my cookies aren’t crackling as expected?
Very often, this can happen if you skip the cream of tartar—it’s key for that signature crinkle effect. If you’re out, try adding a teaspoon of vinegar to help achieve a similar outcome. Also, ensure that your dough was chilled before baking, as this helps the cookies maintain their shape and form those lovely cracks.

Are there any dietary considerations when making Spiced Rum Cookies?
For sure! If you have dietary restrictions, you can make these cookies vegan by swapping the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes until gelatinous) and using vegan butter. Be cautious with your rum choices if allergies to alcohol or sensitivities are a concern, as substitutes like vanilla or almond extract can give a delightful flavor too!