Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies

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Every December, as soon as the temperature drops and the lights go up, I find myself craving the warm, nostalgic flavors of eggnog. It’s creamy, spiced, and indulgent—everything I want in a cozy winter treat. That’s what inspired these Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies. They’re soft and buttery with a perfectly cracked top, just like your favorite bakery-style sugar cookie, but with a festive twist thanks to real eggnog and a hint of nutmeg.

The best part? These cookies come together quickly and make your whole kitchen smell like a holiday dream. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, gifting a tin to a neighbor, or just curling up with a batch and a good book, these cookies are the kind of comfort we all need during the holidays.

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Why You’ll Love This Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

These cookies are the perfect blend of classic sugar cookie texture and holiday flavor. They’re soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and have just the right hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. The eggnog adds richness and moisture, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plus, they look beautiful with their crackled tops and dusting of spice—no frosting needed.

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What Kind of Eggnog Should I Use?

Use your favorite store-bought eggnog or homemade if you have some on hand! I recommend using a full-fat version rather than low-fat for the best texture and flavor. Dairy-free eggnogs can work too, but they may slightly change the consistency, so keep an eye on your dough.

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Options for Substitutions

• No eggnog? You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon stirred in.
• Gluten-free option: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan version: Use vegan butter and a plant-based eggnog substitute.
• Less sugar: Cut the sugar by 1/4 cup for a milder sweetness, but note it may affect the texture slightly.

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Ingredients for This Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

• All-purpose flour – The structural base of the cookies, providing the classic chew and body.
• Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to the soft, fluffy texture.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices and eggnog flavor.
• Ground nutmeg – This cozy spice gives the cookies their signature eggnog warmth.
• Unsalted butter – Softened butter creates a rich, tender cookie. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
• Granulated sugar – For sweetness and the perfect sugar cookie crackle top.
• Egg yolk – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and brings out the depth in the eggnog.
• Eggnog – The star of the recipe, adding moisture, flavor, and a holiday twist.
• Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling) – Adds a lovely finish and extra spice on top.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

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Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set this aside. This ensures all the leavening and spice is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together for about 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy. This step is key for that soft texture and a slight rise.

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Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, followed by the eggnog. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth. The dough might look a bit soft and creamy at this stage.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix. The dough should be soft but scoopable.

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Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, roll each ball gently for a more uniform shape.

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Step 7: Sprinkle and Bake

Lightly sprinkle each cookie with cinnamon sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are beautifully cracked.

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Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The centers will continue to set as they cool.

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How Long to Prepare the Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Prep Time: The dough for these cookies comes together quickly in about 15 minutes. That includes creaming the butter and sugar, measuring out ingredients, and mixing everything together. If you’re an efficient baker, it might take even less time.

Bake Time: The cookies bake for about 10 to 12 minutes per batch. You’ll want to let them cool for an additional 5 minutes on the baking sheet, followed by a full cool-down on a wire rack. So from start to finish, you’re looking at around 30–35 minutes total.

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Tips for Perfect Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps them blend more smoothly and gives you a consistent dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once the flour is added, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Scoop evenly: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform baking and beautiful presentation.
• Sprinkle before baking: That touch of cinnamon sugar on top caramelizes slightly and adds texture.
• Watch the bake time: They should be slightly underbaked when you pull them out. The centers will finish setting as they cool.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold butter: It won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to dense cookies.
• Overbaking: These cookies don’t brown much, so keep an eye on texture rather than color.
• Skipping the chill (if needed): If your dough is too soft or your kitchen is warm, chill it for 20 minutes to prevent spreading.
• Substituting low-fat eggnog: This can change the richness and thickness of the dough.
• Not spacing cookies enough: They spread slightly, so give them breathing room.

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What to Serve With Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies

1. Hot Chocolate

The deep cocoa flavor and creaminess of hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the warm spices in the cookies.

2. Coffee or Eggnog Latte

Balance the sweetness of the cookies with a rich cup of coffee or espresso-based eggnog latte.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn them into a dessert sandwich or serve on the side for a delicious contrast in texture.

4. Fresh Fruit

Berries or citrus segments cut the richness and refresh the palate.

5. Holiday Charcuterie Board

Pair the cookies with candied nuts, spiced popcorn, and other festive treats for a dessert platter.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain texture.

Freezer (Baked): You can freeze fully baked cookies. Let them cool completely, then layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Freezer (Dough): Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per cookie, based on a batch of 18 cookies)

• Calories: ~140
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fiber: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have eggnog?

You can substitute whole milk with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon. It won’t have the exact richness, but it’s still delicious.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Do these cookies spread a lot?

Not too much. They hold their shape nicely but do spread just enough to create those beautiful crackled tops.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles well for larger batches—just be sure to mix in two batches if your mixer is small.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not always, but if your dough feels very soft or your kitchen is warm, a quick 15–20 minute chill helps prevent spreading.

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Conclusion

These Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies are everything I want in a winter treat: soft, spiced, buttery, and beautiful. They celebrate the season with every bite and come together so easily you’ll find yourself baking them again and again. Whether you’re enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee or making them the star of your holiday cookie tray, they’ll quickly become a favorite tradition in your kitchen.

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