Eggnog Cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

These Eggnog Cookies are the perfect bite-sized embodiment of the holiday spirit. Soft, pillowy, and infused with warm spices and a hint of real eggnog flavor, they melt in your mouth with each bite. The creamy frosting on top adds a rich and festive finish, and a light dusting of nutmeg brings everything together in one cozy, nostalgic treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply a night in by the fireplace, these cookies make the season feel extra special.

Unlike many holiday cookies that can be overly sweet or complicated, Eggnog Cookies strike a delightful balance of flavor and texture. They offer all the joy of sipping a glass of eggnog but in a delightful, handheld form. These cookies come together easily and fill the kitchen with a warm, cinnamon-scented aroma that’s sure to draw everyone in.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cookie Recipe

• Buttery and soft texture with just the right amount of chew
• Classic holiday flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and creamy eggnog
• Quick and easy to make with pantry staples
• Perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or festive baking days
• The frosting is silky, not too sweet, and carries that signature eggnog richness

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Eggnog Cookies, start by gathering the right tools. You’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls – One for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients to keep the batter light and fluffy.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer – Essential for creaming the butter and sugar to get that perfect cookie texture.
• Baking Sheets – Line them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Cooling Rack – Helps the cookies cool quickly and evenly, which is important before frosting.
• Piping Bag or Small Spatula – For a neat and festive frosting swirl.

Having these tools ready will streamline the process and help you achieve bakery-quality results at home.

---

Preparation Tips

Bring your butter and eggnog to room temperature before mixing—this helps them combine more smoothly and creates a uniform dough. Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients; overworking the dough can lead to dense cookies. Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size, which allows for even baking. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the icing. For an extra festive touch, dust a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon over the frosting before serving.

---

Ingredients for this Eggnog Cookie Recipe

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup eggnog (preferably full-fat)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Eggnog Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

---

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents, which helps the cookies bake uniformly with balanced flavor.

---

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes 2–3 minutes and creates the base structure of the cookie.

---

Step 3: Add Egg, Eggnog, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, followed by the eggnog and vanilla extract. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point due to the dairy content, but that’s normal.

---

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage to keep the cookies soft and tender.

---

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

---

Step 6: Preheat and Prep

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

---

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly crackled. Do not overbake—the cookies will continue to set as they cool.

---

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

---

Step 9: Make the Eggnog Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for thicker) or more eggnog (for thinner).

---

Step 10: Frost and Garnish

Pipe or spread the frosting onto the fully cooled cookies. Sprinkle a touch of nutmeg on top for a festive finish. Let the frosting set for 20–30 minutes before serving or storing.

---

Notes

Eggnog Cookies are at their best when made with full-fat eggnog, as it contributes to the richness and moistness of the dough and frosting. Always allow the cookies to cool fully before frosting to avoid runny or melting icing. If you’re baking a large batch for an event, you can make the cookies a day in advance and frost them the next day—this actually enhances the flavor and helps the texture settle.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chilling time: It’s tempting to bake the dough right away, but skipping the chill time can cause your cookies to spread too much.
• Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be soft. If they look slightly underbaked in the center, that’s perfect. They’ll finish setting while cooling.
• Not using room temperature butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, and melted butter will make the dough greasy.
• Frosting while warm: Always let cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid a runny mess.
• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to a dense cookie. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.

---

Storage Instructions

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months; thaw and frost just before serving. Avoid freezing already frosted cookies as the texture of the frosting may change upon thawing.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 2g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of eggnog should I use?

Full-fat, classic eggnog works best for richness and flavor. Avoid low-fat or dairy-free alternatives unless the recipe is specifically adjusted for them.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

They should look set on the edges but soft and slightly underbaked in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.

What piping tip is best for frosting?

A large round or open star tip gives a beautiful, bakery-style swirl. You can also simply spread it with a spatula.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

How do I prevent my frosting from being too runny?

Add more powdered sugar to thicken or reduce the amount of eggnog slightly. Always frost when cookies are completely cool.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

Not at all! The cookie base is lightly sweetened, and the frosting adds just the right touch of richness without overpowering.

---

Conclusion

Eggnog Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that delivers festive flavor with minimal effort. With their soft texture, spiced notes, and creamy eggnog frosting, they capture the essence of the season in every bite. Ideal for gatherings, gifts, or cozy nights in, these cookies are guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your holiday baking lineup. Make them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe year after year.

---

Print