Festive Eggnog Cookies Recipe: Holiday Magic in Every Bite

Holiday cheer meets sweet perfection in these delightful eggnog cookies that capture winter’s most nostalgic flavors.

Warm spices dance alongside creamy richness, creating a festive treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft, pillowy cookies infused with classic holiday spirit and a hint of nutmeg.

Each bite transports you to cozy gatherings and twinkling lights.

Baking these treats fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons loved ones near.

Memories and magic blend seamlessly in this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Grab your apron and let’s make some holiday magic happen!

Why Eggnog Cookies Are A Cozy Favorite

• Capture Holiday Cheer: These eggnog cookies burst with festive warmth, bringing classic Christmas flavors into a delightful handheld treat that instantly sparks seasonal joy.
• Effortless Baking Delight: The simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create something special without stress.
• Texture Wonderland: Expect soft, pillowy cookies with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, complemented by a subtle crispness around the edges and an optional glossy glaze that adds elegant sweetness.
• Spice-Packed Comfort: Cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy, aromatic experience that transports you to nostalgic holiday moments, delivering rich, warming flavors in every single bite.

All Ingredients For Eggnog Cookies

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that give classic eggnog flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Create a rich, sweet base for the cookies.
• Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggnog: Provides signature holiday flavor and creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall taste.

• Powdered Sugar, Eggnog: Create a smooth, sweet topping for the cookies.
• Nutmeg: Adds a finishing touch of holiday spice for garnish.

How To Bake Eggnog Cookies With Ease

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Crack in an egg, pour some eggnog, and splash vanilla extract. Mix until everything blends beautifully. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients, stirring gently to create a perfect dough. Wrap the dough and tuck it into the refrigerator for a quick 30-minute chill.

Step 2: Transform Dough into Delightful Treats

Fire up the oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into adorable little balls, spacing them generously on the sheet. Slide the trays into the oven and bake until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden shade – about 10-12 minutes. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a moment, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Add the Magical Finishing Touch

Whisk powdered sugar and eggnog in a small bowl until a silky glaze forms. Drizzle this liquid magic over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle a whisper of nutmeg on top for an extra festive flourish. Watch as these cookies transform from simple treats to holiday masterpieces!

Best Tips For Soft Eggnog Cookies

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure thick, soft cookies with clean edges.
• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and spices to maintain the perfect eggnog cookie texture and balanced flavor profile.
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are just set, as they'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and can dry out quickly.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust nutmeg and cinnamon quantities to match your personal taste preference or dietary spice tolerance.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Cookie dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future baking, perfect for holiday prep.

How To Store And Reheat Eggnog Cookies

• Refrigerate: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Layer cookies between wax paper in a sealed freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Thaw Gently: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Warm Briefly: Reheat refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their soft, fresh-baked warmth.

Tasty Drinks To Pair With Eggnog Cookies

• Sip Festive Eggnog Latte: Pair these cookies with a warm, creamy eggnog latte that echoes the cookie's rich holiday flavors. The espresso's boldness perfectly complements the sweet, spiced cookie, creating a delightful winter treat.
• Blend Spiced Rum Cocktail: Serve alongside a smooth spiced rum cocktail that enhances the cookies' nutmeg and cinnamon notes. The alcohol's warmth brings out the cookie's festive essence, making it an ideal adult dessert pairing.
• Create Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Match: Top these cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the cookie's soft, spiced profile, delivering a luxurious dessert experience.
• Pour Maple Chai Tea: Enjoy with a steaming mug of maple chai tea that mirrors the cookie's warming spices. The tea's complex blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and maple complements the eggnog cookie's delicate flavor landscape.

Easy Variations Of Eggnog Cookies

• Rum-Infused Cookies: Add a splash of rum extract to the dough for a boozy adult version that captures the classic holiday cocktail flavor. The rum complements the nutmeg and cinnamon perfectly.
• Gingerbread Spice Swap: Replace half the cinnamon and nutmeg with ground ginger and cloves for a warm, spicier cookie that brings additional holiday cheer. This variation adds depth to the original recipe.
• Cream Cheese Frosted Version: Create a rich cream cheese frosting instead of the eggnog glaze. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla for a tangy, luxurious topping that pairs wonderfully with the cookie's subtle spices.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for extra texture and a subtle nutty undertone. Sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top of the glaze for added crunch and visual appeal.

Eggnog Cookies FAQs For Holiday Bakers

• Can I make these cookies without eggnog?

Yes, you can substitute eggnog with milk or cream, but the classic eggnog flavor will be reduced. For best results, use store-bought or homemade eggnog.

• How do I know if the cookie dough is mixed correctly?

The dough should come together smoothly without any dry flour patches. Mix until ingredients are just combined – overmixing can make cookies tough and dense.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

• What makes these cookies taste like eggnog?

The combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and actual eggnog in the recipe creates that signature holiday flavor. The spices and creamy liquid mimic the classic eggnog taste in cookie form.

Eggnog Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic emerges in these eggnog cookies, blending classic Christmas flavors with delightful cookie perfection. Creamy nutmeg and vanilla notes dance through each tender bite, inviting you to savor seasonal comfort in one delectable treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) eggnog
• 1 large egg

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting and Garnish:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ⅔ tablespoons eggnog
• A pinch of nutmeg for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundation by sifting flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a pristine mixing vessel. Ensure these dry elements are thoroughly integrated and set aside for later incorporation.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whip softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, airy texture, developing a pale and creamy consistency.
3. Introduce a single egg, rich eggnog, and pure vanilla extract into the buttery base, stirring until each component melds seamlessly and creates a harmonious liquid landscape.
4. Gradually fold the pre-measured dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using delicate, measured strokes to prevent overworking the dough. Stop mixing the moment ingredients are just combined.
5. Shield the dough and nestle it in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour, allowing the ingredients to relax and firm up, which facilitates easier cookie shaping.
6. Heat the oven to 350F, lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent unwanted sticking and ensure smooth cookie release.
7. Sculpt uniform dough spheres using a tablespoon measure, spacing them generously across the prepared baking surface to allow modest spreading during baking.
8. Slide the cookies into the preheated oven, baking until edges acquire a golden hue and centers appear set, approximately 10-12 minutes. Exercise caution to prevent overdrying.
9. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transition them onto a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
10. For an optional elegant finish, whisk powdered sugar and eggnog into a smooth glaze, drizzling artfully over cooled cookies and sprinkling a whisper of nutmeg as a final flourish.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a soft, tender cookie texture during baking.
• Use fresh, high-quality eggnog for the most robust holiday flavor, preferably whole milk eggnog for richer results.
• Adjust spices by increasing nutmeg or adding a pinch of ground cloves for a more intense seasonal warmth.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful crumbly texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg