Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

Dreamy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

These dreamy melt-in-your-mouth eggnog sugar cookies promise pure holiday magic from the first bite.

Festive baking brings people together in heartwarming ways.

Winter celebrations feel incomplete without something sweet and nostalgic.

Soft, delicate cookies that whisper classic eggnog flavors with each tender crumble.

Subtle nutmeg and creamy notes dance across your palate, creating instant comfort.

Rich butter and smooth spices blend into a cookie that practically melts on your tongue.

Bake these and watch smiles bloom around your kitchen.

You’ll want to save this recipe as your new seasonal favorite.

Why Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Are A Holiday Favorite

  • Savor Festive Flavors: These eggnog sugar cookies capture the essence of holiday cheer with a perfect blend of traditional eggnog spices and sweet, buttery goodness.
  • Effortless Holiday Baking: The simple one-bowl method makes these cookies a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home bakers looking to create something special without complicated techniques.
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The soft, delicate cookie crumb promises a luxurious eating experience that literally melts on your tongue, delivering pure comfort in every bite.
  • Customize with Ease: The optional glaze allows for personal creativity, letting bakers add an extra touch of sweetness and holiday flair to these delightful treats.

Everything You’ll Need For Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Egg, Eggnog: Creamy base that provides rich flavor and tender texture. Choose unsalted butter for better control of salt, fresh egg for binding, and full-fat eggnog for maximum holiday flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the classic eggnog profile. Pure vanilla extract recommended for best taste.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Essential for cookie structure and rise. Use fresh, sifted flour to prevent lumps and ensure smooth dough.
Sweet Finishing Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Provide sweetness and smooth glaze. White granulated sugar works best for consistent cookie texture.
  • Rum Extract (Optional): Adds traditional eggnog flavor without alcohol. Use sparingly for subtle warmth.

How To Bake Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, creamy texture. Splash in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla, then sprinkle ground nutmeg. Blend everything until it becomes a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

Grab another bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Fire up the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into adorable little balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Place them on the sheet, giving each cookie some breathing room. Press down gently with a glass bottom to create perfect circles. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Eggnog
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Rum extract (optional)

Drizzle the glaze over completely cooled cookies. Let the glaze set and transform these treats into something magical.

Pro Tips For Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal creamy texture for smooth cookie dough.
  • Control Cookie Thickness: Use a flat-bottomed glass with a smooth surface to gently press cookies, ensuring uniform thickness and even baking.
  • Prevent Over-Browning: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking, removing them when edges are just lightly golden to maintain a soft, tender texture.
  • Customize Glaze Consistency: Add powdered sugar or eggnog gradually to adjust the glaze thickness, creating a drizzle that sets smoothly without being too runny or thick.
  • Make Dairy-Free Friendly: Substitute dairy-free butter and plant-based eggnog to create a delicious version suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan bakers.

How To Store Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Preserve quality for 2-3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Thaw Gently: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. This method prevents moisture loss and maintains soft texture.
  • Refresh Crisp: Warm cookies briefly in the oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their original crispness and enhance the delightful eggnog flavor.

What To Pair With Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies

  • Sip Festive Eggnog Cocktail: Pair these delicate sugar cookies with a classic eggnog cocktail mixed with bourbon or rum. The creamy, spiced drink perfectly complements the nutmeg-infused cookies, creating a harmonious holiday flavor experience.
  • Match with Warm Spiced Chai: Brew a comforting chai tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Its warm, spicy notes beautifully enhance the cookie's nutmeg undertones, making for a cozy winter treat that warms both heart and palate.
  • Indulge with Vanilla Bean Latte: Craft a smooth vanilla bean latte with rich espresso and steamed milk. The subtle vanilla and coffee flavors create a delightful contrast to the sweet, spiced cookies, offering a luxurious dessert pairing.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Hot Chocolate: Whip up a decadent caramel hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The rich, buttery caramel complements the cookie's soft texture and nutmeg warmth, delivering an indulgent winter dessert experience.

Fun Twists On Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies

  • Holiday Rum Blast: Amp up the festive spirit by adding an extra splash of rum extract to the dough and glaze, creating a more pronounced holiday flavor profile for adult cookie lovers.
  • Spiced Gingerbread Edition: Incorporate ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves into the dry ingredients, transforming the classic eggnog cookie into a warm, spicy gingerbread-inspired treat that captures winter comfort.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Upgrade: Replace the traditional eggnog glaze with a rich dark chocolate drizzle, melting chocolate chips and adding a touch of cream for a decadent finish that complements the nutmeg undertones.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Fold chopped pecans or toasted almonds into the cookie dough before baking, providing a delightful textural contrast and adding a subtle nuttiness to the classic eggnog cookie recipe.

Common Questions About Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies

  • Why use eggnog in these sugar cookies?

Eggnog adds a rich, creamy flavor and subtle spice that makes these cookies taste like a festive holiday treat. The unique ingredient brings warmth and a classic Christmas essence to the traditional sugar cookie.

  • Can I make these cookies without ground nutmeg?

While nutmeg is essential for the authentic eggnog flavor, you can substitute with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if needed. The spice helps capture the traditional eggnog taste and adds depth to the cookie’s profile.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should appear soft but not wet, and they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies special.

  • Is the optional glaze necessary for the recipe?

The glaze is optional but recommended. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances the eggnog flavor, creating a more indulgent cookie experience. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip the glaze entirely.

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Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive holiday magic sparkles in these melt-in-your-mouth eggnog sugar cookies, blending traditional Christmas cheer with irresistible sweetness. Creamy eggnog essence and delicate spices promise a delightful treat that will become your new seasonal favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) eggnog

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • ⅔ tablespoons eggnog
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon rum extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a rich, creamy base by thoroughly blending softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture achieves a cloud-like, airy texture. Incorporate egg, eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg, whisking until the ingredients harmonize into a smooth, fragrant mixture.
  2. In a separate vessel, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring a lump-free dry blend. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently stirring until a tender, cohesive dough emerges.
  3. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using gentle hands, form the dough into perfectly rounded 1-inch spheres, positioning them with ample spacing on the prepared sheet.
  4. Delicately press each cookie ball using the bottom of a glass or fingertips, creating uniform discs that promise even baking. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges that signal perfect doneness.
  5. After removing from the oven, allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. This pause helps cookies firm up and prevents overcooking.
  6. For an elegant finishing touch, whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, ground nutmeg, and rum extract into a silky glaze. Drizzle artfully over cooled cookies, letting the glaze set and create a festive, glossy finish.

Notes

  • Adjust the butter’s temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy mix that creates a perfectly tender cookie texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ delicate structure.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, keeping the same measurements and mixing technique.
  • Spice lovers can boost the nutmeg intensity by adding an extra pinch or experimenting with a touch of cinnamon for a warming flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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