Festive Eggnog Cookie Delights

Step into the festive spirit with our incredible Eggnog Cookies Recipe! These delightful eggnog sugar cookies are the epitome of holiday baking – perfectly soft, wonderfully chewy, and surprisingly simple to whip up. If you’re an eggnog enthusiast, prepare to fall in love with these spiced, buttery treats, crowned with a luscious eggnog glaze that captures the very essence of the season.

These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a celebration of classic holiday flavors. Each bite delivers that unmistakable creamy, spiced warmth of eggnog, elevated by our easy-to-make, decadent glaze. It’s no wonder this particular cookie recipe has become a cherished Christmas tradition in our home, never failing to bring joy and festive cheer. Along with our beloved Custard Cookies Recipe, these eggnog sugar cookies hold a special place on our holiday dessert platter.

For those who adore the rich, distinctive taste of eggnog, these cookies are just the beginning. We encourage you to explore our other fantastic eggnog-inspired creations, perfect for any festive occasion. Treat yourself to Eggnog Cupcakes, a creamy Eggnog Pie, a delightful Eggnog Fudge, and a wide array of our other eggnog desserts. The entire family also raves about our Easy Eggnog Bread, comforting Eggnog Bread Pudding, and a show-stopping Eggnog Cake. These festive treats ensure that the spirit of eggnog can be enjoyed in countless delicious forms throughout the holiday season.

Why These Eggnog Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Make

• Unforgettable Eggnog Flavor: Each bite is an indulgent experience, bursting with the rich, spiced, and creamy notes of traditional eggnog. It’s the ideal way to enjoy your favorite holiday beverage in cookie form.
• Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: Despite their gourmet taste, these frosted eggnog cookies are surprisingly simple to make. Our clear, step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday baking experience, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Perfect Soft & Chewy Texture: We’ve perfected the balance to create cookies that are deliciously soft on the inside with just the right amount of chewiness on the edges, ensuring a delightful mouthfeel with every bite.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with a homemade eggnog glaze and a dusting of nutmeg, these cookies are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat. They make a stunning addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Staple: These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any festive gathering, cookie exchange, or quiet evening by the fire. Their unique holiday flavor makes them stand out amongst other treats.

The Magic of Eggnog in Baking

Eggnog has been a beloved holiday drink for centuries, known for its rich, creamy texture and comforting blend of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. When incorporated into baking, eggnog transforms ordinary cookies into something extraordinary, infusing them with its signature warmth and depth of flavor. The dairy and egg components contribute to a wonderfully tender crumb, while the spices enhance the festive aroma that fills your kitchen. Using full-fat eggnog is key here, as it provides the richness necessary to achieve that authentic, melt-in-your-mouth experience that these holiday eggnog cookies are famous for. It’s more than just an ingredient; it’s a taste of tradition in every bite.

Ingredients for Perfect Eggnog Cookies

For the Soft & Chewy Cookies

• Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened at room temperature. This ensures it creams properly with the sugar, creating a light and airy base for your cookies, essential for that soft texture.
• White Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with the spread and crispness of the cookie edges.
• Eggs: Large eggs (specifically egg yolks as per some recipes, but the recipe card says “2 eggs”) bind the ingredients and add richness and moisture, contributing to the cookies’ chewiness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our cookies. Measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off, to avoid dense or dry cookies.
• Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the cookies rise beautifully and achieve that desirable soft texture.
• Ground Nutmeg and Cinnamon: These essential warming spices are the heart of the eggnog flavor, enhancing the aroma and taste of your homemade eggnog cookies.
• Eggnog: For the most authentic and rich flavor, we strongly recommend using full-fat eggnog. Reduced-fat versions may compromise the creamy texture and depth of taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract provides a warm, sweet undertone that complements the spices and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

For the Creamy Eggnog Frosting

• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it’s crucial for a smooth, lump-free glaze. Sifting it beforehand will ensure the best consistency.
• Eggnog: A small amount of eggnog is used to create the frosting, perfectly echoing the cookie’s flavor and providing a wonderful creamy consistency. You can use the remaining eggnog from your cookie recipe.
• Ground Nutmeg: A final sprinkle of nutmeg on the frosting not only adds to the visual appeal but also amplifies the classic eggnog spice, making these frosted eggnog cookies truly irresistible.

You can find the complete ingredient list with exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make Eggnog Cookies Step-by-Step

Making these delightful eggnog cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfect holiday treats:

Step 1: Prepare Your Wet Ingredients. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and white sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed. This initial creaming step is vital for a tender cookie.

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla. To the creamed butter and sugar, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and consistent. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Eggnog. Gently pour the specified amount of eggnog into your wet mixture. The eggnog is what gives these cookies their signature holiday flavor and contributes to their moist texture.

Step 4: Mix Until Just Combined. Continue mixing the wet ingredients until the eggnog is fully incorporated and the mixture is well blended. However, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. Stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined to distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir them together by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing; too much agitation can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet (lined with parchment paper for best results). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and allows them to finish setting.

Step 8: Prepare the Eggnog Glaze and Frost. While your cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and eggnog in a small bowl until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or a few drops more eggnog for a thinner drizzle. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over them. Finish with a light sprinkle of ground nutmeg for an extra festive touch. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Expert Tips for Baking Success

• Don’t Chill the Dough: Unlike some sugar cookie recipes, there’s no need to chill this eggnog cookie dough before baking. This saves you time and gets those delicious cookies into your mouth faster! If you want to make the dough ahead, however, you can certainly refrigerate it for up to 2 days; just bring it to room temperature slightly before scooping.
• Measure Flour Accurately: The amount of flour is critical for the perfect cookie texture. Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly, or tough cookies. Use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Uniform Cookie Size: For even baking and a professional look, use a cookie scoop to divide the dough. This ensures all your eggnog cookies are the same size, baking uniformly and finishing at the same time. This also helps achieve that coveted soft and chewy texture throughout the batch.
• Proper Cooling Technique: After baking, let your cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly and continue to “cook” gently from residual heat without over-browning. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the rack prevents sogginess from trapped steam.
• Prepare Glaze While Baking: To streamline your baking process, prepare the eggnog glaze while the cookies are in the oven or cooling. This ensures your glaze is ready to go as soon as the cookies are cool enough to frost, saving you valuable time.
• Store-Bought Eggnog is Your Friend: While homemade eggnog is fantastic, don’t hesitate to use quality store-bought eggnog for this recipe. It’s a convenient and delicious way to capture that holiday flavor without added effort. Ensure it’s full-fat for the best results.
• Enhance Flavor with Rum Extract: For an extra layer of complexity and a more “adult” eggnog flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of rum extract to either the cookie dough or the glaze. This complements the existing spices beautifully.
• Parchment Paper is a Game Changer: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup an absolute breeze, especially important during busy holiday baking sessions.

Variations and Customizations

While these classic eggnog cookies are perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit your taste or add a special touch for the holidays:

• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of nutmeg and cinnamon to your liking. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can also be added for a deeper, more complex spice profile.
• Add a Boozy Kick: For an adult version, substitute a tablespoon of the eggnog in the cookie dough or glaze with rum (dark or spiced rum works well), bourbon, or brandy. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of or in addition to the eggnog glaze, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Sprinkle Fun: Before the glaze sets, sprinkle the cookies with festive holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, or more freshly grated nutmeg for an even prettier presentation.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: If you prefer a richer frosting, make a simple cream cheese frosting and add a splash of eggnog and nutmeg to it for an eggnog cream cheese cookie.
• Eggnog Snickerdoodles: For a twist, roll the cookie dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon sugar before baking. This will give them a wonderful crunchy, spiced exterior.

Serving Suggestions

These soft and chewy eggnog cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for any holiday occasion. Here are a few ideas to enjoy them:

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange them beautifully on a platter with other Christmas cookies for a stunning dessert display.
• With Coffee or Tea: They make an excellent accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee, tea, or, of course, a glass of cold eggnog.
• Cookie Exchange: They are always a popular choice for cookie exchanges, and their unique flavor will surely make them a standout.
• Gifts from the Kitchen: Package them in festive tins or cellophane bags as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors.
• After-Dinner Treat: Serve them as a simple yet elegant dessert after a holiday meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Cookies

More Irresistible Easy Christmas Cookies

If you love baking festive treats, you’ll want to add these other easy Christmas cookie recipes to your repertoire:

• Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe: Visually stunning and deliciously festive, these cookies are a holiday classic.
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe: A timeless combination of peanut butter and chocolate, always a crowd-pleaser.
• Snowball Cookies Recipe: Delicate, nutty, and dusted with powdered sugar, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are simply enchanting.
• Adorable Reindeer Cookies: Fun to make and decorate, especially with kids, these cookies bring a whimsical touch to your holiday spread.
• Red Hot Cookies: For those who enjoy a little spice, these cinnamon-infused cookies offer a delightful kick.

We encourage you to try these fantastic eggnog cookies for your next holiday celebration, family gathering, or cookie exchange. Their soft texture, rich flavor, and festive glaze are sure to make them a new favorite. Please come back and leave a comment and a star rating once you’ve made them – we love hearing your feedback!