delicious Eggnog Cookies

Have you ever tasted a cookie so soft, warm, and full of holiday flavor that you couldn’t stop at just one? Many people think eggnog is only for sipping from a cup, but what if it could become the star ingredient of your new favorite cookie? That one question inspired these delicious Eggnog Cookies, and once you try them, you may never look at eggnog the same way again.

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These delicious Eggnog Cookies are soft, tender, and filled with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and creamy eggnog. They taste like a warm holiday hug. The recipe is easy enough for beginners, great for families to make together, and uses simple pantry ingredients. From start to finish, you can have a full batch ready in less than 30 minutes. The dough comes together quickly, the cookies bake fast, and the frosting adds the perfect final touch.

Difficulty level: Easy
Total time: 25 to 30 minutes
Best for: Holiday parties, cookie exchanges, winter desserts, or gifting

Essential Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make delicious Eggnog Cookies:

For the Cookies

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Eggnog
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon

For the Frosting

• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Eggnog
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

• Use unsalted or salted butter. If using salted, reduce additional salt.
• Substitute gluten-free flour if needed.
• Add a pinch of cloves for deeper spice flavor.
• Replace eggnog with heavy cream if eggnog is not available, though the flavor will be milder.
• Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the frosting for tangy flavor.
• Sprinkle sanding sugar or festive sprinkles on top for color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Eggnog Cookies.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Area

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. This step helps create soft cookies with great texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla until the batter is smooth. Eggnog gives the cookies moisture and brings that iconic holiday flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This spreads the spices evenly through the cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix the Dough

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop once you no longer see dry flour.

Step 6: Scoop the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place small dough mounds on the baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie because they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but not browned. The centers will still look soft. This is what gives the cookies their tender texture.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool completely on a rack. This prevents the frosting from melting when you add it.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

Beat the butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla, and nutmeg. Mix until fluffy. If it feels too thick, add a tiny bit more eggnog. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 10: Frost the Cookies

Spread or pipe frosting on top of each cooled cookie. Add sprinkles or a dusting of nutmeg for a holiday finish.

Assembly

To assemble the cookies, place them neatly on a plate or tray once frosted. You can use a piping bag to swirl the frosting on top for a bakery-style look. A sprinkle of nutmeg or holiday-colored sprinkles adds a festive touch. If gifting, let the frosting set before packaging them so they don’t smudge.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Add frosting only when ready to serve.
• You can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop it into balls, freeze until firm, then bake whenever you need fresh cookies.
• The frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. Beat it again before using to make it fluffy.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun twists to make your delicious Eggnog Cookies even more exciting:

• Add white chocolate chips to the dough.
• Make sandwich cookies by spreading frosting between two cookies.
• Roll the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor.
• Use flavored eggnogs like vanilla or caramel to change the taste.
• Add a tablespoon of rum extract to the frosting for a richer holiday flavor.

Conclusion

These delicious Eggnog Cookies bring the taste of the holidays to every bite. They are simple to make, filled with warm spices, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them every year. Feel free to experiment with spices or toppings to make them your own. Baking should be fun, cozy, and full of joy, and this recipe does just that.

FAQs

What makes these cookies soft?

The combination of butter, eggnog, and a short baking time keeps the cookies tender and moist.

Can I make them without eggnog?

Yes. Use heavy cream or half-and-half, but the traditional eggnog flavor will be lighter.

Can the dough be made ahead of time?

Yes. Chill or freeze the dough and bake later for fresh cookies anytime.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Yes. The spices are mild and the flavors are warm and sweet.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?

Add a small spoonful of cream cheese or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Do these cookies spread a lot?

They spread slightly but stay thick and soft. For thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.