Eggnog Cookies

The holiday season is all about warmth, nostalgia, and comforting flavors, and nothing embodies that spirit quite like eggnog. I still remember my first time making eggnog cookies —I was intimidated by baking from scratch, but this recipe made it so simple. The result? A batch of soft, spiced cookies that tasted just like my favorite holiday drink.

These Eggnog Cookies are perfect for beginners because they require minimal effort, use simple ingredients, and bake up in no time. The flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and creamy eggnog shine through in every bite, making them an excellent addition to your holiday cookie platter.

Why This Recipe is Special

1. Perfectly Soft and Cakey – These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible.
2. Easy to Make – With straightforward steps and no complicated techniques, it’s a great recipe for first-time bakers.
3. Eggnog in Every Bite – Both the cookie dough and the glaze are infused with eggnog for a rich and festive flavor.
4. Customizable – Want to add a boozy twist? Swap vanilla extract for rum extract. Prefer a little extra spice? Sprinkle nutmeg over the glaze.

Ingredients and Their Roles

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cookies. You can also use a gluten-free 1-to-1 flour substitute.
• Baking soda & baking powder – Help the cookies rise while keeping them light and fluffy.
• Ground nutmeg & cinnamon – Essential for that classic eggnog warmth and spice.
• Granulated sugar & light brown sugar – Sweeten the cookies while adding a hint of caramel flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture for a tender texture.
• Egg – Binds the dough together and helps create a soft cookie.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and balances the spices.
• Prepared eggnog – The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with holiday flavor. Full-fat eggnog works best.
• Powdered sugar – Used for the eggnog glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Dairy-free? Use almond milk eggnog and dairy-free butter.
• Want a boozy twist? Replace vanilla extract with dark rum or rum extract.
• No nutmeg on hand? Try allspice or pumpkin spice for a similar warmth.

How to Make Eggnog Cookies

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates an airy texture for the cookies.

Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Then, slowly pour in the eggnog and mix again until smooth.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press down on each cookie with the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly.

Step 7: Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the tops look set and the edges begin to turn golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of eggnog until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set for about 15 minutes.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Measuring flour properly – Always spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much flour, leading to dense cookies.
• Room temperature butter – Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a lighter dough. If your butter is too hard, microwave it for 10 seconds to soften it slightly.
• Don’t overmix – Mixing too much can develop the gluten in the flour, making cookies chewy instead of tender.
• How to tell when they’re done – The cookies should no longer look wet on top, and the edges should be lightly golden. They will continue to set as they cool.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these cookies with a glass of eggnog or hot chocolate for the ultimate holiday treat.
• Serve alongside spiced chai tea or coffee for a cozy winter afternoon snack.
• Add them to a holiday cookie platter with gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies for variety.

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They get softer as they sit.
• In the freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and glaze before serving.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Eggnog Cookies is an easy and rewarding experience, even for beginners. Their soft, cakey texture, warm spices, and creamy eggnog flavor make them a holiday favorite. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring joy.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Share your thoughts and baking tips—I’d love to hear from you!

FAQ About Eggnog Cookies

More Cookies Recipes

• Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Print