Name: Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup eggnog; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large egg yolks; Ground nutmeg for garnish, optional; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4-6 tablespoons eggnog (we used 5 tablespoons total); 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you’re a fan of the warm, cozy flavors that holiday eggnog brings, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Eggnog Cookies Recipe. These cookies burst with just the right amount of spiced eggnog goodness, balancing flavor and sweetness perfectly without being over the top. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply want to savor a seasonal treat with your afternoon coffee, this recipe captures that nostalgic feeling in every bite. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a soft, tender cookie topped with a luscious eggnog-infused frosting and a hint of nutmeg that feels like a holiday hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl is filled with a soft, lumpy mixture that is pale yellow and creamy. Two bright yellow egg yolks sit on top in the middle of the bowl, partially surrounded by the mixture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and black checkered cloth on the lower left side. To the top right, there is a white container holding several brown eggs, and on the left side, there is a tall glass bottle with a pale yellow liquid inside next to three whole nutmegs. A metal grater lies near the top center of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the great things about this Eggnog Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each brings a unique element that enhances the cookie’s flavor, texture, or appearance — from the warm spices to the creamy eggnog and buttery sweetness.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies structure and soft bite.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, slightly sweet spice that pairs perfectly with nutmeg.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Essential for authentic eggnog flavor and a cozy aroma.
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and caramelizes slightly during baking.
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
¾ cup eggnog: Infuses authentic eggnog flavor and tenderizes the dough beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor complexity with a subtle, fragrant note.
2 large egg yolks: Adds richness and helps bind the dough for perfect chewiness.
Ground nutmeg for garnish (optional): Enhances presentation and adds an inviting scent.

For the Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a creamy, luscious base for the frosting.
4-6 tablespoons eggnog: Brings that signature seasonal flavor into the frosting’s smooth finish.
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.

How to Make Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed, so every bite will have that lovely warm spice kick you expect in an eggnog treat.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for that light, tender cookie texture and makes the mixture fluffy enough to capture the rich flavors.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and egg yolks with the butter and sugar. Beating these together until fully combined infuses the dough with moisture and adds the quintessential eggnog taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour Mixture

Gradually add the dry flour and spice mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain — overmixing can create tougher cookies, so keep it gentle for a soft, delicate crumb.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

The dough will be slightly sticky, so scoop it onto a piece of waxed paper and shape it into a log. If it’s too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Then wrap the log tightly in the wax paper and freeze for at least 2 hours. This chilling step helps the dough slice cleanly and bake evenly.

Step 6: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper for even cooking. Remove your chilled dough log from the freezer and cut into half-inch thick slices. If any slices are still somewhat frozen, let them warm for a few minutes so they bake uniformly.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Arrange the cookie slices about an inch apart on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Once baked, allow cookies to sit on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This rest time helps them firm up without losing moisture.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat softened butter until creamy. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons of eggnog, alternating to create a smooth, spreadable frosting. Add more powdered sugar or eggnog as needed for your preferred consistency — around 5 tablespoons of eggnog total usually works best.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Spread the luscious eggnog frosting generously over cooled cookies. For a beautiful finishing touch, dust them with a little ground nutmeg using a fine sifter. This not only enhances the flavor but gives your cookies a festive, inviting look.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Round cookies with a light golden brown color form the bottom layer. Each cookie has one layer of creamy white frosting spread thickly on top with a soft texture and swirled pattern. The frosting is sprinkled with a light dusting of brown spice that adds a delicate touch. The cookies are arranged on a silver cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Next to the rack, there are whole brown nuts and a silver nut grater. A red and black checkered cloth is partially visible at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a light dusting of cinnamon pairs beautifully with these cookies, adding an aromatic layer that enhances the eggnog flavors. For extra sparkle, try a few festive colored sugar crystals or edible gold dust for holiday dazzlement.

Side Dishes

Serve these Eggnog Cookies Recipe delights alongside a warm cup of spiced chai, mulled cider, or classic hot chocolate. The cookies’ creamy flavors balance perfectly with warm beverages, making them a cozy companion for any festive or casual gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your cookies in a tiered dessert tray with sprigs of holly or fresh rosemary for a rustic, festive vibe. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with ribbon makes for charming edible gifts that friends and family will adore. You can even sandwich frosting between two cookies to create petites eggnog cookie sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Eggnog Cookies Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies will stay soft and the frosting creamy, so you can enjoy them slowly over your holiday season or for weeknight indulgences.

Freezing

You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. For dough, wrap the shaped log well and freeze up to 3 months — slice and bake directly from frozen. For baked cookies, place them on a lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting or enjoying.

Reheating

If you want to refresh your cookies’ soft texture after refrigeration or freezing, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings out the fresh-baked aroma and slightly melts the frosting for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this Eggnog Cookies Recipe and contributes the essential creamy, spiced flavor. Just make sure it’s well chilled and fresh for best results.

What if I don’t have insulated baking sheets?

Insulated baking sheets help cookies bake evenly without burning on the bottom, but if you don’t have them, simply use regular baking sheets lined with parchment paper and monitor the baking time closely to prevent overbrowning.

Is there a substitute for egg yolks in this recipe?

The egg yolks add richness and help bind the dough, so they’re important for texture and flavor. If needed, you can try replacing with an extra whole egg, but expect a slightly different consistency and flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can experiment with a gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour, but be aware that texture and spread may vary. Adding a bit of xanthan gum might help maintain structure.

How thick should I slice the dough log?

Slicing your cookie dough log into ½-inch thick pieces is ideal for even baking and that signature soft, tender bite. Thinner slices may crisp up faster, while thicker ones might need extra baking time.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Cookies Recipe is truly a holiday treasure that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With its perfectly balanced spices, creamy frosting, and comforting texture, it’s the kind of cookie that makes you want to bake batch after batch to share with those you love. Dive in, have fun baking, and enjoy every festive bite you create with this wonderful recipe!