If you love the creamy, spiced flavor of traditional eggnog, these Eggnog Cookies are a must-bake this season. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a silky eggnog glaze, these cookies bring holiday cheer in every bite. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges or cozy evenings with a cup of hot cocoa.

Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog Cookies capture the essence of the holidays — creamy, spiced, and irresistibly soft. The combination of rich butter, fragrant vanilla, and festive spices creates a cookie that’s indulgent yet comforting. Plus, this recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, so you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes. These cookies are also a wonderful way to use up leftover eggnog during the holiday season.

Ingredients for Eggnog Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and keeps the cookies soft yet stable.
• Baking Powder: Ensures a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds that classic eggnog warmth.
• Ground Cinnamon: Deepens the festive spice profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a tender texture.
• Egg Yolks: Add richness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle aromatic sweetness.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient that infuses every bite with creamy holiday flavor.

For the Glaze:
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, glossy coating.
• Eggnog: Adds flavor and helps achieve a drizzle consistency.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Bring extra spice to the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the aroma and sweetness.

Easy Ingredient Swaps for Eggnog Cookies

• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat-based “eggnog” for a plant-based twist.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of rum, bourbon, or rum extract to the dough for a boozy holiday variation.
• Spice Variations: Swap nutmeg with allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

How to Make Eggnog Cookies Step-by-Step

Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring airiness in the dough.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggnog, vanilla, and egg yolks one at a time. Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
Shape and Bake: Portion dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls, space evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 11–12 minutes, until edges are set.
Cool and Glaze: Let cookies cool on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. Drizzle with eggnog glaze once cooled.

Pro Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cookies

• Measure flour with a kitchen scale for consistent results.
• Keep cookie sizes uniform to ensure even baking.
• Don’t skip cooling time — warm cookies may crumble under the glaze.
• Make the glaze while cookies bake to save time.
• Add a touch of rum extract for authentic eggnog flavor depth.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Flavor & Texture Tips

These Eggnog Cookies have a soft, cake-like interior balanced by a delicately crisp edge. For a slightly chewier texture, bake for one minute less. If you prefer more spice, increase cinnamon or nutmeg slightly. To enhance the flavor further, dust the glazed cookies with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg before serving.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

• Perfect Pairings: Enjoy these cookies with a mug of hot chocolate, mulled cider, or — of course — a glass of classic eggnog.
• Frosting Alternatives: Replace the glaze with cream cheese frosting for a richer option.
• Festive Touch: Sprinkle with edible gold dust or colored sugar before the glaze sets for a holiday sparkle.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next day.

Holiday Joy in Every Bite

Eggnog Cookies aren’t just desserts — they’re little bites of nostalgia. They embody the comforting flavors of the holidays and are simple enough for anyone to bake, yet impressive enough for festive gifting. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, preparing treats for Santa, or craving a cozy evening indulgence, these Eggnog Cookies will become a cherished seasonal tradition.

So this year, bring the warmth of eggnog out of the glass and onto your cookie tray — and let every bite of these Eggnog Cookies fill your home with sweet, spiced holiday cheer.

Bringing It All Together: Why Eggnog Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Holiday Baking

There’s something truly special about these Eggnog Cookies — a delightful combination of simplicity, warmth, and festive flavor. Every bite captures the creamy richness of eggnog, balanced perfectly with cozy spices and a sweet glaze that melts on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to fill your kitchen with the scent of the holidays, these cookies promise to bring joy and comfort.

From their soft, tender crumb to their subtle holiday spice, Eggnog Cookies embody everything we love about the season — togetherness, indulgence, and tradition. Make a batch once, and they’ll quickly become your new Christmas favorite year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Cookies

1. Can I make Eggnog Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough a day or two in advance, roll it into balls, and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you prefer, bake the cookies completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to five days. The flavor often deepens overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.

2. Can I freeze Eggnog Cookies?

Yes, Eggnog Cookies freeze beautifully. For best results, freeze the cookies before glazing. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and drizzle with the glaze for that fresh-baked appearance and taste.

3. What kind of eggnog works best in this recipe?

Store-bought eggnog tends to yield consistent results because of its stable fat content and sweetness. However, if you prefer homemade eggnog, make sure it’s well-chilled and not overly thick to maintain the dough’s balance. Both versions infuse the cookies with the signature creamy, spiced flavor that makes this recipe shine.

4. How can I make these cookies more festive?

For an extra holiday touch, sprinkle the glazed cookies with cinnamon sugar, grated nutmeg, or edible gold dust. You can even sandwich two cookies together with eggnog buttercream for a luxurious twist. Serve them on a cookie platter with peppermint bark or sugar cookies to create a beautiful Christmas dessert spread.

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