If you’re looking for a festive treat that bursts with seasonal cheer, this Eggnog Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, buttery cookies infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg and that unmistakable creamy richness of eggnog in every bite. These cookies are delicately soft with a slight crisp on the edges, making them impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, this Eggnog Cookies Recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Eggnog Cookies Recipe is simple but selected to give you that perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and texture. From the richness of butter to the comforting spices and the creamy touch of eggnog, every element plays a vital role in creating these irresistible cookies.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be tender and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, fragrant spice that complements the eggnog beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A classic holiday spice that rounds out the flavor with a subtle nutty warmth.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while balancing the spices.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings a rich, creamy texture and enhances flavor without overpowering.
- 3/4 cup eggnog: The star ingredient of this recipe—adds creaminess and that quintessential holiday touch.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Amplifies the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- 2 large egg yolks: Contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb and rich texture.
- Ground nutmeg for garnish (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra aroma and a festive look.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting: The base for a smooth and luscious eggnog frosting.
- 4-6 tablespoons eggnog for frosting: Adds flavor and thins out the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky smooth.
How to Make Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This step ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving every cookie a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a tender base for the cookies and helps incorporate air for a soft crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggnog, Vanilla, and Egg Yolks
Beat in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and egg yolks until the batter is smooth and fully combined. The eggnog infuses each cookie with that unmistakable creamy holiday flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour Mixture
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix here to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Spoon the sticky dough onto a piece of waxed paper and shape it into a log. If the dough feels too sticky to manage, pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. After rolling into a log, chill it in the freezer for 2 hours. This chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper. Proper preparation here ensures even baking and easy cookie removal.
Step 7: Slice and Arrange Cookies
Remove the dough from the freezer and slice the log into 1/2-inch (about 1.3 cm) thick rounds. Arrange the slices on the prepared sheets, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for slight spreading. If the cookies are frozen hard, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 15 minutes until the edges start to set but the centers remain tender. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they finish setting perfectly and don’t break apart.
How to Serve Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of ground nutmeg on top of each cookie adds a lovely aromatic touch and visual flair. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon or even add some festive colored sugar for holiday sparkle. These small details make serving these cookies extra special.
Side Dishes
Eggnog Cookies are fantastic alongside a warm mug of spiced cider, hot chocolate, or a classic cup of coffee. Their creamy spice complements these drinks perfectly and elevates any snack or dessert spread, making your gathering feel cozy and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies on a festive platter dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. You can also sandwich them with an eggnog-flavored frosting for a delightful twist. Packaging them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon makes a beautiful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Eggnog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out. If you plan to save them longer, consider freezing!
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough logs tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking as directed. Baked cookies freeze beautifully too—store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To refresh thawed cookies, warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This gentle heat revives their soft texture and brings out the spices again, almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog or do I need homemade?
Store-bought eggnog works perfectly for this recipe and is a great shortcut. Homemade eggnog can add extra depth of flavor but is not required. Just make sure your eggnog is well chilled when mixing into the dough.
What can I substitute if I don’t have egg yolks?
The egg yolks enrich the dough, but you can substitute with an extra whole egg or 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise for a similar moisture and richness, though the texture might change slightly.
Is it necessary to chill the dough for 2 hours? Can I bake right away?
Chilling the dough is key to shaping the cookies and helps prevent spreading in the oven. While you can bake immediately, the cookies won’t hold their log shape as well and may spread thin.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be mindful of texture differences and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it for better structure.
How do I make the eggnog frosting?
To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, and then mix in eggnog a tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or eggnog as needed.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite captures the spirit of the holidays like the warmth and cheer of this Eggnog Cookies Recipe. Soft, spiced, and utterly delicious, these cookies are a perfect way to share comfort and joy with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try making them and discover how quickly they become a beloved tradition in your home.
Print
Eggnog Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 135 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Eggnog Cookies are soft, spiced treats perfect for the holiday season. Infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors and combined with creamy eggnog, these cookies offer a delightful festive twist. Finished with a sweet eggnog glaze, they’re ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large egg yolks
Eggnog Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4–6 tablespoons eggnog
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
Optional Garnish
- Ground nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and egg yolks into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly until no traces of flour remain and a dough forms.
- Shape the Dough Log: Transfer the sticky dough onto a sheet of waxed paper. Form the dough into a log shape and wrap it tightly in the waxed paper. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up before rolling into a log. Then place the wrapped log in the freezer to chill for 2 hours until firm.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Slice the Cookie Dough: Remove the dough log from the freezer. Cut the dough into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. If the slices are still frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for 15 minutes. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Eggnog Glaze: While the cookies cool, in a bowl, beat together the softened butter, 4-6 tablespoons of eggnog, and sifted powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the thickness by adding more eggnog or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the eggnog glaze evenly over each cookie. Optionally, sprinkle ground nutmeg on top for added festive flavor and decoration.
Notes
- If the dough becomes too sticky to handle when forming the log, chilling it in the fridge helps firm it up.
- Ensure cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- The glaze thickness can be modified depending on your preference by adjusting the amount of eggnog used.
- For extra richness, consider using fresh nutmeg for garnish instead of pre-ground.
