Name: Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp fine salt; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but nice); ¼ tsp ground cardamom; ¾ cup salted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed; 1 large egg (at room temperature); ½ cup full-fat eggnog, at room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp rum extract (optional, but classic eggnog flavor); 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted; 3 tablespoons eggnog; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Freshly grated or ground nutmeg (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 52 reviews

If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy, festive treat to brighten your holidays, then this Eggnog Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, tender cookies infused with the warm spices of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a whisper of cardamom, all brought together by the rich creaminess of eggnog. Topped with a luscious, velvety glaze and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, these cookies capture the essence of holiday cheer in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting friends, or sneaking a few for yourself, this Eggnog Cookies Recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, featuring a large clear glass bowl filled with white flour and a brown egg resting inside, two clear bowls with white granulated sugar and white powdered sugar, a round clear bowl with brown sugar, and two small clear bowls containing baking soda and salt. There is a rectangular stick of butter in white and green packaging placed horizontally, two small spice jars labeled

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a key role in creating the perfect Eggnog Cookies Recipe. From the spices that give a festive warmth to the buttery base that creates a tender crumb, every element counts towards the final deliciousness.

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, sturdy cookie that holds all the flavors perfectly.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
½ tsp baking soda: Balances the acidity, giving a gentle lift without over-expanding.
½ tsp fine salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors by contrast.
½ tsp ground nutmeg: The iconic eggnog spice that adds warmth and festive flair.
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Provides an extra layer of cozy spice, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
¼ tsp ground cardamom: A subtle, fragrant note that elevates the flavor complexity.
¾ cup salted butter, softened: Creates rich moisture and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the spices with sweet brightness.
½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed: Adds depth and a slight caramel kiss.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
½ cup full-fat eggnog (room temperature): Infuses the cookies with creamy, spiced goodness.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth and rounds out the flavor.
¼ tsp rum extract (optional): That classic eggnog note that’s perfect if you want an authentic touch.
1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted: For the sweet, smooth glaze that crowns these cookies.
3 tablespoons eggnog: Mixed into the glaze for consistency and flavor.
½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds depth and aroma.
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Balances the sweetness beautifully.
Freshly grated or ground nutmeg (for dusting): The final festive touch.

How to Make Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking. Meanwhile, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Setting this aside keeps your workflow smooth when mixing the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is where the magic of texture begins, lending the cookies their tender crumb and slight chewiness.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Eggnog

Beat in the egg, ensuring it’s fully combined. Then mix in your eggnog, vanilla, and optional rum extract. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little curdled; that’s totally normal and nothing to fear. These wet ingredients bring that signature eggnog flavor and moisture that make these cookies irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until you no longer see any streaks of flour. It’s important not to overmix here, or you risk tough cookies. You want a dough that’s soft, cohesive, and bursting with holiday spices.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop out dough balls about 1 ½ tablespoons each, spacing them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft and puffy. This ensures that perfect chewy middle every cookie lover dreams of.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze Your Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla, and salt to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more eggnog or powdered sugar until it’s thick but pourable.

Step 7: Decorate and Finish

Drizzle or dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Immediately dust with freshly grated nutmeg for that extra pop of flavor and charm. Let the glaze set for 20 to 30 minutes before stacking or storing your festive creations.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies Recipe

A group of round cookies with a light brown color is placed on a metal cooling rack. Each cookie has a thick drizzle of white icing creating a grid-like pattern on top. The cookies appear soft with slightly uneven edges and some light specks of brown, possibly cinnamon, sprinkled over the icing. To the left side, there is a metal grater partially shown, with some brown spice on it. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes can elevate your cookies to the next level. Freshly grated nutmeg sprinkled over the glaze adds that aromatic charm you expect from eggnog. You can also consider tiny edible gold flakes or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for a sparkling holiday look that catches the eye.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with classic holiday beverages. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of warm eggnog, spiced chai tea, or even a frothy latte. Their rich, spiced sweetness complements drinks that bring out cozy seasonal flavors and make for the perfect festive snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the fun! Arrange your Eggnog Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine to evoke holiday spirit. Wrapping them up in cellophane tied with a cinnamon stick or layering with wax paper inside a decorative tin also makes for unforgettable, heartfelt gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft and moist by absorbing excess moisture. Make sure the glaze is fully set before storing to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Eggnog cookies freeze beautifully, either glazed or unglazed. For best results, freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To save time, you can prepare the glaze fresh when you thaw and serve.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep them soft and luscious. If desired, reapply glaze after warming for that fresh-baked look and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog is perfect for this Eggnog Cookies Recipe and gives you all the creamy, spiced flavor you want. Just make sure it’s full-fat for the best texture and richness.

What if I don’t have rum extract?

No worries! Rum extract adds a traditional flair, but you can leave it out or substitute with a splash of vanilla or almond extract if you prefer. Your cookies will still be delicious and festive.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make this Eggnog Cookies Recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based spread and use dairy-free eggnog. Keep in mind the texture and taste might vary slightly, but the overall cozy flavor will remain.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for edges that are set and just starting to turn a light golden color. The centers should remain soft and puffy since they firm up while cooling. Overbaking can dry them out, so it’s key to watch closely in that 10–12 minute window.

Can I skip the glaze?

Of course! The cookies themselves are flavorful and tender, so the glaze is optional. It adds sweetness, moisture, and a pretty finish, but they’re lovely on their own or dusted lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Cookies Recipe is a true celebration of the holidays baked into a perfect little treat. The balance of warm spices, creamy eggnog, and a tender crumb will have you coming back for more. Don’t wait for the perfect occasion—grab your ingredients, invite a friend over, and make some memories (and cookies) that will keep your heart warm all season long!