Name: Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 1 cup eggnog; 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 3 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1/3 cup eggnog

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 35 reviews

If you’ve ever been enchanted by the warm, spicy notes of holiday eggnog, you’re going to absolutely adore this Eggnog Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft yet cookie-perfect, with that unmistakable eggnog flavor woven right into each bite, topped off with a luscious, creamy frosting that sets them apart. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand all season long – they’re that good!

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich Eggnog Flavor: Incorporating actual eggnog in both dough and icing delivers an authentic taste you just can’t fake.
Soft, But Sturdy Texture: The combination of flour and baking soda creates cookies that hold their shape but stay delightfully tender.
Overnight Chill: Rolling the dough into logs and refrigerating overnight intensifies the flavors and makes slicing easier.
Creamy, Spiced Icing: The butter and eggnog frosting perfectly complements the nutmeg-spiced cookie without overpowering it.

Eggnog Cookies, holiday eggnog cookies, spiced eggnog cookies, soft eggnog cookies recipe, festive eggnog cookie ideas - The image shows six round cookies placed evenly on a large white plate with subtle speckles. Each cookie is golden brown in color with a smooth dollop of creamy, light beige frosting spread on top, covering the center portion of the cookie. The plate is set on a soft beige cloth over a white marbled surface, and in the background, several more frosted cookies rest on a metal cooling rack. The scene is bright with soft, natural lighting highlighting the texture of both the cookies and the frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of these eggnog cookies lies in the simple but thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each one brings something unique — from moistness to spice — so make sure to get good-quality ingredients for the best results.

Eggnog Cookies, holiday eggnog cookies, spiced eggnog cookies, soft eggnog cookies recipe, festive eggnog cookie ideas - Flat lay of a small block of softened butter, a white ceramic bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl filled with creamy eggnog, a mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white plate, a small white bowl containing ground nutmeg, a small white bowl with baking soda, a separate small white bowl holding confectioners' sugar, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Softened butter creates richness and a tender crumb; don’t skip the creaming step to get those fluffy cookies.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with structure; I use granulated sugar here for a classic bite.
Eggnog: Key player! Using real eggnog adds flavor and moisture in a way milk just can’t match.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together without making the cookies tough.
Baking soda: Adds a bit of lift so the cookies aren’t too dense; make sure it’s fresh!
Ground nutmeg: The spice that makes eggnog, well… eggnog; fresh or finely ground nutmeg is best for that warm note.
Confectioners’ sugar: For a silky smooth frosting that’s sweet and light.
Additional butter for icing: Adds richness and helps the frosting spread smoothly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

While I usually stick to the classic eggnog cookie flavor, I’ve definitely experimented a bit and learned that these cookies are a great canvas for your own twists. Don’t hesitate to make them your own and add a little flair!

Variation: Sprinkling a touch of cinnamon or even a dash of rum extract into the batter adds a warm, grown-up flavor that I love around the holidays.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based “butter” and dairy-free eggnog—just remember the texture might shift slightly, but still tasty!
Seasonal Change: These cookies work beautifully with a pinch of cloves or allspice if you want to amp up the festive spice notes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar to Perfection

Start by softening your butter to room temperature — this is crucial. Then, in a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes. This slow creaming traps air which helps make the cookies tender, so don’t rush it! I use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment but a hand mixer works just fine.

Step 2: Adding Eggnog and Dry Ingredients

Next, beat in the eggnog. This is where your cookies get their signature moistness and flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be a bit firm but pliable.

Step 3: Chilling the Dough Rolls Overnight

Divide the dough into four equal portions and shape each into a 10-inch log. Wrap tightly in waxed paper and pop them into the fridge overnight. I promise, chilling is key—this step firms the dough so you get clean slices and the flavors really mellow and deepen.

Step 4: Baking Perfect Slices

The next day, preheat your oven to 375°F. Unwrap the logs and slice into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Lay them out on baking sheets about an inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges set—don’t let the cookies brown too much or you’ll lose that delicate texture. Transfer to wire racks immediately to cool.

Step 5: Frosting and Decorating

While cookies cool, whip the icing by beating butter until fluffy, then gradually adding confectioners’ sugar and eggnog. Beat until smooth and creamy. I like to frost the cookies with a small offset spatula for a rustic, homemade look. Feel free to add a sprinkle of nutmeg on top for an extra touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Soft butter and eggnog blend better into a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the logs overnight prevents spreading during baking and deepens the flavor.
Watch the Bake Time: Cookies can go from tender to too crisp quickly; pull them as soon as edges are set.
Customize Your Frosting: Add a teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for a personal touch that enhances the frosting.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Eggnog Cookies, holiday eggnog cookies, spiced eggnog cookies, soft eggnog cookies recipe, festive eggnog cookie ideas - Seven round cookies with a light brown color and smooth texture are placed on a white speckled plate. Each cookie has a thick layer of creamy, pale yellow frosting spread on the top center, slightly glossy and soft. The plate sits on a light beige cloth with textured folds, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple so the eggnog flavor shines — a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg on the icing is my favorite. Sometimes, I add a few festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint bits when serving at holiday parties for a bit of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with classic holiday drinks—think a warm cup of spiced chai, a cozy mug of hot cocoa, or, of course, a glass of eggnog to echo the cookie flavor. I also like to serve them alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses and nuts for a sweet and savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies on a festive platter lined with pine branches and fairy lights to really make them pop. Another fun idea is to stack frosted cookies with ribbons tied around small bundles as edible gifts. They look so charming and make any gathering feel extra cozy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure to let the icing set fully before stacking them to avoid sticking. If the environment is warm, keeping them in the fridge works too, but bring back to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

These eggnog cookies freeze beautifully without the icing. I slice the dough logs and freeze the raw cookie slices on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time. You can freeze frosted cookies too, but place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your eggnog cookies warm, I recommend a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave or warming them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overheat or the icing might melt too much.

FAQs

Can I use homemade eggnog for this Eggnog Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog brings an even fresher, richer flavor to these cookies. Just be sure your eggnog isn’t too thin; if it is, reduce any other liquids slightly or chill the dough longer before baking.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?

Nutmeg is traditional, but if you’re out, cinnamon or allspice are great substitutes that still complement the eggnog flavor nicely. A pinch of cloves also works, but use sparingly as it’s quite strong.
Can I skip the icing?

You can, but honestly, the icing adds a luscious balance of sweetness and creaminess that really makes these cookies shine. If you prefer less sweetness, try a thin glaze instead by whisking powdered sugar with a bit of eggnog.
How long can I store these cookies?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, and in the fridge about two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking heart — it perfectly marries the creamy comfort of eggnog with the simple joy of freshly baked cookies. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies spread cozy vibes with every bite. Give them a try, wrap up a batch for someone you love, and get ready to make new festive memories!