Sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced, these Eggnog Cookies are a festive treat that capture the cozy essence of the holiday season. With hints of nutmeg and optional glaze, they’re soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies I love baking for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or a quiet winter night with a warm drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these cookies bring together the classic flavors of eggnog and warm spices in a simple, easy-to-make dough. They’re soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of festive without being over-the-top. The dough comes together quickly, and they bake in under 15 minutes—perfect when I want something special but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Plus, that optional eggnog glaze? It adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup eggnog
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional: pinch of cinnamon
Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp eggnog
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Then I beat in the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon (if I’m using it).
I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined—being careful not to overmix.
Using a tablespoon, I scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
I bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers look soft but not wet.
After baking, I let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
For the optional glaze, I whisk powdered sugar with a little eggnog until it’s smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Calories: Approximately 130 kcal per cookie
Variations
I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of cloves for deeper spice.
For a richer cookie, I substitute the egg yolk with a whole egg, though the texture becomes slightly cakier.
I’ve also topped these cookies with festive holiday sprinkles after glazing them—especially fun for kids.
If I want a bolder flavor, I use spiced eggnog or add a splash of rum extract.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them (unglazed) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. If frozen, I let them thaw at room temperature and glaze them just before serving. I don’t recommend reheating them, but if I want a warm cookie, a quick 5-second microwave zap works well.
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FAQs
How strong is the eggnog flavor in these cookies?
The eggnog flavor is subtle but noticeable. I like how it enhances the buttery base with hints of spice and sweetness.
Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
Absolutely. I often skip the glaze when I want something less sweet. The cookies are delicious on their own.
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly. I usually use whatever brand I have on hand.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
I take them out when the edges are set and the centers are still soft but no longer look wet—usually around 11 minutes in my oven.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, I freeze the dough in scooped portions on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, I add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Eggnog Cookies are one of my favorite treats to bake during the holiday season. They’re easy, festive, and packed with warm flavor. Whether I’m baking for a party or just craving something seasonal, they never disappoint. Give them a try—just don’t be surprised if they disappear fast.
📖 Recipe:
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Eggnog Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced, these Eggnog Cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats that capture the cozy essence of the holiday season. Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or a quiet night with a warm drink.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup eggnog
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional: pinch of cinnamon
Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp eggnog
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and optional cinnamon.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look soft but not wet.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cloves for deeper spice.
Substitute the egg yolk with a whole egg for a cakier texture.
Top with festive sprinkles after glazing for a fun, holiday look.
Use spiced eggnog or add a splash of rum extract for bolder flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
