Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Eggnog Cookies Recipe Merriest Holiday Sweet

Crisp winter nights call for delightful eggnog cookies that dance with holiday cheer.

Sweet memories of childhood gatherings swirl through these festive treats.

Creamy and rich, each bite transports you to cozy celebrations around the fireplace.

Warm spices mingle with classic cookie textures, creating a delectable sensation.

Soft edges and a delicate crumb promise pure comfort in every nibble.

Simple ingredients blend into something magical that sparks conversation and smiles.

You’ll want to share these delectable morsels with everyone who stops by.

Dive into this recipe and let the holiday spirit shine through your kitchen.

Why Eggnog Cookies Are Full of Holiday Charm

  • Perfect for festive gatherings and quick seasonal treats.
  • Requires minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique that anyone can master in under 30 minutes.
  • Captures classic eggnog flavors in a delightful cookie format that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • No complicated techniques needed, making it ideal for novice bakers wanting to create impressive holiday desserts.

Ingredients to Make Soft Eggnog Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic eggnog spices that add warm, festive flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture, best when softened.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
  • Eggnog: Gives signature holiday flavor and creamy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Boosts overall flavor complexity.
Optional/Finishing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Adds a festive touch and light sweetness.
  • Ground Nutmeg (for garnish): Optional extra spice for traditional eggnog flavor.

Steps to Bake Eggnog Cookies with Great Texture

Step 1: Craft Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Salt

Set this magical mixture aside.

Step 2: Create Butter Bliss

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a fluffy, cloud-like consistency. This should take around 2-3 minutes of energetic mixing.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture Magic

Blend in:
  • Egg
  • Eggnog
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until everything harmonizes perfectly.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture. Blend gently until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix- gentle touches create the most delicate cookies.

Step 5: Chill and Relax the Dough

Cover your cookie dough and send it on a cool vacation in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough become more manageable and develops deeper flavors.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Roll dough into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.

Leave space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired for extra festive flair.

Tips That Help Eggnog Cookies Bake Evenly

  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
  • Spice It Right: Use freshly ground nutmeg for a more intense, aromatic taste that elevates the classic eggnog cookie profile.
  • Measure Precisely: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and soft, stopping just when ingredients are incorporated.
  • Customize Texture: For crispier cookies, flatten dough balls slightly before baking; for softer versions, leave them slightly rounded.
  • Optional Festive Finish: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with eggnog glaze for an extra holiday touch.

How to Keep Eggnog Cookies Tasting Fresh

  • Store leftover eggnog cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

Pairings That Complement Eggnog Cookies

  • Pair these eggnog cookies with a warm, spiced mulled wine that echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating a cozy winter drinking experience.
  • Serve alongside a rich, frothy cappuccino whose smooth milk base beautifully balances the cookie's sweet eggnog flavor and delicate spices.
  • Enjoy a small glass of smooth, aged rum that mirrors the holiday essence of the cookies, enhancing their rich, festive undertones.
  • Arrange the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra nutmeg, transforming the simple treat into an elegant dessert presentation.
  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Eggnog Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free eggnog or a homemade plant-based eggnog made from cashew milk. Add extra vanilla extract to enhance flavor depth.
  • Vegan Festive Cookies: Substitute egg with a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use vegan butter or coconut oil. Choose a plant-based eggnog substitute like almond or oat milk mixed with warming spices.
  • Low-Sugar Holiday Treat: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic eggnog cookie flavor profile with additional spices like cardamom or ginger.
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Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Eggnog Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Creamy holiday eggnog cookies bring festive cheer to classic Christmas baking. Spiced with nutmeg and glazed with sweet icing, these delightful treats will melt in your mouth and spark seasonal joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) eggnog

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons eggnog
  • 1 pinch of nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare a foundational mixture by blending flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring thorough incorporation of dry components.
  2. Create a creamy base by vigorously whipping softened butter with granulated sugar until the texture becomes airy and pale, developing a light, fluffy consistency.
  3. Introduce liquid elements by stirring in a single egg, rich eggnog, and pure vanilla extract, blending until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform appearance.
  4. Carefully fold the prepared dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently stirring until ingredients are just combined, taking care to avoid excessive mixing which could compromise the cookie’s delicate texture.
  5. Enhance dough manageability by wrapping and chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour, allowing the ingredients to solidify and develop deeper flavor profiles.
  6. After chilling, the dough will be firmer and easier to handle, creating an ideal consistency for shaping and baking delightful eggnog-infused cookies.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture that helps cookies hold their shape.
  • Spice Balance: Freshly grated nutmeg provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground, enhancing the classic eggnog essence.
  • Chilling Crucial: Refrigerating dough prevents spreading and intensifies the cookie’s rich, developed flavors during baking.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 158
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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