Name: Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling); ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 egg yolks; ¼ cup eggnog; ½ teaspoon rum extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If the holidays had a flavor, it would absolutely be eggnog. These Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies bring that festive cheer straight to your kitchen, blending the rich, spiced creaminess of traditional eggnog into every soft, chewy bite. Perfectly sweet, gently spiced, and with just a hint of nutmeg, these cookies are like sipping a warm holiday drink by the fireplace—but in dessert form.

With their pillowy texture and crackled sugar tops, these cookies are not just another holiday treat. They stand out on cookie trays and are the first to disappear at parties. Whether you bake them for a cookie exchange, a Christmas movie night, or just to satisfy your seasonal cravings, you’ll love how easy and comforting they are to make.

These cookies deliver the nostalgic flavor of eggnog without needing a glass. The combination of egg yolks, warm spices, and a touch of rum extract gives the cookies their signature holiday flavor. They’re also super simple to mix up and can be made ahead of time, which makes holiday prep that much easier. Plus, they bake up soft and tender, with a sugar-dusted surface that sparkles like snow.

Can I Use Store-Bought Eggnog for These Cookies?

Yes! Store-bought eggnog works beautifully in this recipe. Its creamy texture and consistent flavor ensure that each batch of cookies comes out just right. Of course, if you make your own eggnog, feel free to use that instead for an extra touch of homemade charm. Just make sure it’s the traditional style—thick and custardy—for the best result.

Ingredients for the Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies

These ingredients come together to create the signature taste and texture of eggnog in cookie form. Each one plays a vital role in making the magic happen.

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Ground nutmeg
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg yolks
Eggnog
Rum extract
Vanilla extract

The butter gives these cookies their richness, while the combination of granulated and brown sugar keeps them sweet and slightly chewy. Nutmeg is essential for that classic eggnog warmth. The rum extract enhances the traditional flavor without any alcohol, making them family-friendly.

How To Make the Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggnog and Flavorings

Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the eggnog, rum extract, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but should hold its shape.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and lightly coat with granulated sugar. Place them on the baking sheet with space in between.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly crackled.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy with a mug of warm eggnog or a holiday latte.

How to Serve and Store Eggnog Sugar Cookies

These Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or cozy nights in. The recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends or packaging as a sweet gift.

To store them, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer when needed, just add a minute or two to the baking time.

What to Serve With Eggnog Sugar Cookies?

Hot Cocoa or Peppermint Mocha

The warm chocolate and minty notes are the perfect backdrop to the spiced eggnog flavor.

Eggnog or Holiday Punch

Double down on the eggnog by sipping the real thing alongside your cookies.

Spiced Chai Tea

The blend of cinnamon and cardamom brings out the best in the nutmeg-spiced cookie.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Use the cookies as a base for a festive ice cream sandwich.

Warm Apple Cider

The tart sweetness of apples and cinnamon contrasts deliciously with the creamy cookies.

Whipped Cream or Eggnog Dip

Dip these cookies into a fluffy eggnog-spiced whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle on top or use as a dip for a rich, gooey upgrade.

If you loved these Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies, here are a few other treats to bring holiday magic into your kitchen:

Try the Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy coconut bite topped with festive cherries.
Don’t miss the Ooey Gooey Bars for a caramel-like experience you won’t forget.
Bake a batch of Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a creamy dessert twist on a classic morning favorite.
These Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars are perfect for using up treats and turning them into something new.
The Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler brings warm southern comfort to your winter table.