Eggnog Cookies

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These Eggnog Cookies are soft, spiced, and lightly glazed with a rich eggnog icing that melts in your mouth. If you look forward to sipping eggnog during the holidays, this cookie brings that festive flavor into a handheld treat that’s perfect for dessert trays and cookie swaps.

Made with warming spices and a hint of rum extract, these cookies are buttery and pillow-soft. They bake up golden around the edges while staying tender inside, and that signature eggnog flavor comes through in both the dough and the icing. They’re just the kind of nostalgic comfort dessert that feels like a holiday hug.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cookie Recipe

Eggnog Cookies are the ultimate holiday cookie for anyone who loves traditional seasonal flavors. They’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and have a bakery-style finish thanks to the spiced glaze. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange or baking a sweet gift, these cookies are a warm and festive addition to the table.

Do I Need to Use Real Eggnog in Eggnog Cookies?

Yes, real eggnog is what gives these cookies their authentic flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade eggnog, but avoid light versions or eggnog alternatives, as they often lack the richness needed for baking. The eggnog adds moisture, taste, and depth to both the cookies and the glaze, making them truly taste like the holidays.

Ingredients for the Eggnog Cookies

This recipe is all about cozy, spiced sweetness. Every ingredient has a purpose, from softness to flavor depth. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour – Gives structure to the cookies while keeping them tender.

Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft, cake-like texture.

Ground nutmeg – A warm, classic spice that gives the cookies that signature eggnog flavor.

Ground cinnamon – Adds depth and spice to balance the sweetness.

Salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.

Unsalted butter – Makes the cookies rich and tender. Be sure to use softened butter for easy mixing.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps with texture.

Brown sugar – Adds a touch of molasses flavor and makes the cookies extra soft.

Egg yolk – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.

Eggnog – The star ingredient that brings flavor and moisture.

Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor profile with warmth.

Rum extract – Optional, but adds a classic eggnog touch.

Powdered sugar – For the icing that drizzles beautifully and sets with a light crust.

How To Make the Eggnog Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggnog and Yolks

Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, rum extract (if using), and eggnog to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze the Cookies

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of eggnog until a smooth glaze forms. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

Storing and Serving Eggnog Cookies

These Eggnog Cookies serve about 24 people, depending on the size you make. Once cooled and glazed, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked, unglazed cookies for up to 2 months and add fresh glaze after thawing.

For a festive presentation, serve them on a holiday cookie platter with other seasonal treats, or wrap a batch in a holiday tin to gift neighbors and friends.

What to Serve With Eggnog Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

The rich creaminess of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the spiced sweetness of eggnog cookies.

Chai Tea

Chai’s warm spices complement the nutmeg and cinnamon in the cookies.

Apple Cider

A warm mug of apple cider adds fruity contrast and seasonal flair.

Eggnog Latte

Double down on the eggnog flavor with a latte version – creamy, caffeinated, and cozy.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Make cookie sandwiches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for a holiday dessert twist.

Christmas Ham

If you’re serving a big holiday spread, these cookies are a great way to end a savory meal.

Spiced Pecans

Serve alongside a bowl of spiced nuts for a sweet-and-savory snack board.

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Pair cookies with a creamy pumpkin pie dip for an indulgent seasonal platter.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Eggnog Cookies, here are a few other creative cookie ideas you might enjoy:

• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for chewy tropical bites.
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies if you adore soft peanutty classics.
• Ooey Gooey Bars that melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for fruity, no-bake flair.
• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler to keep the vintage dessert vibe going.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a little extra nutmeg or make them into cookie sandwiches? Any tweaks are welcome, and I love hearing your spins on it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more festive bakes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for cozy seasonal treats!

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