Eggnog cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining the creamy and spiced flavors of eggnog with the buttery richness of a classic cookie. These soft, tender cookies are topped with a luscious eggnog glaze, making them a festive favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and flavorful: Captures the essence of holiday eggnog in a delightful cookie form.
- Soft and chewy texture: Perfectly moist with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable: Add your favorite holiday spices or a splash of rum for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser for parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg yolks
- Eggnog
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg yolks, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Scoop and bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and eggnog together until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spiked glaze: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the glaze for an adult twist.
- Spice it up: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and eggnog substitutes for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Decorative touches: Sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive look.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore softness, if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze the cookies with glaze?
It’s best to freeze the cookies without the glaze and add the glaze after thawing.
3. Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Absolutely, store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe.
4. Can I substitute the nutmeg?
You can use cinnamon or a blend of holiday spices like pumpkin spice as a substitute.
5. How do I ensure soft cookies?
Avoid overbaking and use fresh ingredients like butter and eggnog for the best texture.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily to make a larger batch.
7. What type of eggnog is best?
Full-fat eggnog provides the richest flavor, but low-fat options work too.
8. Can I make these without eggs?
You can try using a flaxseed egg substitute, but the texture may differ slightly.
9. Can I add mix-ins?
Yes, white chocolate chips or chopped pecans make great additions.
10. Do these cookies spread while baking?
They spread minimally, but chilling the dough for 15 minutes can reduce spreading further.
Conclusion
Eggnog cookies are a delightful way to embrace the holiday season’s flavors. Soft, spiced, and topped with a creamy glaze, they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday baking. Whether for family gatherings, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies are a festive treat everyone will love.
PrintEggnog Cookies Recipe
These soft and chewy eggnog cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Infused with the warm flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and creamy eggnog, these cookies are topped with a delicious eggnog glaze for an extra festive touch. They’re easy to make and will be a hit at your next holiday gathering!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ÂĽ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- Âľ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp eggnog
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:Â In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and egg until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—that’s okay.
- Combine:Â Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop Dough:Â Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:Â In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more eggnog if needed.
- Decorate:Â Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, add a pinch of rum extract to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.