Eggnog Cookies: The Soft, Spiced Taste of Christmas in Every Bite
Every December, when twinkling lights start appearing in windows and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, I find myself craving one thing more than any other holiday treat — Eggnog Cookies. They’re everything I love about the season rolled into one delightful, cozy bite: creamy eggnog flavor, a hint of nutmeg and rum, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture topped with rich, eggnog-infused frosting. These cookies practically taste like Christmas morning.
Eggnog itself is a nostalgic favorite — smooth, creamy, and filled with warm holiday spices — so transforming it into cookie form feels like pure magic. These cookies deliver that same festive flavor but with a comforting baked twist. The dough is infused with eggnog, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a splash of rum extract (which gives the perfect boozy flavor without actual alcohol). Once baked, they’re crowned with a luscious eggnog buttercream frosting that adds a dreamy sweetness and just the right amount of indulgence.
What I adore most about this Eggnog Cookies recipe is how simple it is to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or tricky techniques — just a hand mixer, a few pantry staples, and about an hour of your time. The result? Soft, pillowy cookies that feel like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or holiday gift boxes.
For a deeper dive into the history of eggnog, Smithsonian Magazine has a fascinating article tracing its origins back to medieval Europe. You can also explore flavor pairing ideas for eggnog-inspired desserts at Taste of Home, which offers creative inspiration for anyone who loves baking with this festive beverage.
Eggnog Cookies Recipe
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Soft Eggnog Cookies with Eggnog Frosting
Description
Soft, warmly spiced, and topped with creamy eggnog frosting, these Eggnog Cookies capture the essence of holiday baking. They combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of rum extract for a cozy, festive flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee or hot cocoa.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- ¾ cup eggnog
For the Eggnog Frosting:
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ⅓ cup eggnog
- Ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs and extracts: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and rum extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the eggnog: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggnog, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Scoop and shape: Using a medium cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Do not overbake — they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a clean bowl, beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with eggnog, until fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for thicker frosting) or a splash of eggnog (for thinner).
- Frost and garnish: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies, then dust lightly with nutmeg if desired.
Notes
Active time: about 25 minutes; passive time: about 35 minutes (baking and cooling).
The dough will be slightly sticky — this is normal.
For extra-soft cookies, bake just until the edges set and centers look slightly underdone.
Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Advanced Techniques
Perfecting the Soft Texture of Eggnog Cookies
Getting that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture is all about balance. Creaming the butter and sugars thoroughly adds air, creating a lighter crumb. Don’t skip room-temperature ingredients — cold butter or eggs can lead to dense cookies. I like to slightly underbake them so they stay soft even after cooling. If you prefer crisp edges, extend baking time by 1–2 minutes, but no more!
Infusing Extra Eggnog Flavor
To deepen the eggnog flavor, reduce the eggnog slightly before adding it to the dough. Simply simmer it on low heat for 5 minutes, then cool completely. This intensifies the creamy, nutmeg-rich taste and makes your cookies smell like a holiday candle in the best way. I also sometimes add a touch of freshly grated nutmeg to the frosting for an aromatic kick.
Creating the Perfect Eggnog Frosting Consistency
The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily. If your frosting feels too thin, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too stiff, drizzle in a teaspoon of eggnog. Whipping the frosting for at least 2 minutes at high speed ensures a light, fluffy finish — like cloud-like buttercream.
Using Rum Extract for Authentic Holiday Flavor
Rum extract is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies taste like traditional eggnog without actual alcohol. You can find it in most grocery stores near the baking extracts. It adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg. If you prefer, you can substitute it with bourbon extract or omit it entirely for a kid-friendly version.
Decorating Like a Holiday Pro
For a festive presentation, use a piping bag with a star tip to swirl the frosting, then dust with nutmeg or edible gold glitter. You can even add mini gingerbread men or holiday sprinkles on top. I love making a cookie platter with red and white striped napkins — it’s a simple way to make your Eggnog Cookies the star of the dessert table.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storing Eggnog Cookies for Freshness
Keep your frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent sticking, layer them with parchment paper. If unfrosted, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Freezing the Cookie Dough for Later
You can freeze Eggnog Cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls, place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2 minutes to the bake time.
Freezing Fully Baked and Frosted Cookies
To freeze finished cookies, flash-freeze on a tray for 1 hour, then layer between parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. The frosting may soften slightly, but the flavor remains perfect.
Reviving Leftover Cookies
If your cookies lose a bit of softness after a few days, place a slice of bread in the container overnight — it’ll help rehydrate them. Just replace the bread slice daily to maintain freshness.
Long-Term Storage for Holiday Gifting
Planning to gift these cookies? Bake them a few days in advance, store unfrosted at room temperature, and frost right before gifting. They’ll look and taste freshly made — a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie tin.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Making Eggnog Cookies Without Dairy
Use vegan butter (like Earth Balance) and a plant-based eggnog such as almond or oat milk eggnog. These substitutes maintain the creamy texture and holiday flavor while keeping the recipe dairy-free. Coconut-based eggnog adds a tropical twist that’s surprisingly delicious!
Gluten-Free Eggnog Cookies
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill. Add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t include it to prevent crumbling. The cookies come out just as soft and flavorful.
Vegan Eggnog Cookies with Aquafaba
Replace eggs with 6 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). It whips up nicely and helps bind the dough. Use vegan butter and dairy-free eggnog, and you’ll have beautifully soft vegan Eggnog Cookies everyone can enjoy.
Lower-Sugar Frosting Options
For a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar to 2 cups and add ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch to maintain structure. Alternatively, swap part of the sugar with powdered erythritol for a sugar-free variation that’s still silky and smooth.
Nut-Free and Allergy-Friendly Modifications
This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check your extracts and eggnog brands for “may contain” labels. For extra assurance, make homemade eggnog using nut-free milk alternatives.
FAQs About Eggnog Cookies
Can I Use Store-Bought Eggnog for This Recipe?
Yes! Any store-bought eggnog will work beautifully. I personally love using thick, custardy brands because they add richness to both the dough and frosting. Homemade eggnog also works — just make sure it’s fully chilled before mixing.
Why Are My Eggnog Cookies Flat?
Flat cookies usually result from overmixing the dough or using melted butter. Always cream room-temperature butter, not melted, and mix only until ingredients are combined. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading.
Can I Skip the Frosting?
Of course! These cookies are delicious even without frosting. You can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle a light eggnog glaze (made from powdered sugar and eggnog) for a simpler version.
Do Eggnog Cookies Contain Alcohol?
No, not unless you choose to add it. This recipe uses rum extract, which mimics the flavor without the alcohol. If you’d like a grown-up twist, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of real rum in the frosting for a deeper flavor.
How Do I Get My Frosting Extra Fluffy?
The secret is to beat it long enough — at least 2 minutes at high speed. The more air you incorporate, the lighter and fluffier your frosting becomes. Use cold eggnog for a creamy, stable texture that pipes beautifully.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Eggnog Cookies are the perfect embodiment of holiday comfort — soft, fragrant, and brimming with the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggnog. They bring together everything we love about the season: the joy of baking, the pleasure of sharing, and the cozy scent of spices filling the kitchen. Every bite feels like sipping a cup of creamy eggnog by the fireplace.
These cookies also happen to be wonderfully versatile. You can dress them up with elaborate frosting and decorations for parties, or keep them simple for a relaxed family gathering. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of chilled eggnog (for double the festive flavor!).
If you love baking gifts for friends and neighbors, this recipe is a must. The cookies stay soft for days and look stunning in a holiday tin lined with parchment and ribbon. More than just a dessert, they’re a little piece of holiday tradition — one that brings joy and warmth to every kitchen they visit.
So this Christmas, grab your mixing bowl, turn up your favorite carols, and bake a batch of Eggnog Cookies. They’re cozy, sweet, and guaranteed to make your home smell like the holidays. With each soft, spiced bite, you’ll be reminded of why baking truly is the heart of the season.