Irresistible eggnog cookies Recipe

The moment the first snowflake falls, I find myself craving the warm and spicy aroma of nutmeg wafting through my kitchen. These soft eggnog cookies satisfy that festive itch perfectly with their tender, cake-like crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue.

You simply cannot beat the combination of a fluffy cookie base topped with a rich, creamy eggnog frosting. I make this recipe every single year because it captures the essence of the holidays in one sweet, handheld bite.

Why This Eggnog Cookies Recipe Is a Holiday Essential

The texture falls somewhere between a soft sugar cookie and a dense cake, making every bite incredibly satisfying. It captures the exact essence of the classic holiday drink without requiring you to sip a glass of it.

You will appreciate how quickly the dough comes together without needing any chilling time before baking. This eggnog cookies recipe is a total lifesaver during the busy festive season when you need a treat fast.

The spiced frosting adds a lovely layer of sweetness that balances the mellow flavor of the cookie base. It truly feels like a celebration of winter flavors wrapped up in a simple dessert.

If you love soft and tender treats, you absolutely must try my irresistible strawberry shortcake cookies recipe next. For another creamy and satisfying dessert, the quick key lime pie is always a huge hit with my family.

Everything You Need for These Eggnog Cookies

Here are the pantry staples and holiday specifics required to bake this batch:

• Unsalted butter: Used in both the dough and frosting to provide a rich, creamy base.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a lighter texture when creamed with the butter.
• Light brown sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cookie dough.
• Egg yolks: Using just the yolks adds richness and mimics the custard-like base of traditional eggnog.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, floral background note.
• Rum extract: Gives that signature holiday flavor without using actual alcohol.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient that provides moisture and unmistakable festive flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The structural base that gives these cookies their soft, cake-y lift.
• Baking powder: Essential for helping the cookies rise and become fluffy in the oven.
• Salt: Balances the sugar and makes the spices pop.
• Ground nutmeg: The key spice that gives these cookies their authentic eggnog character.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the nutmeg perfectly.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting to coat the cooled cookies.

My Method for the Best Eggnog Cookies

Let’s get baking with this straightforward process:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it is ready to go when your dough is mixed. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon for about 30 seconds to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Continue mixing until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes and incorporates air for a lighter cookie.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Pour in the vanilla extract, rum extract, and eggnog, blending gently until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated into the sugar mixture.
4. Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly add the dry flour mixture you prepared earlier. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear, being careful not to overwork the dough, or the eggnog cookies might become tough.
5. Scoop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls and drop them onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart because they will spread slightly as they bake.
6. Bake the cookies for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. Let them rest on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by whipping the butter until it is very pale and fluffy. Mix in the rum extract, a few tablespoons of eggnog, and the powdered sugar until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency, adding more eggnog if needed.
8. Once the cookies are fully cool, spread a generous amount of frosting over the top of each one. For a final festive touch, lightly sprinkle a little extra ground nutmeg over the wet frosting before it sets.

Pro Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cookies

Make sure your butter is fully softened to room temperature so it creams properly with the sugars. This step ensures your eggnog cookies turn out light and fluffy rather than dense or heavy.

Do not skip the nutmeg in the frosting, as it provides that signature spiced aroma we all associate with the season. I like to grate fresh nutmeg on top for an extra pop of flavor and a professional bakery look.

Scoop your flour gently into the measuring cup rather than digging into the bag to avoid over-measuring. Too much flour will dry out the dough and ruin the melt-in-your-mouth texture of this eggnog cookies recipe.

How to Serve This Eggnog Cookies Recipe

These treats pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. I also love arranging them on a festive platter alongside gingerbread men for a beautiful holiday spread.

You can serve them immediately after frosting, but letting them set for an hour allows the glaze to firm up nicely. My family enjoys this eggnog cookies recipe most when served at room temperature so the frosting stays creamy.

Follow me on Pinterest for more seasonal baking inspiration and easy family dessert recipes.

Soft Eggnog Cookies Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 32 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, cake-like eggnog cookies topped with a rich spiced buttercream frosting. A perfect holiday treat that melts in your mouth.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup eggnog (full fat recommended)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp rum extract
• For the Frosting:
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
• 3–4 Tbsp eggnog
• 1/2 tsp rum extract
• Nutmeg for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each. Pour in the vanilla extract, rum extract, and eggnog, blending until combined.
5. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together; avoid overmixing.
6. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set on the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
8. To make the frosting, whip the butter until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, rum extract, and 3 tablespoons of eggnog. Beat until smooth, adding more eggnog if necessary to reach desired consistency.
9. Spread the frosting over the completely cooled cookies and sprinkle lightly with additional nutmeg.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

• Prep Time: 25 min
• Cooling Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: eggnog cookies, eggnog cookies Recipe, holiday cookies, christmas baking, soft frosted cookies