Eggnog Cookies

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If you’re looking for a cookie that brings the warmth of the holiday season in every soft bite, these Eggnog Cookies are a must-bake. Lightly spiced, ultra-soft, and crowned with a luscious eggnog cream cheese frosting, they taste like Christmas in cookie form.

Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in with a warm drink, these cookies combine the nostalgic flavor of eggnog with melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re a lifelong eggnog lover or just getting into the seasonal spirit, this recipe is simple enough for weeknights but special enough for the dessert table.

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Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cookie Recipe

These cookies are soft and chewy with perfectly crisp edges, made even better by a rich cream cheese frosting infused with real eggnog and warm nutmeg. They don’t require chilling the dough, meaning less wait and more cookie! Plus, the frosted tops make them incredibly festive for any winter gathering.

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What Kind of Eggnog Should I Use?

Use your favorite store-bought or homemade eggnog, but make sure it’s full-fat for the richest flavor. Plant-based eggnogs can work too, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Since eggnog is the primary flavor, go with a version you love sipping on its own.

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Ingredients for the Eggnog Cookies

All-purpose flour
Provides the structure for soft, tender cookies without being too cakey.

Baking soda & baking powder
These leaveners give the cookies a gentle lift and a soft chew.

Ground nutmeg
The essential spice that gives eggnog its signature warmth.

Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the eggnog flavor.

Unsalted butter
Adds richness and helps create a soft cookie crumb.

Granulated sugar & brown sugar
A combo that ensures sweetness, moisture, and chewy centers.

Egg yolk
Enriches the dough and keeps the cookies extra soft.

Eggnog
Used in both the dough and the frosting for that true eggnog flavor.

Vanilla extract
Enhances the creamy, cozy notes.

Cream cheese
The base of the silky frosting.

Powdered sugar
Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

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How To Make the Eggnog Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggnog and Egg Yolk

Mix in 1 egg yolk, 1/4 cup eggnog, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Form Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough into 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just turning golden.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 tbsp eggnog, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Gradually beat in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Frost and Sprinkle

Once cookies are cool, spread or pipe frosting on top. Dust with extra nutmeg for a festive finish.

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How to Serve These Cookies

These Eggnog Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday dessert buffets, cookie exchanges, or alongside your favorite seasonal drinks. Each batch makes about 24 cookies, which is great for feeding 10 to 12 people, depending on cookie cravings!

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How to Store Eggnog Cookies

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting needs refrigeration. To enjoy them soft again, let sit at room temp for 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months, then frost before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit out for 20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.

Can I freeze the frosted cookies?
Frosted cookies can be frozen, but the texture of the frosting may change. For best results, freeze unfrosted and frost fresh.

Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
Not at all! A simple glaze of powdered sugar and eggnog works well too, or skip frosting for a simpler cookie.

What’s the best way to decorate them?
Dust with nutmeg or cinnamon. You can also add white or gold sprinkles for extra flair.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Eggnog Cookies, check out these festive cookie creations too:

• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies for a fall-inspired soft bite.
• Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with a nostalgic twist.
• Apple Bars that are just as good for dessert as breakfast.
• Butterscotch Bars for a gooey Southern classic.
• Christmas Cookie Lasagna for a no-bake layered cookie dream.

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the nutmeg or add a twist of cinnamon? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions welcome too!

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