Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering with loved ones or looking for a seasonal treat to bake on the weekends, these eggnog cookies will do the job. These confections are soft, buttery and topped with a creamy, decadent frosting.
The eggnog fuses rich, custardy and sweet flavors into these cookies. While delicious on their own, you can customize this recipe to your liking. Add a personal touch by spooning on some festive sprinkles, mixing in chocolate chips or experimenting with warm spices. However you choose to make them, these cookies will become a highlight of your holiday season.
Eggnog Cookie Ingredients
- Butter: We cream softened butter with sugar to serve as the base of this chewy cookie and its creamy frosting.
- Sugar: To enhance the flavors of the eggnog and nutmeg, we add granulated sugar to the cookie dough.
- Eggnog: We pour eggnog into the dough and the base of the frosting for these cookies, which helps give them rich, custardy and sweet flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The flour in this recipe is responsible for helping the eggnog cookies form their shape.
- Baking soda: We rely on this leavening agent to prevent the eggnog cookies from spreading too much.
- Nutmeg: We sprinkle nutmeg into the dough to give these cookies those nostalgic, warm flavors.
- Confectioners’ sugar: The powdered sugar helps form the creamy and smooth frosting base for these eggnog cookies.
Directions  Â
Step 1: Make the cookie dough
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about five to seven minutes. Next, pour in the eggnog and continue beating. Combine the flour, baking soda and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and combine. Shape the dough into four 10-inch rolls. Wrap each roll in waxed paper and refrigerate the dough overnight.
Step 2: Bake the cookies
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Unwrap the rolls and cut the dough into 1/4-inch slices. Place the cookies one inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake the cookies until set, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cook on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Next, add the confectioners’ sugar and eggnog and beat until smooth. Allow the cookies to cool. Then frost them and serve.
Editor’s Tip: Use a piping bag to decorate the cookies with frosting for a beautiful presentation. (Psst: If you’re a newbie to frosting, here’s how to make a piping tool out of a Ziploc bag.)
Eggnog Cookie VariationsÂ
- Get creative with decorations: These eggnog cookies are delicious on their own and you can make them even more stunning by adding sprinkles or edible glitter to the top before serving.
- Infuse warm spices: You can add cinnamon or ground cloves to the dough to enhance the flavor of these eggnog cookies.
- Add chocolate chips: These eggnog cookies will taste delicious with white, milk or dark chocolate chips mixed into the dough.
How to Store Eggnog Cookies
First, let your eggnog cookies cool. Then, store them in an airtight container. They will last about a week at room temperature. We recommend keeping the frosting in the fridge and piping the cookies only when ready to serve.
Can you make these eggnog cookies ahead of time?Â
If you have a holiday party or cookie exchange coming up, make this dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for two to four days. Then, on the day of the event, bake them and your guests can enjoy them soft and fresh.
Can you freeze these eggnog cookies?
You can freeze the dough for these eggnog cookies. Wrap the dough into rolls and place them in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag. They will last for up to two months in the freezer. As for the frosting, we suggest making it fresh, especially since it’s quick and easy to put together.
How long do eggnog cookies last?Â
If you have leftover eggnog cookies from your holiday party, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for 8 to 12 months.
Eggnog Cookie Tips
Do I have to refrigerate the dough for these eggnog cookies?
We recommend refrigerating the eggnog cookie dough before baking. Chilling the butter helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the hot oven, resulting in delicious cookies with caramelized edges.
Can I make a boozy version of these eggnog cookies?
It’s common to come across spiked eggnog at holiday gatherings and you can keep that same energy with these cookies. You can add 1/2 tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the dough to enhance the flavor of these sweet delights.
How do I know when these eggnog cookies are finished baking?
Pay close attention to your cookies as they bake to avoid overcooking them. Monitor the color and remove them from the oven once they turn slightly golden brown on the edges.
