Eggnog Cookies Recipe
If you adore the cozy flavors of the holidays and the rich, creamy taste of classic eggnog, you are in for a real treat with this Eggnog Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture that quintessential festive spirit in a soft, chewy bite that melts in your mouth, each one infused with warm spices like nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee any time winter rolls around, this recipe is as delightful as it is easy to make. Trust me, once you try these, Eggnog Cookies will become your new seasonal favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Eggnog Cookies Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something magical. Each component plays its role, from bringing moisture and sweetness to adding that irresistible spice and fluffy texture that makes these cookies stand out.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s delicate crisp edges.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Introduces a caramel-like depth and moistness.
- 1/4 cup eggnog: The star ingredient—infuses every cookie with classic seasonal flavor and extra creaminess.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds body and helps bind the dough together smoothly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors with its sweet, fragrant notes.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that forms the cookie’s structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a gentle lift and soft texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: An essential spice that brings warm, festive aroma and flavor.
- Optional pinch of cinnamon: For a subtle spicy kick that complements nutmeg beautifully.
- Optional glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp eggnog): Adds a shiny, sweet finishing touch to elevate presentation and flavor.
How to Make Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when your dough is mixed. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper is a simple step that prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—always a win!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This crucial step creates air pockets that give your cookies a soft, tender texture with just a bit of chew.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolk, Eggnog, and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Beat until everything is completely smooth and combined. The egg yolk enriches the dough, while the eggnog and vanilla infuse those signature flavors that make these cookies so special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and an optional pinch of cinnamon. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every cookie has that lovely, balanced flavor and rise.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently just until you no longer see flour streaks. Avoid overmixing here—it keeps the cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Space Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing lets the cookies spread nicely without sticking together during baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Edges are Set
Pop your cookies in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for edges that are set and centers that look soft but not wet—that’s the perfect combination for chewy, luscious cookies that still hold their shape.
Step 8: Cool Properly
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time helps them set up just right so they don’t break apart when you move them.
Step 9: Optional Glaze for a Sweet Finish
If you want to take your Eggnog Cookies Recipe up a notch, whisk together powdered sugar with a bit of eggnog until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. The glaze not only adds sweetness but also a festive shiny look that makes these cookies irresistible.
How to Serve Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider dusting your Eggnog Cookies with a light sprinkle of extra nutmeg or cinnamon right before serving for an aromatic touch. You can also add small festive sprinkles or edible gold dust to make these cookies sparkle on your holiday platter.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages. Serve them alongside classic eggnog, mulled cider, or a robust cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also shine next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh fruit to balance the spice and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift giving or parties, stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or arrange them on a holiday-themed plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a fragrant and festive display. You could even sandwich a little cream cheese frosting or buttercream between two cookies for a unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Eggnog Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to five days—perfect if you want to bake ahead and enjoy them throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transferring them to a resealable freezer bag. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray before baking for fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm your Eggnog Cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave one cookie for 10-15 seconds. This revives their softness and brings back that just-baked comfort, making every bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this Eggnog Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and keeps the recipe quick and easy. Just make sure it’s well chilled for the best results when mixing.
What if I don’t have nutmeg or cinnamon?
You can skip the nutmeg and cinnamon, but those spices give the cookies their seasonal charm. If you want, substitute with pumpkin pie spice or allspice for a lovely twist.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check the blend has xanthan gum for the best texture.
How soft or crunchy are these cookies?
This Eggnog Cookies Recipe yields soft and chewy cookies with slightly crisp edges. If you prefer crunchier cookies, bake a minute or two longer while watching closely.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze is totally optional but highly recommended because it adds a sweet, creamy finish that complements the spices beautifully. Without it, the cookies are still fantastic on their own!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, nostalgic flavor of eggnog captured in cookie form, and this Eggnog Cookies Recipe brings that joy to your kitchen with every batch. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want to brighten a chilly afternoon, these cookies invite you to savor the season’s best in a delightfully simple way. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these cookies over and over again!
Print
Eggnog Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Eggnog Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm, festive flavors of classic eggnog. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter treat, these cookies combine buttery sweetness with nutmeg and vanilla, finished optionally with a smooth eggnog glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons eggnog
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract thoroughly until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and optional cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges appear set and the centers remain soft but not wet.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, to prevent breakage and maintain texture.
- Optional Glaze: If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth and drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies to add sweetness and a festive touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Spacing cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet helps prevent them from sticking together while baking.
- The optional cinnamon adds a nice warmth but can be omitted if preferred.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch to the cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To soften the butter quickly, leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave on low power in short bursts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American