Dessert

Eggnog Cookies Recipe

ByClara Bennett October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

Introduction

These Eggnog Cookies combine the warm, festive flavors of classic eggnog into a soft and delicious treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter afternoons, they feature a spiced dough topped with a creamy eggnog frosting.

A close-up of a stack of three thick, crumbly beige cookies, each separated by a generous layer of smooth, white creamy frosting; the cookies have a rough texture with some visible grain, and the frosting is spread unevenly but thickly on top of each cookie layer, sitting on a simple white plate with a white marbled surface in soft focus behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup eggnog
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup eggnog (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Using an electric mixer, cream together 1 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add 1/2 cup eggnog, 2 eggs, and vanilla extract; beat until the eggs are fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until just combined into a dough.
Step 4: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet. Chill the dough for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Step 6: Remove dough from the refrigerator and gently flatten each ball slightly on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake for 10 minutes until the edges are set and tops look dry and lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: To make the frosting, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter, powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup eggnog until smooth and spreadable. Adjust with more powdered sugar or eggnog if needed.
Step 9: Spread the frosting over cooled cookies and let set for about an hour before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosting before it sets.
Use homemade eggnog or your favorite store-bought brand for the best flavor.
If you prefer, swap the eggnog frosting for a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week but let them come to room temperature before enjoying. The frosting softens when warmed, so reheat gently if desired.

How to Serve

A close-up view of several round cookies with a rough, light brown base, each topped with a thick, creamy white frosting layer spread unevenly across the surface. The cookies are laid out on a silver cooling rack that rests on a white marbled texture. The frosting is smooth with soft swirls, covering almost the entire top of each cookie while the edges show the textured cookie beneath. The arrangement forms multiple rows of these cookies, with the closest cookie centered, showing the texture of the frosting and crumbly cookie bottom clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these eggnog cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies without frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add frosting before serving.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let the dough come back to a manageable firmness if it becomes too soft.