Eggnog Cookies

Save this recipe on:

Soft, buttery, and full of warm holiday flavor, these Eggnog Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly makes the kitchen feel cozy. Each cookie bakes up tender with a gentle hint of nutmeg, then gets topped with a creamy frosting that makes every bite taste a little extra special.

They are perfect for cookie platters, holiday parties, or a quiet afternoon when you want something sweet with a cup of coffee or tea. If you love classic seasonal baking, this is one of those recipes that feels festive without being fussy.

---

What Makes Eggnog Cookies So Good?

Eggnog brings a rich, creamy flavor that works beautifully in soft cookies. It adds a subtle custard-like note, and when paired with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, the result is a cookie that tastes comforting, smooth, and unmistakably holiday-inspired.

---

Ingredients for the Eggnog Cookies

These cookies use simple baking staples plus a few ingredients that give them their signature seasonal flavor. Keeping everything measured and ready before you begin makes the mixing process much easier.

For the cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon rum extract, optional
• 1/2 cup prepared eggnog

For the frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons eggnog
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of nutmeg, plus more for garnish

---

How To Make the Eggnog Cookies

This recipe comes together in a few simple stages: mixing the dough, baking until just set, then finishing with a soft, creamy frosting. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating so the frosting keeps its beautiful swirl.

Step 1: Prep the baking sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly and release easily.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute the spices and leavening evenly through the dough.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step gives the cookies a soft texture and helps them bake up tender.

Step 4: Add the wet ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and rum extract if using. Mix in the eggnog until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the dough

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. The dough should be soft but easy to scoop.

Step 6: Scoop and bake

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the tops look dry.

Step 7: Cool completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully before frosting.

Step 8: Make the frosting

Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough eggnog to create a fluffy, pipeable frosting. Taste and add a tiny pinch of nutmeg if you want more warm spice.

Step 9: Frost and finish

Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cookies, then dust lightly with nutmeg for that classic eggnog look and flavor.

---

Serving and Storing Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog Cookies are lovely served chilled or at cool room temperature. They make a beautiful addition to holiday trays, cookie exchanges, and dessert tables because the frosting gives them a polished bakery-style finish.

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to make them ahead, you can bake the cookies first and frost them later. For the best texture, let refrigerated cookies sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Eggnog Cookies without rum extract?

Yes. The rum extract is optional. It adds a classic eggnog-style note, but the cookies will still taste delicious with just vanilla and nutmeg.

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Absolutely. Prepared store-bought eggnog works well in both the cookie dough and the frosting.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, once frosted, they should be refrigerated because of the cream cheese in the frosting.

Can I freeze Eggnog Cookies?

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them, then frost before serving.

Why are my cookies dry?

They may have baked too long or had too much flour added. Measure the flour carefully and pull the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are set.

Can I make the frosting thicker for piping?

Yes. Add a little more powdered sugar, one spoonful at a time, until the frosting holds its shape.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If these Eggnog Cookies are your kind of holiday treat, there are plenty of other sweet bakes to explore. You might also enjoy Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth finish, Caramel Cheesecake Cookies when you want something rich and creamy, Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies for a classic favorite, Lemon Sugar Cookies for a brighter citrus twist, or Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies if you love soft cookies with bakery-style flavor.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

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

And let me know how your batch turned out. Did you go with a light swirl of frosting or pile it on thick? Did you add the rum extract or keep the flavor simple and classic?

I always love hearing how these recipes turn out in real kitchens. For even more recipe inspiration, visit Life with Jam on Pinterest.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: