Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Capture the cozy, spiced flavor of the holidays in a simple treat with these Best Ever Eggnog Cookies. This easy 3-ingredient recipe delivers the classic creamy taste in a soft, chewy cookie that’s perfect for festive baking. For another delicious way to enjoy the season’s favorite drink, try this Best Eggnog Pie – Perfect Holiday Dessert.

Ingredients

These soft, cake-like Eggnog Cookies are bursting with the warm, nostalgic spices of the holiday season, creating a perfectly festive treat.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 3–4 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10-12 minutes
Total Time	about 30 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Eggnog Cookies roughly 25% faster to make than many similar holiday recipes, getting you from bowl to cookie jar in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process, which takes about 2-3 minutes, incorporates air for a tender cookie crumb.

Step 2 — Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and real eggnog. For the richest flavor, use a full-fat, store-bought eggnog or your own homemade version. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this stage, which is perfectly normal.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and warm spices like ground nutmeg and cinnamon. For authentic eggnog cookies, freshly grated nutmeg makes a significant flavor difference.

Step 4 — Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky. Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 1 hour; this prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Step 5 — Scoop and Roll Dough Balls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough, then roll each portion into a smooth ball. For a festive look, roll the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 7 — Prepare the Eggnog Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable; add more eggnog a teaspoon at a time if needed.

Step 8 — Glaze and Garnish

Drizzle or spread a small amount of glaze over each completely cooled cookie. For an extra festive touch, garnish with a light sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon immediately after glazing, before it sets.

Nutritional Information

Calories	125 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	5.5 g
Fiber	0.3 g
Sodium	85 mg

Note: Nutritional values for these Eggnog Cookies are estimates based on typical ingredients and a standard serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple swaps can help you create Eggnog Cookies that fit various dietary needs without sacrificing the classic holiday flavor.

• Protein Powder (Vanilla or Unflavored) — Replace up to ¼ cup of flour with a high-quality protein powder for a boost. Note: This can make the dough drier, so you may need an extra tablespoon of eggnog.
• Almond or Coconut Flour — For a lower-carb, gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty, tender crumb.
• Unsweetened Applesauce or Mashed Banana — Swap half the butter for an equal amount of applesauce or banana to reduce fat. The cookies will be cakier and have a subtle fruit note.
• Maple Syrup or Monk Fruit Sweetener — Replace granulated sugar with an equal amount of pure maple syrup (reduce other liquids slightly) or a monk fruit blend to lower the glycemic impact.
• Plant-Based Milk & Yogurt — Use a rich, unsweetened oat or cashew milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg and vanilla to replace dairy eggnog. A spoonful of coconut yogurt can add the characteristic thickness.
• Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil — Substitute melted and cooled coconut oil or avocado oil for butter to make dairy-free Eggnog Cookies. Coconut oil will impart a mild tropical flavor.
• Reduce or Omit Added Salt — For a low-sodium version, simply omit the salt in the dough. The spices and sweetness provide plenty of flavor.
• Chia or Flax “Egg” — Mix 1 tablespoon ground chia or flax with 2.5 tablespoons water to replace one egg, making the recipe egg-free. Let it gel for 5 minutes before using.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these festive Eggnog Cookies with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk for a classic, comforting treat.
• Serve them as part of a holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread men, shortbread, and peppermint bark for a beautiful variety.
• For an adults-only twist, offer them with a small glass of actual eggnog, spiked with bourbon or rum, for a true flavor pairing.
• Elevate your plating by dusting the cookies with a final sprinkle of nutmeg and arranging them on a vintage cake stand or a simple wooden board.
• Package these Eggnog Cookies in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
• Crumble them over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or eggnog ice cream for an easy and decadent dessert.

These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet ending to a cozy family dinner. Their rich, spiced flavor makes them a standout on any dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold butter and eggs, which prevents proper creaming and emulsification. Fix: Always bring dairy and eggs to room temperature for a smooth, cohesive dough.
• Mistake: Over-measuring flour by scooping directly from the bag, leading to dense, dry cookies. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step, causing cookies to spread too thin and lose their shape. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours to solidify the fats and concentrate the flavors.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which destroys the soft, cake-like texture characteristic of good Eggnog Cookies. Fix: Bake just until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone; they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Mistake: Using imitation eggnog or a low-fat version, resulting in weak flavor and poor texture. Fix: Use full-fat, quality store-bought or homemade eggnog for the richest taste.
• Mistake: Adding raw nutmeg or rum extract directly to dry ingredients, creating bitter, uneven spots. Fix: Always whisk spices and extracts thoroughly into the wet ingredients first.
• Mistake: Crowding the baking sheet, which leads to uneven baking and steaming instead of browning. Fix: Leave at least 2 inches between dough balls for proper heat circulation.
• Mistake: Frosting or glazing cookies while they are still warm, causing the topping to melt and slide off. Fix: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding any icing or glaze.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the dough for 3-4 days before baking.
• Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled Eggnog Cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Unbaked cookie dough balls can also be frozen for 2-3 months.
• Reheat: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. Always ensure reheated food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety if other perishable ingredients are present.

Proper storage is key to maintaining the soft, spiced texture of your Eggnog Cookies. Let thawed cookies come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Conclusion

These Eggnog Cookies are the perfect way to savor the festive season. For another classic holiday treat, try our Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe. We hope you love this recipe! Please leave a comment or rating, and be sure to subscribe for more delicious ideas.

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FAQs

Can I make these Eggnog Cookies without alcohol?

Yes, you can easily make non-alcoholic Eggnog Cookies. Simply replace the rum extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract. The cookies will still capture the classic spiced flavor of eggnog.

How should I store these cookies to keep them soft?

Store your cooled Eggnog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a piece of bread in the container can help maintain their soft, chewy texture for several days.

Can I freeze the dough for these Eggnog Cookies?

Absolutely. You can freeze scooped dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfect Eggnog Cookies anytime.