Why You’ll Love Eggnog Cookies Recipe

These cookies combine the warm, nostalgic flavors of eggnog and holiday spices with the comforting softness of a cake‑like cookie. They’re simple to make, require no dough chilling time (unless you want to prep ahead), and bake quickly. The optional spiced glaze adds a festive touch and makes them even more irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all‑purpose flour
baking powder
salt
ground nutmeg
ground cinnamon
unsalted butter, at room temperature
granulated sugar
egg yolks
vanilla extract
eggnog

For the optional glaze:

powdered sugar
eggnog
cinnamon
nutmeg
vanilla extract

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a separate bowl (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the eggnog and vanilla, then mix in the egg yolks one at a time. Scrape down the bowl and mix once more.
Gradually add in the flour mixture on low speed (or stir gently by hand) until just combined; finish mixing with a spatula to catch any stray butter or flour.
Scoop out roughly two‑tablespoon sized portions of dough (about 40 g each), placing them onto a parchment‑ or silicone‑lined baking sheet spaced about 4 inches apart. (You may optionally roll them into smooth balls.)
Bake in the center of a preheated oven at 350 °F (≈ 175 °C) for 11–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear dry.
While the cookies bake, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla — adding a little eggnog at a time — until you have a drizzling consistency for the glaze.
Once baked, allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Drizzle with the spiced glaze before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes about 18 cookies. Total time: around 19 minutes (about 8 minutes prep + 11 minutes baking).

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for 3–5 days.
You can also freeze the cookies (preferably un‑glazed, with parchment between each cookie). When ready to serve, thaw them, then drizzle with glaze.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare the dough, scoop it into balls and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Let dough come to room temperature before baking for best results.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes — freeze them un‑glazed (with parchment between each), then thaw and add glaze before serving.

Will the cookies taste “eggnoggy” if I don’t add glaze?

Yes — the dough already contains eggnog and warm spices, so the cookies themselves will carry the classic eggnog flavor even without glaze.

What kind of eggnog is best to use?

Store‑bought eggnog works well and ensures consistent flavor and texture.

Can I add alcohol to make the cookies richer?

Yes — you can substitute part of the eggnog with a splash of rum or bourbon (or use rum extract) if you want a deeper flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, chilling isn’t necessary. But chilling can help if you want firmer cookies or if you’re prepping ahead.

How do I avoid cookies spreading too much?

Use no more than about two tablespoons of dough per cookie — otherwise the cookies may spread too thin and bake unevenly.

How can I make the cookies more uniform and nice-looking?

Rolling the dough into balls by hand helps create round, evenly shaped cookies.

What if I want them smaller?

Divide the dough into smaller portions before baking; smaller cookies will bake a bit faster and give more cookies per batch.

What texture do these cookies have once baked?

They are soft and slightly cake‑like — tender and moist, with a subtle chewiness.

Conclusion

These eggnog cookies capture the heart of holiday flavors in a soft, cozy cookie — easy to bake, quick to whip up, and delightfully festive. With a warm blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog, plus an optional spiced glaze, they make a wonderful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or your favorite winter drink. Perfect for holiday baking or cozy nights at home.

Eggnog Cookies

Why You’ll Love Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Storage/Reheating