Frosted Eggnog Cookies Recipe: Festive Holiday Magic in Each Bite

Delightful holiday frosted eggnog cookies bring festive cheer right to your kitchen counter.

Sweet memories of childhood celebrations dance through this recipe’s delicate ingredients.

Creamy eggnog infuses each tender bite with warmth and nostalgia.

Soft, pillowy textures promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures winter’s magical essence.

Winter gatherings become more special when these cookies appear on dessert plates.

Loved ones will appreciate the care and tradition baked into every single morsel.

These cookies invite you to slow down and savor the season’s sweetest moments.

Why Frosted Eggnog Cookies Taste Like the Holidays

• Seasonal Delight: Capture the festive spirit with these classic holiday cookies packed with warm spices and traditional eggnog flavor that bring winter cheer to your kitchen.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it accessible for anyone wanting to create delicious homemade treats.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these cookies in under an hour, creating a batch that's guaranteed to impress family and friends during holiday gatherings or cozy winter get-togethers.
• Simple Spice Magic: Elevate ordinary sugar cookies with a perfect blend of nutmeg and cinnamon, transforming a basic recipe into a sophisticated seasonal dessert that tingles taste buds.

Ingredients That Make These Eggnog Cookies Shine

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the soft, tender cookies.
• Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cinnamon: Warm spices that add a cozy, traditional holiday flavor profile to the cookies.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy moisture and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their golden-brown color.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie dough.
• Eggnog: Infuses the cookies with a classic holiday flavor and creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its deep, aromatic sweetness.

• Powdered Sugar, Eggnog: Creates a smooth, drizzleable glaze that adds sweetness and a festive eggnog flavor to the cookies.
• Ground Nutmeg: A delicate sprinkle on top that provides a final aromatic and decorative touch.

How to Bake Frosted Eggnog Cookies the Easy Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for super easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and dreamy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg and pour in the eggnog, mixing until everything blends into a smooth, creamy base.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon

Ensure the spices are evenly distributed and lump-free.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a soft, pillowy cookie dough. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Boost Flavor

Splash in the vanilla extract and give a quick mix to spread that delicious aroma throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread their wings.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for slightly golden edges and soft, set centers.

Step 9: Cool Down

Transfer cookies to wire racks and let them chill completely before adding the magical frosting.

Step 10: Craft the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog until you’ve got a smooth, drizzle-worthy glaze.

Step 11: Frost with Flair

Generously drizzle the eggnog glaze over the cooled cookies, letting it cascade down the sides in delicious waves.

Step 12: Final Festive Touch

Sprinkle a light dusting of ground nutmeg over the frosted cookies to add a festive and aromatic finish.

Cookie Tips for Frosty, Spiced Eggnog Goodness

• Prevent Dry Cookies: Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother blending, ensuring soft and moist cookie texture.
• Spice Balance: Freshly ground nutmeg provides more intense flavor compared to pre-ground spices, elevating the eggnog cookie's taste profile.
• Glaze Perfection: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent runny glaze and maintain clean, crisp edges.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies anytime during the holiday season.
• Storage Hack: Store frosted cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate glaze appearance.

Variations to Warm Up Your Eggnog Cookie Game

• Holiday Spice Splash: Enhance the cookie base with extra warming spices like cardamom and ginger for a more complex holiday flavor profile.
• Rum-Infused Delight: Add a splash of dark rum to both the cookie dough and glaze for an adult-friendly version with rich, boozy undertones.
• Chocolate Eggnog Dream: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the eggnog glaze for a decadent chocolate-eggnog combination.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix chopped pecans or toasted almonds into the dough and sprinkle crushed nuts on top of the glaze for added texture and nutty warmth.

Perfect Pairings for These Frosted Treats

• Pair Spiced Winter Cocktails: Mix a classic rum-based eggnog or bourbon old-fashioned to complement the cookies' warm nutmeg and cinnamon flavors.
• Enhance with Dessert Wines: Select a creamy dessert wine like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling that echoes the cookies' rich, sweet profile and holiday spices.
• Match with Warm Beverages: Serve alongside a steaming mug of chai latte or spiced hot chocolate to amplify the cookie's cozy winter essence and create a comforting flavor harmony.
• Highlight with Coffee Companions: Enjoy with a smooth cappuccino or vanilla-infused latte that cuts through the cookie's sweetness and complements its aromatic spice notes.

Eggnog Cookie Storage Tips to Keep Them Fresh

• Store frosted eggnog cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing glaze from becoming sticky.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator before baking.
• Place completely cooled, unfrosted cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and store for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep frosted cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their delicate texture and flavor.

Common Questions About Frosted Eggnog Cookies

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

• How do I know if the cookie dough is mixed correctly?

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not runny. Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.

• Is it possible to make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month.

• What if I don't have ground nutmeg?

You can substitute with pumpkin pie spice or a mixture of cinnamon and ground cloves for a similar warm, spicy flavor profile.

Frosted Eggnog Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive holiday baking reaches new heights with these irresistible frosted eggnog cookies that deliver classic Christmas cheer in every delectable bite. Creamy spiced frosting crowns buttery cookies, promising a delightful treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1 large egg

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting and Topping:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp eggnog
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
2. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate the egg and eggnog into the butter mixture, blending until fully integrated and creating a cohesive wet mixture.
4. Sift together flour, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a separate bowl to ensure even spice distribution and prevent clumping.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft cookie dough forms without overmixing.
6. Add vanilla extract and mix briefly to distribute the aromatic flavor throughout the dough.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookie edges turn slightly golden and centers appear set but soft.
9. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
10. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
11. Generously drizzle the eggnog glaze over cooled cookies, allowing excess to gently cascade down the sides.
12. Sprinkle a light dusting of ground nutmeg over the frosted cookies for a festive and aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version of these delightful holiday treats.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie cookie option.
• Experiment with dairy-free eggnog and plant-based butter to make the recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing rich, festive flavors.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create perfectly shaped, uniform cookies with crisp edges.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg