Eggnog Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Holiday Treat

Name: Eggnog Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Holiday Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2.75 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.75 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 0.5 cup eggnog (full-fat); 1 teaspoon rum extract; 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 4 tablespoons eggnog; 1 teaspoon rum extract; 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)

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Welcome to your new favorite holiday tradition! These Eggnog Cookies are the perfect embodiment of Christmas cheer in a single bite. Forget dry, bland cookies; this recipe delivers incredibly soft, chewy centers with a rich, cake-like texture, all topped with a dreamy, spiced eggnog buttercream frosting. If you’re looking to capture the cozy, festive flavor of eggnog, you’ve found the perfect recipe. We’ve tested every step to ensure they come out perfectly every single time, making you the star of any holiday gathering.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your first Christmas cookie recipe, these instructions are simple and foolproof. We’ll walk you through creating the perfect cookie dough, getting that signature soft texture, and whipping up a frosting so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon. Let’s get baking!

The process of making eggnog cookie dough, with a bowl of creamed butter and sugar next to a container of flour and spices. — Simple ingredients come together for the perfect holiday cookie.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cookie Recipe

Unbeatable Texture: These aren’t your average cookies. They have a wonderfully soft, pillowy, and cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Authentic Eggnog Flavor: We use real eggnog, nutmeg, and a hint of rum extract in both the cookie and the frosting for a truly festive and authentic taste.
Perfectly Spiced Frosting: The creamy buttercream frosting is the perfect complement, adding another layer of eggnog flavor without being overly sweet.
Easy to Make: The dough comes together in minutes with no chilling required! It’s a straightforward recipe perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Festive and Beautiful: With a sprinkle of nutmeg on top, these cookies look as good as they taste and are perfect for cookie exchanges, parties, or leaving out for Santa. If you are looking for another festive treat, you should try these festive gingerbread crinkle cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Eggnog Cookies comes from a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

For the Eggnog Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our soft cookies.
Baking Powder: The key leavening agent that gives these cookies their signature cake-like lift.
Spices: Ground nutmeg and cinnamon are essential for that classic holiday flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy base.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their soft texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder. One large egg at room temperature is perfect.
Eggnog: The star of the show! Use your favorite full-fat, store-bought or homemade eggnog.
Rum Extract: A splash of rum extract deepens the classic eggnog flavor. You can substitute with vanilla extract if preferred.

For the Eggnog Frosting:

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a silky smooth frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sift it to avoid any lumps for the creamiest consistency.
Eggnog: A few tablespoons are all you need to infuse the frosting with flavor.
Rum Extract & Nutmeg: These elevate the frosting from simple buttercream to a true eggnog delight.

How to Make Eggnog Cookies Step-By-Step

Ready to bake the best Eggnog Cookies of your life? Follow these simple steps for perfect results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

A close-up of a single eggnog cookie on a white plate, showing its soft, cake-like texture and thick layer of frosting. — The perfect texture: soft, cakey, and full of flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for a soft cookie.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, eggnog, and rum extract to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and tender!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s essential they are fully cooled before frosting.

How to Make the Perfect Eggnog Frosting

Step 1: Beat the Butter

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it’s creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Eggnog

Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the eggnog, and mix on low speed until combined. Once incorporated, add the rum extract.

Step 3: Whip the Frosting

Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more eggnog. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Step 4: Frost and Garnish

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each one. For that classic look, garnish with a light sprinkle of ground nutmeg just before serving. After a long day of baking, treat yourself to a delicious and easy meal like this Indian Butter Chicken (coming soon).

Pro Tips for the Best Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter, egg, and eggnog are all at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine seamlessly for a smoother, more uniform dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the flour into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your soft cookies tough.
Use Full-Fat Eggnog: For the richest flavor and best texture, opt for full-fat eggnog.
Cool Cookies Completely: Do not attempt to frost warm cookies! The frosting will melt and slide right off. Patience is key. For another great holiday recipe, try our famous Christmas sugar cookies.

Storing Your Eggnog Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve frosted them, it’s best to store them in a single layer to protect the frosting. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.

FAQs About Eggnog Cookies

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

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Yes, absolutely! This recipe is designed to work perfectly with your favorite brand of store-bought, full-fat eggnog. It adds all the classic flavor you need.