If the holidays had an official smell, I’m convinced it would be Eggnog Cookies baking in the oven. Warm nutmeg, cozy cinnamon, buttery dough… it’s basically a Christmas sweater for your kitchen. 🎄🍪
These Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting are soft, tender, and full of that nostalgic holiday flavor we all secretly wait for every year. They’re fancy enough for a cookie exchange, but easy enough for a busy weeknight when you just need something sweet and comforting (no judgment here).
I’m Chef Omar, and trust me—this is one of those recipes that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wait… what IS this?” Then they grab another cookie. That’s the magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Cookies
Let’s be honest—holiday baking can feel overwhelming. Too many ingredients, too many steps, too little time. These Eggnog Cookies are different.
- Soft, pillowy texture (thanks to egg yolks only—yes, that’s the secret)
- Cozy spices that don’t overpower
- A creamy eggnog frosting that tastes like holiday cheer in spreadable form
- No chilling required (because patience is not always festive)
If you love classic holiday flavors but want something a little unexpected, these cookies are calling your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Eggnog Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large egg yolks (no whites!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon rum extract (up to 1 teaspoon if you’re feeling bold)
- ⅓ cup eggnog
Creamy Eggnog Frosting
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter (salted works—just skip extra salt)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon rum extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3–5 tablespoons eggnog
- 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch (if needed for thickness)
How to Make Eggnog Cookies (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 325°F convection). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—future you will be grateful during cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step gives the cookies that soft bakery-style texture.
4. Add the Flavor
Beat in the egg yolks (just the yolks!), vanilla extract, and rum extract. Your batter should already smell like the holidays.
5. Bring in the Eggnog
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the eggnog. Don’t rush—this keeps the dough smooth and happy.
6. Combine
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. No overmixing—we want tender cookies, not tough ones.
7. Scoop & Shape
Scoop 1 to 1½ tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down if you like slightly flatter cookies.
8. Bake
Bake one sheet at a time for 8–11 minutes, until the tops look set and the edges are barely golden.
9. Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. This helps them set without drying out.
Creamy Eggnog Frosting (The Crowd Favorite)
While the cookies cool, let’s talk frosting—because this is where these cookies go from good to legendary.
- Beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, nutmeg, rum extract, salt, and eggnog.
- Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
- If it’s too thin, add cornstarch 1 tablespoon at a time until perfect.
Spread generously on completely cooled cookies. Be brave. Be festive.
Chef Omar’s Holiday Baking Tips
- No egg whites = softer cookies. Don’t skip this detail.
- If your frosting looks a little rebellious, chill it for 10 minutes—it’ll behave.
- Want extra flair? Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the frosting.
- These cookies taste even better the next day (hello, make-ahead magic).
A Little Kitchen Story
The first time I made these Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting, it was for friends who stopped by unexpectedly during the holidays. I needed something fast but special. These cookies disappeared before the coffee finished brewing—and now they’re requested every December without fail.
That’s how you know a recipe’s a keeper.
FAQs About Eggnog Cookies
Can I make Eggnog Cookies without rum extract?
Absolutely. Just replace it with vanilla extract. The flavor will still shine.
How long do Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting last?
Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing.
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes—and that’s what I use most of the time. No need to complicate things.
Bring the Holiday Magic Home
These Eggnog Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a cozy moment, a shared laugh, and a sweet pause during the busiest season of the year. Soft, spiced, and topped with that dreamy frosting, they’re exactly what holiday baking should feel like: joyful and doable.
So grab your apron, pour yourself a little eggnog, and let your kitchen smell like pure holiday happiness. From my kitchen to yours—happy baking!
Keep the Holiday Baking Fun Going
If you’re already in full holiday baking mode (or happily headed there), don’t stop with these Eggnog Cookies—there’s so much more festive goodness waiting for you. Here are a few reader-favorite treats that pair perfectly with this recipe and make dessert tables, cookie boxes, and cozy nights even sweeter:
- Craving something classic and old-world charming? You’ll love these Italian Christmas Cookies perfect for festive gatherings—they’re tender, lightly sweet, and feel like a warm hug from Nonna.
- Want another snowy, cozy cookie to balance out your platter? Add Snowball Cookies rolled in powdered sugar bliss—simple, buttery, and always the first to disappear.
- Baking with kids or just love a little surprise in every bite? These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies loaded with holiday treats are fun, colorful, and impossible not to smile over.
- Need a no-bake option for busy days or last-minute guests? These No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake Bites everyone raves about come together fast and look party-ready every time.
Think of this as your holiday dessert shortcut—mix, match, and enjoy your way through the season. Because the best memories are usually made somewhere between the oven timer and the last cookie on the plate.
Print
Eggnog Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and tender Eggnog Cookies topped with creamy eggnog frosting and warm spices. These festive cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, and cozy winter treats.
Ingredients
Eggnog Cookies
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large egg yolks (whites discarded)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon rum extract
⅓ cup eggnog
Creamy Eggnog Frosting
⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon rum extract
¼ teaspoon salt
3–5 tablespoons eggnog
1–2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F convection). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Beat in egg yolks, vanilla extract, and rum extract.
Mix in eggnog on low speed until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Scoop 1–1½ tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart.
Lightly press dough balls if flatter cookies are desired.
Bake 8–11 minutes until tops are set and edges are lightly golden.
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Frosting
Beat butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar, nutmeg, rum extract, salt, and eggnog.
Beat until fluffy. Add cornstarch if frosting is too soft.
Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.
Notes
Use only egg yolks for extra-soft cookies.
Frost cookies only after completely cooled.
Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator for best freshness.
Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg