Festive Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Jolly Double Whammy Eggnog Cookies Recipe for Holiday Bliss

Deck the halls with a festive twist on a classic holiday treat: these double whammy eggnog cookies will steal the show at any seasonal gathering.

The rich, creamy eggnog flavor weaves its magic through every soft, buttery bite.

Warm spices dance alongside sweet vanilla, creating a symphony of Christmas cheer.

Each cookie promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures the essence of holiday indulgence.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up this delightful dessert with ease.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of seasonal deliciousness.

Get ready to become the holiday hero with these irresistible cookies that everyone will be talking about.

Instructions for Eggnog Cookies Done Right

  • Creamy Beginnings Grab your mixing bowl and whip the butter and brown sugar until they become a cloud-like, smooth mixture that looks almost magical.
  • Flavor Fusion Gently blend in the golden egg yolks, rich eggnog, and a splash of rum extract to create a dough that whispers holiday memories.
  • Chill Time Tuck your dough into the refrigerator and let it rest and develop its flavors for a couple of hours – patience is your secret ingredient.
  • Cookie Shaping Roll the chilled dough into adorable little balls, placing them carefully on baking sheets with plenty of breathing room between each one.
  • Baking Magic Slide the cookies into a warm oven and bake until the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
  • Festive Frosting Whip up a dreamy topping by blending confectioners' sugar, butter, rum extract, and a sprinkle of warm spices until smooth and creamy.
  • Final Touch Lovingly spread the frosting over each cooled cookie and dust with a light snowfall of nutmeg. Let them set and marvel at your delicious creation.

Eggnog Flavor Additions and Mix-Ins

  • Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to help cookies maintain their shape and develop richer eggnog taste.
  • Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond to create unique flavor profiles that complement the eggnog base.
  • Use a fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle nutmeg evenly, creating a light, elegant coating that enhances the cookie's festive appearance.
  • Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 weeks, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
  • Adjust eggnog amount gradually when making frosting to achieve your desired spreading or piping texture.

Holiday-Perfect Serving Tips for These Cookies

  • Pair with Festive Beverages: Serve these delightful eggnog cookies alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a chilled glass of eggnog for a perfect holiday treat.
  • Create a Cookie Platter: Arrange these cookies on a decorative holiday platter with other seasonal favorites like gingerbread or sugar cookies for a stunning dessert display.
  • Garnish with Seasonal Flair: Dust the cookies with extra ground nutmeg or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top to add a festive touch and enhance the holiday spirit.
  • Gift with Love: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a homemade gift that will delight friends and family during the holiday season.

How to Store Eggnog Cookies the Right Way

  • Maximize Freshness: Store these delightful eggnog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them perfectly soft and delicious.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Carefully wrap unfrosted cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay scrumptious for up to 3 months, ready to defrost and devour whenever cookie cravings strike.
  • Prevent Crumbling: Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper when storing to maintain their delicate texture and prevent breaking or sticking together.
  • Serving Smart: Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding frosting, ensuring they retain their moist, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 46 minutes

Calories: 223 kcal

Servings: 22

For The Base:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and ensures tender cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel undertones and helps cookies stay moist.
  • Egg Yolks: Creates silky smooth consistency and adds luxurious richness.
  • Rum Extract: Infuses classic holiday flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Eggnog: Brings quintessential holiday spirit and moisture to the dough.
For The Structure:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives cookies their classic shape and tender crumb.
For The Frosting And Finishing:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, velvety frosting with perfect spreading consistency.
  • Nutmeg: Adds warm, aromatic holiday spice and traditional eggnog essence.
  • Cinnamon: Provides gentle warmth and complementary seasonal flavor.
  • Additional Nutmeg: Offers beautiful garnish and extra flavor burst.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter and mixing ingredients.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for beating ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookie dough.
  • Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading frosting and scraping bowl.
  • Small bowl: Optional for mixing additional ingredients.
Print
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Festive Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Festive Eggnog Cookies


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 46 minutes
  • Yield: 22 1x

Description

Festive double whammy eggnog cookies combine holiday cheer with rich, creamy flavors. Nutmeg and rum essence highlight this classic Christmas treat that delights family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) butter, softened
  • 4½ cups (540 grams) confectioners’ sugar
  • 23 tbsps (3045 mL) eggnog
  • 1½ tsps rum extract
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Additional ground nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

  1. Creaming Stage: Whip softened butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a pale, aerated foundation for the cookies.
  2. Liquid Integration: Fold in egg yolks, eggnog, and rum extract, blending thoroughly to create a smooth, uniform cookie base with rich, festive flavors.
  3. Dough Preparation: Gently incorporate flour into the liquid mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overworking the ingredients. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 2 hours to enhance flavor development and texture.
  4. Baking Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Shape chilled dough into 1-inch balls, arranging them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets to ensure even baking and perfect spread.
  5. Cookie Baking: Bake for 13-16 minutes, watching for golden-brown undersides and slightly crisp edges. Remove from oven and transfer to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
  6. Frosting Creation: Whip confectioners’ sugar, butter, rum extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add eggnog to achieve the ideal frosting consistency.
  7. Finishing Touches: Generously spread frosting over cooled cookies, creating an even layer. Dust with an additional sprinkle of nutmeg for enhanced flavor and elegant presentation.
  8. Storage: Allow frosted cookies to set at room temperature, then store in an airtight container to preserve their delicate texture and rich, holiday-inspired taste.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the dough for at least 2 hours prevents spreading and intensifies the rich eggnog flavor, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.
  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and wet ingredients to maintain the delicate balance of texture and taste in these delicate holiday treats.
  • Handle Gently: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies; fold ingredients just until combined for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth result.
  • Frost with Care: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish that showcases the festive flavors.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 22
  • Calories: 223
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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