Name: Eggnog Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 36
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Cookies:; ¾ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar; 2 eggs; ⅔ cup eggnog; 1½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp nutmeg; 3 cups all purpose flour; ½ cup holiday sprinkles; For Frosting:; ½ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup eggnog; ⅛ tsp salt; 3 cups powdered sugar

Get into the holiday spirit with these delightful eggnog cookies. They're perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. The combination of soft, chewy cookies with rich, creamy frosting is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Photos of Eggnog Cookies Recipe

When heading to the supermarket, make sure to pick up eggnog. While eggnog is a popular holiday beverage, it might not be a staple in every household. Additionally, don't forget to get holiday sprinkles to add a festive touch to your cookies.

Ingredients For Eggnog Cookies

unsalted butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to both the cookies and frosting.

sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right cookie texture.

light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and enhances the chewiness.

eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.

eggnog: Imparts a distinctive holiday flavor to both the cookies and frosting.

vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.

salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

baking soda: Leavens the cookies, making them light and tender.

nutmeg: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the eggnog.

all purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.

holiday sprinkles: Adds a festive decorative touch to the finished cookies.

powdered sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting for the cookies.

One reader, Joletta Barbee says:

These eggnog cookies are a holiday delight! The cookies are soft and flavorful, and the frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness. The sprinkles make them festive and fun. A must-try for any eggnog lover!

Joletta Barbee

Techniques Required for Perfect Eggnog Cookies

How to beat butter and sugar: Explanation on how to cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. How to mix ingredients: Explanation on how to properly combine wet and dry ingredients, ensuring they are well incorporated without overmixing. How to bake cookies: Explanation on how to place dough on baking sheets, bake until golden brown, and the importance of baking one pan at a time. How to cool cookies: Explanation on the process of letting cookies cool on the pan before transferring them to a rack to cool completely. How to make frosting: Explanation on how to beat butter until fluffy, incorporate eggnog, and gradually add powdered sugar to achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency. How to frost cookies: Explanation on how to spread frosting evenly on cooled cookies and add sprinkles for decoration.

How To Make Eggnog Cookies

These eggnog cookies are soft and buttery treats topped with an eggnog-infused buttercream frosting. It’s your beloved holiday drink in a bite-sized form.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Cookies:

¾cupunsalted butter,softened
1cupsugar,granulated
½cuplight brown sugar
2eggs
⅔cupeggnog
1½tspvanilla extract
½tspsalt
½tspBaking Soda
½tspnutmeg
3cupsall purpose flour
½cupholiday sprinkles

For Frosting:

½cupunsalted butter,softened
¼cupeggnog
⅛tspsalt
3cupspowdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with non stick baking mats or parchment paper.
Place the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in the bowl of a mixer. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes or until well combined.
Add the salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and flour to the bowl. Mix on low speed until just blended.
Spoon tablespoon-sized dollops of the dough 2 inches apart on the prepared pans. Repeat this process as needed.
Bake the cookies, one pan at a time, for 10 to 13 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Repeat with the remaining pan of cookies.
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack until completely cool.
For the frosting, place the butter in the bowl of a mixer and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggnog and beat until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and salt, then beat on low speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy. You can add more eggnog, one teaspoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency if needed.
Spread a layer of frosting onto each cookie, then top with sprinkles and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 183.00kcal
Fat: 7.00g
Saturated Fat: 4.32g
Trans Fat: 0.26g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.84g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.34g
Carbohydrates: 28.81g
Fiber: 0.29g
Sugar: 20.64g
Protein: 1.74g
Cholesterol: 29.65mg
Sodium: 66.68mg
Calcium: 15.16mg
Potassium: 30.43mg
Iron: 0.57mg
Vitamin A: 61.55µg
Vitamin C: 0.10mg

Crucial Technique for Mastering Eggnog Cookies

When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure the butter is at room temperature. This ensures it incorporates air properly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture for your cookies.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Eggnog Cookies

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth workflow and reduces prep time.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time and effort when mixing dough and frosting.

Chill the dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape.

Batch baking: Bake multiple cookie sheets at once if your oven allows, rotating them halfway through for even baking.

Pre-make frosting: Prepare the frosting while the cookies bake and cool, so it's ready to spread immediately.

Substitute Ingredients For Eggnog Cookies Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the texture and moisture of butter in cookies.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar provides a similar sweetness with a slight caramel flavor.
light brown sugar - Substitute with dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar has more molasses, adding a richer flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg; this works as a binding agent.
eggnog - Substitute with heavy cream and nutmeg: Combine heavy cream with a pinch of nutmeg to mimic the flavor and consistency of eggnog.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the cookies.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder as baking soda for leavening.
nutmeg - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon offers a warm spice flavor that complements holiday cookies.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.
holiday sprinkles - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and festive look.
unsalted butter - Substitute with cream cheese: Cream cheese can add a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the frosting.
eggnog - Substitute with milk and vanilla extract: Combine milk with a few drops of vanilla extract to mimic the flavor of eggnog.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different texture.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar blended: Blend granulated sugar until it becomes a fine powder to use as a substitute.

Presenting Eggnog Cookies for the Holidays

Use elegant plating: Arrange the cookies on a pristine white plate, spacing them evenly to create a visually appealing layout. This allows each cookie to stand out individually.
Add a touch of sophistication: Pipe the frosting onto the cookies using a star-shaped nozzle for a refined look. This adds texture and elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Garnish the plate with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly leaves to evoke the festive spirit. This adds a pop of color and a hint of holiday aroma.
Highlight the sprinkles: Carefully place the holiday sprinkles on top of the frosting, ensuring an even distribution. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a playful touch.
Create a focal point: Position a small bowl of eggnog in the center of the plate for dipping, surrounded by the cookies. This adds an interactive element and emphasizes the eggnog theme.
Use a dusting of nutmeg: Lightly dust the plate and cookies with a fine layer of nutmeg to enhance the aroma and flavor, while also adding a subtle decorative touch.
Serve with a festive drink: Pair the cookies with a glass of spiced eggnog or a warm holiday punch. This complements the flavors and elevates the overall dining experience.
Add a touch of gold: Use edible gold leaf or gold dust to lightly accent the edges of the cookies. This adds a luxurious and festive touch, perfect for a Michelin-star presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Eggnog Cookies

Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350 degrees F.
Baking sheets: Lined with non-stick baking mats or parchment paper to hold the cookie dough while baking.
Non-stick baking mats: Placed on baking sheets to prevent cookies from sticking.
Parchment paper: An alternative to non-stick baking mats, used to line baking sheets.
Mixer: Used to beat the butter, sugars, eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract together, as well as to mix the dry ingredients and to prepare the frosting.
Mixing bowl: Holds the ingredients while they are being mixed.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggnog, and flour accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg accurately.
Spoon: Used to drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the baking sheets.
Cooling rack: Used to cool the cookies completely after they have been baked.
Spatula: Used to transfer the cookies from the baking sheets to the cooling rack.
Knife: Used to spread the frosting onto each cookie.
Sprinkles: Used to decorate the frosted cookies.

Storing and Freezing Eggnog Cookies

Allow the eggnog cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep the cookies soft and fresh for a longer period, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.
If you want to freeze the eggnog cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen eggnog cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds to speed up the thawing process.
If you plan to freeze the cookies with the eggnog frosting, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until the frosting is solid. Once frozen, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. This will help prevent the frosting from sticking to other cookies and maintain its texture.

Interesting Trivia About Eggnog Cookies

A fun fact about this eggnog cookies recipe is that the eggnog in both the cookie dough and the frosting adds a rich, creamy flavor that is reminiscent of the traditional holiday beverage. This makes these cookies perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Are Homemade Eggnog Cookies Cost-Effective?

The eggnog cookies recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs are common pantry items, while eggnog and holiday sprinkles add a festive touch without breaking the bank. The frosting ingredients are also basic and affordable. Overall, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD, making it a delightful and budget-friendly dessert.

Are Eggnog Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

The eggnog cookies recipe is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

High sugar content: The recipe calls for a significant amount of sugar, including granulated sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar in the frosting. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Butter: The recipe uses a considerable amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat. While some saturated fat is okay in moderation, excessive intake can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Refined flour: All-purpose flour is a refined carbohydrate that has been stripped of its fiber and nutrients. Consuming too many refined carbohydrates can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
Lack of nutrients: The recipe does not include any fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, which are essential for a balanced diet.

To make the eggnog cookies healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the sugar content by using less granulated sugar and brown sugar in the cookie dough. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like applesauce or mashed bananas to replace some of the sugar.
Use whole wheat pastry flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the cookies.
Replace some of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, avocado, or nut butters. These substitutions can help reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
Incorporate some healthy add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even grated zucchini to boost the nutrient content of the cookies.
Reduce the amount of frosting used or consider skipping it altogether. If you do use frosting, try a lighter version made with Greek yogurt or a sugar-free alternative.

Editor's Opinion on This Eggnog Cookie Recipe

This eggnog cookie recipe is a delightful holiday treat, combining the rich flavors of eggnog and nutmeg with a buttery, tender cookie base. The addition of holiday sprinkles adds a festive touch, making them perfect for seasonal gatherings. The frosting, with its creamy eggnog infusion, complements the cookies beautifully, adding an extra layer of sweetness and texture. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a successful bake even for novice bakers. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring the cozy, nostalgic flavors of eggnog into a delightful cookie form.

Enhance Your Eggnog Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Imagine a velvety soup that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. The butternut squash is roasted to perfection, bringing out its natural sweetness, and then blended with aromatic spices. This soup is a perfect prelude to the rich, festive flavors of your eggnog cookies.

Cranberry Walnut Salad: A refreshing salad that balances the sweetness of your dessert with a tangy twist. Crisp greens are tossed with tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty vinaigrette. This salad adds a burst of color and flavor to your holiday spread.

Maple Glazed Carrots: These carrots are a delightful side that brings a touch of sweetness to your meal. Glazed with rich maple syrup and a hint of butter, they are roasted until tender and caramelized. The natural sweetness of the carrots complements the creamy eggnog frosting on your cookies.

Spiced Apple Cider: Warm up with a mug of spiced apple cider, infused with cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of orange zest. This cozy beverage is the perfect companion to your eggnog cookies, enhancing the holiday spirit with every sip.

Brie and Fig Crostini: Elevate your appetizer game with these elegant crostini. Creamy brie cheese is paired with sweet fig jam and served on crispy baguette slices. The rich, savory flavors of the brie and the sweetness of the figs create a harmonious balance with your dessert.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars: Imagine the creamy goodness of cheesecake infused with the festive flavors of eggnog. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and will leave your guests craving more.

Spiced Eggnog Cupcakes: These delightful cupcakes are infused with eggnog and a hint of nutmeg, topped with a luscious eggnog frosting. They are the perfect treat for any holiday celebration.

Eggnog Bread Pudding: Transform your leftover bread into a decadent dessert with this rich and creamy eggnog bread pudding. It's a comforting dish that brings warmth to any winter night.

Eggnog French Toast: Start your morning with a festive twist by making French toast soaked in a custard mixture of eggnog and spices. Top it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Eggnog Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes with a hint of eggnog and cinnamon make for a delightful holiday breakfast. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Eggnog Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms. Start by hollowing out button mushrooms and filling them with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Add a touch of parmesan cheese for a rich, nutty flavor. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering and are sure to be a hit.

Bruschetta: Transport your guests to Italy with a classic bruschetta. Begin with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Top with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper. This simple yet flavorful appetizer is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Transform your dinner table with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy and flavorful interior. Serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad and roasted potatoes for a complete meal that will impress your guests.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Delight your taste buds with Stuffed Bell Peppers. These vibrant peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, seasoned with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. Baked until tender, the peppers are topped with melted cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Pair them with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.

Why trust this Eggnog Cookies Recipe:

This eggnog cookies recipe is a holiday favorite, combining the rich flavors of eggnog and nutmeg for a festive treat. The butter and sugar create a perfectly soft and chewy texture, while the holiday sprinkles add a fun, colorful touch. The frosting made with powdered sugar and eggnog enhances the cookies with a creamy, sweet finish. Trust this recipe for its balanced ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a delightful baking experience and delicious results every time.

Share your thoughts on this delightful Eggnog Cookies Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section and let's discuss your experience making these festive treats!

FAQ:

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake the cookies later?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Once the cookies are baked and cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy. If you want to freeze the dough, scoop it into balls first, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own?

Sure, you can use store-bought frosting if you're short on time. However, the homemade eggnog frosting really complements the flavor of the cookies, so I recommend giving it a try if you can.

What can I use if I don't have eggnog?

If you don't have eggnog, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and a bit of nutmeg and vanilla extract. For the cookies, use 2/3 cup milk mixed with 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. For the frosting, use 1/4 cup milk with a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of vanilla.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they're golden brown around the edges. This usually takes about 10 to 13 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. They should be set but still soft in the center when you take them out.