Frosted Eggnog Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love eggnog, you’ll absolutely adore these cookies. They’re:

• Soft, cake-like, and bursting with warm holiday spices
• Topped with a luscious eggnog frosting that’s both creamy and festive
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• A perfect treat for cookie exchanges or holiday dessert trays
• A fun, cozy twist on a classic Christmas flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla extract
• Eggnog

For the frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Eggnog
• Vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and eggnog, mixing until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in eggnog and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
10. Frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle lightly with nutmeg.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Cooling and Frosting Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Variations

• Spiced Glaze: Instead of frosting, drizzle cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and eggnog.
• Rum-Flavored Twist: Add a splash of rum extract to the frosting for an authentic eggnog flavor.
• Extra Spicy: Increase the nutmeg and cinnamon for a bolder, warmer spice profile.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted cookies for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store Frosted Eggnog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, place unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving. Avoid freezing frosted cookies, as the frosting may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly in both the dough and frosting.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the cookies in advance and store them unfrosted. Frost the day you plan to serve them.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

No chilling is required — the dough is ready to bake right away.

Can I use low-fat eggnog?

Full-fat eggnog gives the richest flavor and texture, but low-fat can be used in a pinch.

Why are my cookies cakey?

Eggnog adds moisture, resulting in a soft, cake-like texture — that’s part of their charm!

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for the best flavor, but margarine can be substituted if needed.

Can I add rum extract to the cookie dough?

Yes, a small amount adds a delicious eggnog flavor without using alcohol.

Can I pipe the frosting instead of spreading it?

Yes, the frosting is firm enough to pipe beautifully for a more decorative look.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter isn’t too soft and don’t overmix the dough.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

Conclusion

Frosted Eggnog Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat — soft, spiced, and topped with a creamy, eggnog-infused frosting that tastes like Christmas in every bite. They’re simple to make, beautifully festive, and guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to any gathering. Whether for a cookie exchange, dessert platter, or cozy night in, these cookies are a must-bake for eggnog lovers everywhere.

Frosted Eggnog Cookies

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Soft, spiced Frosted Eggnog Cookies topped with creamy eggnog frosting — a festive holiday cookie that captures the cozy warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rich eggnog in every bite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons eggnog (for frosting)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Ground nutmeg, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and eggnog. Mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops appear slightly golden. Do not overbake.
8. Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in eggnog and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
10. Frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle lightly with ground nutmeg before serving.

Notes

• Use full-fat eggnog for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
• Do not overbake — these cookies are meant to stay soft and cake-like.
• To enhance flavor, add a dash of rum extract to the frosting or dough.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg