Name: Soft and Spiced Eggnog Cookies for a Cozy Holiday Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Regular table salt.); 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (Can substitute with additional cinnamon if unavailable.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Enhances holiday flavor.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Ensure it’s fresh.); 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda (Essential ingredient with no substitutes.); 0.75 cups Unsalted Butter (Dairy-free butter can be used.); 1.25 cups Granulated Sugar (Consider coconut sugar for lower glycemic option.); 1 large Egg (Use flax egg for vegan version.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure vanilla for best taste.); 1 teaspoon Rum Extract (Can replace with additional vanilla if avoiding alcohol.); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (No substitutes for smooth texture.); 0.25 cups Heavy Cream (Milk or non-dairy alternative can be used.)

As the holiday season approaches, a delightful aroma fills the kitchen, whispering promises of comfort and joy. This year, I'm excited to share a recipe that perfectly captures the festive spirit: Budget-Friendly Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting. Imagine sinking your teeth into these soft, chewy cookies, bursting with warm spices and the unmistakable charm of eggnog. Not only are they a surefire crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings, but they’re also easy on the wallet, making them a smart choice for any home chef. Whether you're packing them up for a cookie exchange or treating yourself, these cookies bring the essence of Christmas right to your plate. Curious to know how to whip up this holiday delight? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are Eggnog Cookies a Must-Try?

Holiday Spirit: These cookies embody the magic of Christmas, infusing your kitchen with cozy aromas that evoke festive cheer.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.
Soft & Chewy: Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, thanks to the perfect balance of moisture and texture.
Versatile Treat: Serve them at holiday parties, gift them, or enjoy them with a cup of cocoa or alongside a glass of eggnog—this recipe comes through for all occasions!
Easy to Make: If you’ve enjoyed treats like Matcha Cookies Soft or Thumbprint Cookies Melt, you’ll find this equally straightforward and rewarding!

Eggnog Cookies Ingredients

• Classic eggnog flavors in cookie form!

For the Cookies

Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free flour.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor balance; just use regular table salt as no substitute is needed.
Ground Nutmeg – Adds warmth and a distinct eggnog flavor; if unavailable, you can substitute with additional cinnamon.
Cinnamon – Provides spice and sweetness; it beautifully enhances the holiday flavor and requires no substitutes.
Baking Powder – A leavening agent aiding in the rise of the cookies; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
Baking Soda – Balances acidity in the dough; no substitutes are necessary for this essential ingredient.
Unsalted Butter – Contributes to a rich, tender cookie; dairy-free butter can work well for lactose intolerance.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie's texture; consider swapping it for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Large Egg – Binds ingredients and helps with texture; replace with a flax egg for a vegan version.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor; always opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
Rum Extract – Provides authentic eggnog flavor; if avoiding alcohol, you can replace it with additional vanilla extract.

For the Frosting

Powdered Sugar – Essential for icing preparation; there are no substitutes for achieving a smooth frosting texture.
Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, creamy frosting; milk or a non-dairy alternative can be used for a lighter option.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggnog Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step ensures a consistent baking temperature for your eggnog cookies. While the oven warms up, gather your mixing bowls, measuring cups, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ready for the delightful cookie-making process.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Make sure each ingredient is thoroughly combined; the mixture should be light and airy. This step is essential as it incorporates the spices, creating that delicious eggnog flavor in your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1¼ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3–4 minutes. This step builds the foundation for your eggnog cookies, giving them a rich and tender texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the large egg along with the vanilla and rum extracts until smoothly blended. The mixture should appear slightly glossy and cohesive. These ingredients infuse your cookies with that classic eggnog flavor, elevating the entire batch with festive cheer.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should remain sticky and somewhat soft. This perfect balance is key to achieving the soft and chewy texture of your eggnog cookies.

Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Chilling is vital for maintaining the dough's shape during baking, ensuring your cookies come out perfectly puffy while still remaining soft in the center.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape Cookies
Once chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion out 1 oz balls of dough. Roll them in a bit of reserved sugar for extra sweetness, then place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, flattening each ball slightly. This will help the cookies spread evenly while baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake your eggnog cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers appear slightly soft. Remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare the creamy frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, rum extract, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the cream for consistency, ensuring a perfect icing for your delightful cookies.

Step 10: Frost and Serve
Once the eggnog cookies have cooled completely, use a spatula to frost each cookie generously with the creamy icing. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving. These scrumptious cookies not only taste divine but also look festive and inviting on any holiday table!

How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep eggnog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and freshness.

Fridge: For extended freshness, store cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The cool environment helps retain moisture.

Freezer: Freeze eggnog cookies without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave for a few seconds until just soft, bringing back that delicious texture!

What to Serve with Budget-Friendly Eggnog Cookies

Indulging in these delightful treats evokes the essence of the holiday season, and pairing them with complementary dishes enhances the festive experience.

Creamy Eggnog: A classic pairing, the rich flavors of eggnog amplify the cookies' spiced essence, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Hot Cocoa: Warm and comforting, hot cocoa provides a delightful contrast to the soft texture of the cookies, inviting you to savor each bite.
Spiced Tea: A soothing spiced tea offers aromatic notes, perfectly accentuating the holiday spices found in the cookies while adding warmth to your festive gatherings.
Peppermint Bark: The cool minty flavor of peppermint bark creates an exciting textural contrast, making it a refreshing treat alongside the rich eggnog cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crunchy and sweet, these chips deliver a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the cookies, serving as a fun dipping option.
Pecan Pie: A festive favorite, the nutty sweetness of pecan pie pairs beautifully with the warm flavors in the cookies, making your dessert table irresistible.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a bright, vibrant touch that balances the sweetness of the cookies while enhancing the holiday spirit.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts over warm cookies, introducing a luxurious twist that transforms each bite into a festive indulgence.

Make Ahead Options

These Eggnog Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the chilling step, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. For the frosted cookies, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge; just make sure to allow the icing to set before stacking. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and shape the chilled dough, then bake as directed for warm, festive cookies just as delicious as if made fresh!

Eggnog Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these Eggnog Cookies, making them truly your own by exploring delightful swaps and twists!

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the same texture without the gluten.
Switching to gluten-free can open up delicious possibilities while ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats!
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil for lactose-free cookies.
Your eggnog cookies will still be soft and delicious, welcoming all to your holiday table.
Sweetener Swap: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
This slight shift can provide a unique hint of caramel flavor while maintaining that sweet cookie goodness.
Nutmeg Alternative: If you’re out of nutmeg, cinnamon can stand in to provide a warm, spiced flavor.
The cookies will still evoke holiday cheer and remind you of classic eggnog delights.
Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
These cookies can still be irresistible while accommodating your plant-based friends!
Flavor Twists: Swap rum extract for almond extract for a unique nutty flavor that complements the spices.
This twist offers a different flavor profile that’s equally festive and satisfying.
Textural Features: Roll the dough balls in crushed pecans or walnuts before baking for added crunch.
This delightful textural variation brings not only flavor but also a festive visual appeal!
Frosting Variations: Use cream cheese instead of butter in the icing for a tangy twist.
You'll introduce a fabulous depth to the frosting, adding excitement with every bite.

If you love cookie variations, you might also enjoy making Mexican Wedding Cookies or exploring flavors from other beloved recipes like Thumbprint Cookies Melt. The sky’s the limit!

Expert Tips for Eggnog Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming for a smooth texture without clumps.
Proper Flour Measurement: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurement, avoiding dense cookies.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes helps maintain shape and achieve that soft, chewy center—don't skip this step!
Baking Timing: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be just set at the edges and still soft in the center for the perfect texture of eggnog cookies.
Double the Frosting: If you love frosting, don’t hesitate to double the icing ingredients for an extra creamy finish, just as many reviewers have suggested!

Eggnog Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my eggnog is ripe for baking?
Absolutely! When selecting eggnog for your cookies, choose a brand that is creamy and well-mixed, without any separation. If it appears too thick or has dark spots, it may not be fresh. Always check expiration dates and give it a good shake before using, as settling can occur.

How should I store my eggnog cookies?
To keep your eggnog cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their softness and flavor. I often place a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist longer!

Can I freeze the eggnog cookies?
Yes! To freeze your eggnog cookies, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This will keep them good for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds until they regain their softness.

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your eggnog cookies spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm before baking or not chilling sufficiently. For the best results, always chill the dough for at least 20-30 minutes. If you find they still spread, try adding a bit more flour to the mixture next time, about a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a thicker consistency.

Are these eggnog cookies safe for pets?
Not at all! Eggnog cookies contain ingredients, such as sugar, butter, and possibly rum extract, that are not suitable for pets. Always keep these cookies stored out of reach from your furry friends to ensure their safety.

Can I substitute any ingredients to make them healthier?
Definitely! You can use whole wheat flour for added fiber or replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. If you're looking for a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free margarine and use almond milk instead of heavy cream in the frosting. Enjoy exploring different substitutions for a healthier treat!