Eggnog Sugar Cookies Delicious Holiday Delight

by Emily on October 24, 2025

Get ready to impress your friends and family with Eggnog Sugar Cookies, a sweet twist for the holiday season. This easy recipe combines the festive flavors of eggnog with classic sugar cookies, creating a treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cookies are fun to make and even better to share. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to bake your new favorite holiday delight!

$- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¾ cup eggnog - 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing) - Extra nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish When making eggnog sugar cookies, choose fresh ingredients for the best taste. Look for: - Butter: Use unsalted butter; it gives you control over the salt. - Eggnog: Pick a rich, creamy eggnog for a full flavor. Organic or homemade is often best. - Spices: Freshly ground nutmeg and cinnamon provide a stronger flavor. Check the expiration dates on your spices. You can make this recipe your own with simple swaps: - Flour: For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. - Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can add a deeper flavor. - Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option. - Butter: For dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or coconut oil. These tips help you create cookies that fit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy baking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure your cookies bake evenly. Next, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick and makes cleanup easy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to spread the flavors evenly. Set this bowl aside for later. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft texture in your cookies. Now, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog into the butter and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. Gradually add the dry mixture to this wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it can make your cookies tough. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing allows them to spread while baking. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of eggnog. Stir until smooth. Adjust the icing consistency with more eggnog or powdered sugar as needed. Once your cookies are cool, drizzle the icing over them. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon on top for extra flavor and a festive touch. To get soft and chewy cookies, you need to cream the butter and sugar well. Mix until it feels light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough. When you mix in the eggnog, it helps keep cookies moist. Make sure not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. A few lumps are okay. This keeps the cookies tender. One mistake is baking cookies too long. Keep an eye on them. They should be just golden at the edges. If you wait until they look brown, they may be dry. Another mistake is using cold butter. Always soften it first. Cold butter won’t mix well and leads to hard cookies. Lastly, don’t skip the eggnog. It adds flavor and moisture. When icing, start with cooled cookies. Warm cookies will melt your icing. Mix the powdered sugar with eggnog until smooth. Aim for a drizzle-able consistency. If it’s too thick, add more eggnog. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Drizzle the icing on top and sprinkle with extra nutmeg and cinnamon. This makes them look pretty and tasty. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors. Use Fresh Spices: Always opt for fresh ground nutmeg and cinnamon for the best flavor. Fresh spices can significantly elevate the taste of your cookies. Perfect Icing Consistency: When making the icing, start with less eggnog and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still smooth for drizzling. Decorative Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg on top of the icing for an eye-catching finish and additional flavor. This small step makes a big visual difference! {{image_2}} You can make eggnog sugar cookies even better. Try adding ginger for warmth. A half teaspoon works well. You can also add cloves or allspice for a cozy touch. If you want a twist, use orange zest. It gives a bright flavor that pairs nicely with the eggnog. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite mix. If you need a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Make sure it’s a blend meant for baking. This helps keep the texture light and fluffy. Use the same amount, 2 ¾ cups. The cookies will still taste great and fit your diet. Enjoy the holiday flavors without worrying! You can change up the icing for fun. Instead of eggnog icing, use cream cheese icing for a richer flavor. Mix 4 ounces of cream cheese with powdered sugar and a bit of milk. It gives a tangy twist. You can also top the cookies with crushed candy canes or chocolate chips. These add a fun crunch and make your cookies pop! To keep your eggnog sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can also add a slice of bread to keep them soft. This helps absorb moisture. When stored properly, these cookies last about one week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent drying out. To freeze your eggnog sugar cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature. Then, add icing before serving for a fresh taste. Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Once cool, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze the cookies. Wrap them well, and they can last up to three months. When you want to eat them, just thaw and enjoy! I recommend using store-bought eggnog for ease. Choose a brand you like, as the flavor shines through. If you prefer homemade eggnog, that works too! Just ensure it is thick and creamy for the best results. The richness enhances the cookie's flavor. You can use margarine, but it may change the taste and texture. Butter adds richness and depth that margarine can't match. If you want a dairy-free option, look for a high-quality margarine. Just ensure it is softened for easy mixing. To make smaller cookies, use a smaller scoop or spoon. Adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes. For larger cookies, use a bigger scoop and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn. Adjusting size alters the texture, but both will taste great! In this blog post, I covered the key ingredients for delicious eggnog sugar cookies and shared step-by-step instructions to make them. I provided tips for selecting quality ingredients and offered helpful substitutions. You also learned tricks for achieving the right cookie texture and ice them perfectly. Remember, you can customize your cookies or store them properly for later. Enjoy baking! These cookies will surely bring joy to your holiday season.$

Why I Love This Recipe

Festive Flavor: These cookies capture the essence of holiday eggnog in every bite, making them perfect for celebrations.
Soft and Chewy: The texture is delightful, with a soft and chewy center that pairs beautifully with the sweet icing.
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy bakers during the holiday season.
Customizable Decoration: The simple icing allows for creativity; add your favorite festive touches to each cookie!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon baking soda

– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– ¾ cup eggnog

– 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

– Extra nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish

Tips for Selecting Quality Ingredients

When making eggnog sugar cookies, choose fresh ingredients for the best taste. Look for:

– Butter: Use unsalted butter; it gives you control over the salt.

– Eggnog: Pick a rich, creamy eggnog for a full flavor. Organic or homemade is often best.

– Spices: Freshly ground nutmeg and cinnamon provide a stronger flavor. Check the expiration dates on your spices.

Substitutions for Common Ingredients

You can make this recipe your own with simple swaps:

– Flour: For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

– Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.

– Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.

– Butter: For dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or coconut oil.

These tips help you create cookies that fit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure your cookies bake evenly. Next, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick and makes cleanup easy.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to spread the flavors evenly. Set this bowl aside for later.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft texture in your cookies.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog into the butter and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. Gradually add the dry mixture to this wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it can make your cookies tough.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing allows them to spread while baking. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Preparing and Applying the Icing

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of eggnog. Stir until smooth. Adjust the icing consistency with more eggnog or powdered sugar as needed. Once your cookies are cool, drizzle the icing over them. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon on top for extra flavor and a festive touch.

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture

To get soft and chewy cookies, you need to cream the butter and sugar well. Mix until it feels light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough. When you mix in the eggnog, it helps keep cookies moist. Make sure not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. A few lumps are okay. This keeps the cookies tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is baking cookies too long. Keep an eye on them. They should be just golden at the edges. If you wait until they look brown, they may be dry. Another mistake is using cold butter. Always soften it first. Cold butter won’t mix well and leads to hard cookies. Lastly, don’t skip the eggnog. It adds flavor and moisture.

Best Practices for Icing Cookies

When icing, start with cooled cookies. Warm cookies will melt your icing. Mix the powdered sugar with eggnog until smooth. Aim for a drizzle-able consistency. If it’s too thick, add more eggnog. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Drizzle the icing on top and sprinkle with extra nutmeg and cinnamon. This makes them look pretty and tasty.

Pro Tips

Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors.
Use Fresh Spices: Always opt for fresh ground nutmeg and cinnamon for the best flavor. Fresh spices can significantly elevate the taste of your cookies.
Perfect Icing Consistency: When making the icing, start with less eggnog and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still smooth for drizzling.
Decorative Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg on top of the icing for an eye-catching finish and additional flavor. This small step makes a big visual difference!

Variations

Adding Other Spices or Flavorings

You can make eggnog sugar cookies even better. Try adding ginger for warmth. A half teaspoon works well. You can also add cloves or allspice for a cozy touch. If you want a twist, use orange zest. It gives a bright flavor that pairs nicely with the eggnog. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite mix.

Gluten-Free Version of Eggnog Sugar Cookies

If you need a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Make sure it’s a blend meant for baking. This helps keep the texture light and fluffy. Use the same amount, 2 ¾ cups. The cookies will still taste great and fit your diet. Enjoy the holiday flavors without worrying!

Incorporating Different Icings or Toppings

You can change up the icing for fun. Instead of eggnog icing, use cream cheese icing for a richer flavor. Mix 4 ounces of cream cheese with powdered sugar and a bit of milk. It gives a tangy twist. You can also top the cookies with crushed candy canes or chocolate chips. These add a fun crunch and make your cookies pop!

Storage Info

Best Ways to Store Eggnog Sugar Cookies

To keep your eggnog sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can also add a slice of bread to keep them soft. This helps absorb moisture.

How Long Do They Last?

When stored properly, these cookies last about one week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent drying out.

Freezing Tips for Longer Storage

To freeze your eggnog sugar cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature. Then, add icing before serving for a fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Once cool, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze the cookies. Wrap them well, and they can last up to three months. When you want to eat them, just thaw and enjoy!

What type of eggnog is best for this recipe?

I recommend using store-bought eggnog for ease. Choose a brand you like, as the flavor shines through. If you prefer homemade eggnog, that works too! Just ensure it is thick and creamy for the best results. The richness enhances the cookie’s flavor.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can use margarine, but it may change the taste and texture. Butter adds richness and depth that margarine can’t match. If you want a dairy-free option, look for a high-quality margarine. Just ensure it is softened for easy mixing.

How do I make these cookies smaller or larger?

To make smaller cookies, use a smaller scoop or spoon. Adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes. For larger cookies, use a bigger scoop and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn. Adjusting size alters the texture, but both will taste great!

In this blog post, I covered the key ingredients for delicious eggnog sugar cookies and shared step-by-step instructions to make them. I provided tips for selecting quality ingredients and offered helpful substitutions. You also learned tricks for achieving the right cookie texture and ice them perfectly. Remember, you can customize your cookies or store them properly for later. Enjoy baking! These cookies will surely bring joy to your holiday seaso