Name: Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed; 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature; 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon rum extract; ¾ cup eggnog; ½ cup salted sweet cream butter, at room temperature; 3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup eggnog; Ground nutmeg, optional garnish

There’s something undeniably cozy about these Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe. Picture soft, spiced cookies infused with that classic holiday eggnog flavor, crowned with a creamy frosting that’s just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. They’re a festive treat that truly captures the spirit of the season.

The image shows several round, light brown cookies on a white plate with parchment paper. Each cookie is topped with one thick, swirled layer of creamy white frosting with a smooth and fluffy texture. Light sprinkles of cinnamon or spice powder are scattered over the frosting, adding small dark brown specks. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a blurred bowl and more cookies in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made my fair share of holiday cookies, but these Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe instantly became a new favorite. They’re not just another sweet treat; they bring that familiar warm, spiced eggnog flavor in cookie form, finished with a frosting that’s smooth and lightly boozy. Baking these feels like capturing the holiday joy in each bite.

Perfect holiday flavors: You get nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of rum extract that genuinely evoke classic eggnog.
Soft, chewy texture: These cookies balance moistness from eggnog with just the right amount of structure.
Frosting that complements without overpowering: The eggnog frosting adds sweetness and creaminess, tying it all together beautifully.
Great make-ahead potential: The dough actually tastes better after chilling overnight, so you can prep in advance.

A woman's hand is holding a cookie with one bite taken out of it, showing a soft, light brown inside with a slightly crumbly texture; on top of the cookie is a thick layer of creamy white frosting, swirled and topped with a light dusting of fine brown spice. In the background, there are several cookies arranged closely together, all topped with swirled white frosting. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with a white bowl and a wooden stick blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This cookie recipe is all about harmony—classic baking staples paired with eggnog and warming spices. Using quality ingredients, especially fresh eggnog, really makes the cookies shine. Here’s why each one is key to your success in this recipe.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl holding creamy off-white eggnog, two uncracked extra-large brown eggs, a neat pile of dark brown packed sugar, a neat pile of granulated white sugar, a rectangular slab of salted sweet cream butter, a small white bowl with warm golden ground nutmeg powder, a small white bowl with light brown ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with white baking powder, and a small white bowl with coarse white salt, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Gives these cookies a gentle rise and soft crumb.
Ground nutmeg and cinnamon: Essential spices that bring out that unmistakable holiday warmth.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spice flavors.
Salted sweet cream butter: Adds richness and contributes to a tender texture—make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
Granulated sugar and dark brown sugar: A combo that delivers sweetness plus moisture and depth.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help create a chewy texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out flavors.
Rum extract: That tiny splash brings authentic eggnog character—don’t skip it!
Eggnog: The star ingredient for authentic taste, adding moisture and that signature flavor.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Ensures the frosting is smooth and creamy with just the right sweetness.
Ground nutmeg (for garnish): Adds a festive final touch that’s visually appealing and aromatic.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Once you master the basics, you can get creative and make them truly your own.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping rum extract for bourbon or even brandy for a slightly richer flavor, and it works wonderfully—just a teaspoon or so adds a nice twist.
Dietary tweak: Using gluten-free flour blends works surprisingly well here if you want to go gluten-free, just keep an eye on the texture as it might be a bit more delicate.
Spice level: If nutmeg or cinnamon isn’t your thing, try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger instead for a unique, warm spice vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until it looks uniformly mixed—this helps the spices distribute evenly throughout the dough. It’s a small step, but it prevents clumps and ensures every cookie bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars

Next, beat your softened butter on medium-high speed for about 30 to 45 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add both sugars and keep beating for another minute or so. This process not only helps dissolve the sugars but also traps air—giving your cookies a lighter texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Lower your mixer speed to medium-low and add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated, with no yellow streaks left behind. Then stir in vanilla and rum extracts just until combined—overmixing after this point can make cookies tough, so keep it gentle.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Eggnog

Add your dry ingredients and eggnog alternately, starting and ending with the dry mix. This helps keep the dough balanced and smooth without overworking it. When the dough comes together, cover and chill it for at least an hour. Trust me, the flavors deepen during this rest!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto trays, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a rack—this helps them set without breaking.

Step 6: Whip Up the Eggnog Frosting

Beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and eggnog, alternating as you mix on medium-low speed. Keep going until smooth and fluffy. For decorating, I like using a star tip piping bag for that classic swirl – it really elevates these cookies from homemade to holiday fairy-tale level.

Step 7: Decorate and Garnish

Pipe your frosting on cooled cookies and dust lightly with ground nutmeg for that finishing touch. It’s a simple sprinkle that makes a big difference in aroma and presentation.

Top Tip

From baking these cookies several times, I’ve noticed little tweaks that can make your Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe even better. Here are some tips I wish I’d known from the start:

Softened butter timing: Don’t rush softening your butter. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream well, and if it’s too warm, your cookies might spread too much.
Chill the dough: Chilling is not optional here! The eggnog flavor intensifies and the dough firms up, making it easier to scoop and resulting in a better texture.
Don’t overmix once flour is added: Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to avoid tough cookies.
Use parchment paper or silicone mats: This prevents sticking and keeps bottoms perfectly golden without burning.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love a light dusting of freshly ground nutmeg on top of the frosting—it adds that subtle extra burst of aroma and makes each cookie feel festive and special. For a party, you can also sprinkle some crushed candy cane bits or festive colored sugar for extra holiday sparkle.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai, a bold coffee, or even a glass of chilled eggnog for a true seasonal treat. On the savory side, think about serving alongside cheese plates or nut mixes during a holiday gathering—it’s a nice balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or special occasions, I arrange these cookies on a pretty platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries. Wrapping in parchment with a festive ribbon turns them into an easy but thoughtful homemade gift. You could even stack them with wax paper between layers in a decorated tin for a charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge—they keep beautifully for about five days this way. Let them come to room temperature a bit before eating so the flavors and frosting texture really come alive again.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works well if you want to prep early! I freeze them unfrosted on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost fresh—this keeps the frosting from becoming soggy during freezing.

Reheating

I usually let frozen thawed cookies come to room temperature. They don’t really need warming since they’re soft and flavorful fresh from the fridge. If you want a warm cookie, pop it in the oven for just 5 minutes at 300°F to refresh without melting the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these cookies without alcohol?

Absolutely! The rum extract adds flavor without much alcohol content, but if you prefer, you can omit it or substitute with extra vanilla extract for a family-friendly version.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to underbake slightly than overdo it. Typically, 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F works well.

Can I use homemade eggnog in this recipe?

Definitely! Homemade eggnog enhances the flavor even more and works the same as store-bought. Just measure it carefully to keep the dough consistency right.

How far in advance can I prepare the dough?

You can make and chill the dough up to 24 hours ahead. In fact, chilling overnight deepens the eggnog flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

Final Thoughts

Making these Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe always feels like kicking off the holiday season in the best possible way—warm spices, rich eggnog flavor, and that creamy frosting you kind of want to eat by the spoonful. I hope you’ll give them a try and make your kitchen smell as inviting as mine does every time I bake them. Trust me, sharing these cookies with friends or family almost feels like sharing a little holiday magic.