Festive Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

Jolly Festive Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe: Holiday Magic!

Sweet and sparkly eggnog sugar cookies dance with holiday cheer, blending classic cookie comfort with rich eggnog flavor.

These delightful treats capture the essence of seasonal celebrations.

Warm spices mingle with creamy notes, creating a cookie that feels like a festive embrace.

Each bite tells a story of cozy winter moments and cherished traditions.

Buttery, soft, and dusted with a hint of nutmeg, these cookies promise to become your new holiday favorite.

Bakers will love how simple yet impressive these cookies are at any gathering.

Prepare to spread some delicious joy this season!

FAQs

  • What makes these cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

The eggnog adds a rich, creamy holiday flavor and helps create an extra tender texture, making these cookies more indulgent and festive compared to traditional sugar cookies.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

A stand mixer or electric hand mixer is helpful for creaming butter and sugar, but you can also mix by hand with a wooden spoon if needed. A cookie scoop makes portioning easier, but a tablespoon works just fine.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them. They should look slightly underdone when you first take them out of the oven.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 24

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Foundational base providing structure and classic cookie texture, choose unbleached for better flavor.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents ensuring cookies rise and become light and airy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm holiday spices creating signature eggnog flavor profile, use freshly ground for maximum aroma.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy taste and helps create tender cookie texture, use room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to cookie's golden color and soft texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.
  • Eggnog: Infuses signature holiday flavor and adds creamy moisture, choose high-quality, full-fat version.
  • Vanilla Extract: Amplifies overall sweetness and adds depth of flavor, opt for pure extract over artificial.
For Finishing:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates elegant, festive dusting and adds delicate sweetness, sift before sprinkling for even coverage.

Tools That Help You Nail These Soft Cookies

  • Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
  • Medium Bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients together.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining wet ingredients and creating cookie dough.
  • Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Helps create uniform, evenly sized cookies.
  • Baking Sheets: Two sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy baking.
  • Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Whisk: Ideal for mixing dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Bake Eggnog Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for hassle-free cookie.

  • Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl, creating a fragrant spice blend.

  • Whip Butter and Sugar

Use a mixer to cream butter and sugars until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that’s light and dreamy.

  • Marry Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one by one, then splash in eggnog and vanilla extract, stirring until everything hugs together perfectly.

  • Combine Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing just until combined – don’t overwork the dough or cookies will get cranky.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Drop cookie dough onto prepared sheets, leaving space between each dollop. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

  • Finish with Flair

Let cookies cool briefly, then drift powdered sugar over the top for a festive, snow-kissed look that’ll make everyone smile.

Tips to Bring Out That Holiday Spice

  • Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, more uniform cookies.
  • Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, or freeze dough balls for up to 2 months for spontaneous baking.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free eggnog alternative to make these cookies suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Experiment with adding rum extract, orange zest, or white chocolate chips to enhance the traditional eggnog flavor profile and create exciting taste variations.
  • Package cooled cookies in festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a homemade gift that spreads delicious holiday cheer.

Serving Up Eggnog Cookies with Style

  • Holiday Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks for a beautiful seasonal presentation.
  • Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a glass of sweet cream sherry or mulled wine to complement the warm eggnog and spice flavors in the cookies.
  • Gifting Delights: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a small holiday ornament for a charming homemade gift that spreads Christmas cheer.
  • Brunch Accompaniment: Place cookies next to a steaming mug of hot cocoa or coffee as a delightful morning treat that brings warmth and comfort to your weekend breakfast spread.

Store Eggnog Cookies to Keep Them Soft

  • Transfer cooled cookies to an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for 4-5 days, maintaining soft texture and delightful flavor.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for future enjoyment. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Add a small piece of soft bread to the storage container, which helps maintain cookie softness and prevents them from becoming dry or crispy during storage.
  • Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, shape dough into balls and freeze unbaked for spontaneous fresh-baked treats anytime.
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Festive Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

Festive Eggnog Sugar Cookies


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Sugar Cookies blend festive holiday cheer with classic cookie comfort. Homemade treats promise rich, creamy eggnog flavors that will delight winter gatherings and sweet-seeking guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 grams / 13.2 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams / 10.6 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (227 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) eggnog
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (120 grams / 4.2 oz) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons eggnog
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon rum extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange parchment-lined baking sheets for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl to ensure spice distribution and eliminate potential clumping.
  3. Butter Transformation: Employ a mixer to cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture achieves a cloud-like, pale consistency that promises tender cookies.
  4. Liquid Integration: Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Stream in eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing until the liquid melds seamlessly with the butter mixture.
  5. Dough Development: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet components using low-speed mixing, preventing gluten development and maintaining a delicate cookie texture.
  6. Baking Execution: Scoop dough onto prepared sheets, spacing mounds generously to allow for natural spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, targeting lightly golden edges while preserving soft, pillowy centers.
  7. Cooling and Finishing: Rest cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes to set structure, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with a delicate veil of powdered sugar, creating an elegant, festive presentation that hints at the cookie’s luxurious eggnog essence.

Notes

  • Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, spices, and eggnog to maintain the delicate balance of flavors and ensure consistent cookie texture.
  • Control Mixing Technique: Mix wet and dry ingredients gently to prevent tough cookies, stopping just when ingredients are combined to preserve the tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  • Watch Baking Time Carefully: Check cookies at 10 minutes, looking for light golden edges and soft centers; ovens vary, so monitor closely to avoid overbaking and dry results.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular eggnog with dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions, keeping the recipe’s signature festive flavor profile intact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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