For all you eggnog lovers out there, prepare to have your holiday baking dreams come true with these incredible Eggnog Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream! A spectacular choice for any festive gathering or holiday cookie exchange, these deliciously soft spice cookies are generously infused with the creamy, rich flavor of eggnog and delicately spiced with a touch of rum, making them an undeniable standout on any cookie tray.

Eggnog Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide

As the holiday season draws near, the aroma of freshly baked cookies becomes an essential part of the festive atmosphere. And if you’re looking to elevate your seasonal baking, this recipe for iced eggnog cookies is an absolute game-changer. Imagine a cookie that encapsulates all the warmth and comfort of a classic holiday drink: a soft, tender cookie base bursting with authentic eggnog flavor, enhanced by aromatic spices, and crowned with a luxurious, spiked eggnog buttercream. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a celebration in every bite.

These unique cookies offer a delightful departure from typical holiday fare, yet they still embody the spirit of the season with their rich, comforting profile. Whether you’re a lifelong eggnog enthusiast or curious to explore its magic in a new form, these cookies are designed to impress and delight. They’re not overly sweet, allowing the nuanced flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and creamy eggnog to shine through, creating a balanced and utterly irresistible treat that will quickly become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Why Eggnog Cookies Are a Must for Your Holiday Tray

This holiday iced eggnog cookie recipe is destined to be the star of your next cookie exchange or family gathering! Envision a pillowy-soft cookie base, generously slathered with silky buttercream icing, and finished with a delicate dusting of fresh nutmeg. The optional touch of rum adds a sophisticated warmth, all harmonizing with the creamy, unmistakably rich flavor of eggnog. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

I can confidently say you’ll be thanking me for years to come for introducing you to these cookies. Without fail, I’m always asked to bring these particular eggnog cookies to any holiday cookie exchange, confirming that they are adored by everyone who tries them. They truly stand out amidst a spread of gingerbread and sugar cookies, offering a unique and memorable flavor.

While I personally enjoy a hint of rum to enhance the holiday spirit in my eggnog creations, you can certainly omit it from these cookies for an alcohol-free version, or substitute it with an equal amount of rum extract for that distinctive flavor without the alcohol. Even if you consider yourself an ambivalent fan of the drink itself, I encourage you to try these eggnog cookies. Many find that the baked version offers a delightful surprise, often comparing their comforting spice and tender texture to a beloved snickerdoodle, but with a festive eggnog twist.

For a truly spectacular holiday cookie assortment, alongside these marvelous Eggnog Cookies, consider including timeless classics like Cutout Butter Cookies, the universally loved Chocolate Chip Cookie, festive Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, cheerful Soft-Baked Christmas Sprinkle Cookies, decadent Peanut Butter Blowout Cookies, and nostalgic Rum Balls. To truly impress, you might also whip up a batch of creamy White Chocolate Christmas Fudge or even Grandma’s legendary Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fudge to complete your holiday platters. The possibilities for a delectable holiday spread are endless, and these eggnog cookies will certainly hold their own among the best.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Eggnog Cookies

Crafting the perfect eggnog cookie starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some insights to ensure your cookies turn out exceptionally well:

Essential Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: You can use either white (bleached) or unbleached flour. Unbleached flour simply hasn’t undergone the same bleaching process, offering a slightly denser texture and a more natural color, but either will work beautifully for these cookies.
• Baking Powder: This is your key leavening agent. Always check the expiration date to ensure it’s fresh and active, as it’s crucial for achieving that desired soft, slightly risen cookie texture.
• Nutmeg and Cinnamon: These warm, classic spices are absolutely essential and complementary to the rich flavor of eggnog. Freshly grated nutmeg, if available, will provide an unparalleled aromatic boost.

Creamy Wet Ingredients

• Granulated Sugar and Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with the texture of the cookies, while powdered sugar is specifically used for the smooth, creamy consistency of the spiked eggnog buttercream.
• Butter, Slightly Softened: For superior flavor and texture in baking, always opt for real butter, not margarine. Butter contains less water and more fat, resulting in rich, tender cookies, whereas margarine can lead to thinner, less flavorful results. Ensure it’s slightly softened, not melted, for proper creaming.
• Egg Yolks: These are the secret to giving these cookies an extra-rich flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. The yolks contribute to the golden hue and depth of taste.
• Vanilla Extract: The smooth, aromatic notes of vanilla beautifully complement the rum and spices, adding another layer of complex flavor to your cookies.

The Signature Eggnog Flavor & Spike

• Eggnog: You’ll typically find cartons of eggnog (similar to cream or milk) in most grocery stores during the holiday season. For the best, most decadent results, use a full-fat version. Its richness is integral to the cookie’s unique taste.
• Spiced or Dark Rum (or Rum Extract): A splash of rum adds a delightful sweetness and depth that beautifully contrasts the eggy richness of the eggnog. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, rum extract is an excellent non-alcoholic alternative that still delivers the distinct flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Eggnog Cookies

Creating these delightful eggnog cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time:

Prepare Your Workspace

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature helps ensure a soft, evenly baked cookie. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

2. In a separate, larger mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and slightly softened butter. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.

Combining Wet and Dry

3. Next, pour in the eggnog and rum (or rum extract) into the butter mixture. Continue to mix on medium speed until the liquid ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the eggnog/sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.

Baking and Cooling

4. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Do not overbake.
6. Immediately after removing them from the oven, you can optionally sprinkle the warm cookies with a pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg for added aroma and visual appeal.
7. Carefully transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Crafting the Creamy Spiked Eggnog Buttercream

No eggnog cookie is complete without a luscious, creamy frosting to match! This spiked eggnog buttercream is incredibly easy to make and adds the perfect finishing touch of flavor and elegance.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and softened butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on low speed until they are well blended and form a crumbly mixture. Gradually increase the speed to medium and continue beating until light and fluffy.

Next, slowly add the eggnog, a tablespoon at a time, along with the rum (or rum extract). Continue mixing on medium-high speed until the icing is completely smooth, creamy, and has reached your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more eggnog; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until it’s perfect for spreading.

Once your cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, generously frost each one with the homemade eggnog buttercream. For a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a tiny dash of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg over the top of each frosted cookie before serving. This not only adds a lovely visual appeal but also enhances the overall holiday aroma.

What Exactly is Eggnog and What Does It Taste Like?

If you’ve never had eggnog, you might be curious about its distinctive flavor profile. After all, it’s a cold, dairy-based drink that includes eggs, yet remarkably, it doesn’t have an “eggy” taste. Eggnog is a rich, creamy, and sweet beverage that is almost like a drinkable, melted frozen custard. It’s traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs (yolks and sometimes whites), and often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

The Unique Flavor Profile of Eggnog

The flavor of eggnog is truly unique and difficult to compare to anything else. It’s decadently rich, with a velvety smooth texture, and its sweetness is perfectly balanced by the warming spices of cinnamon and, most notably, nutmeg. Many people describe it as tasting like a lighter, spiced vanilla milkshake, but with a thicker consistency and a more complex depth of flavor thanks to the egg yolks. It’s a taste that instantly evokes holiday cheer and comfort.

Historically, eggnog dates back to medieval Britain, originating from a drink called “posset,” made with hot milk, curdled with wine or ale, and often spiced. Over centuries, it evolved, gaining popularity among the wealthy due to the costly ingredients of milk, eggs, and sherry. When it crossed the Atlantic to the American colonies, rum became a popular addition, given its availability. Today, it remains a beloved seasonal indulgence.

While eggnog is commonly served with a shot of alcohol – traditionally rum, brandy, or bourbon – you can easily find or prepare delicious non-alcoholic versions. Most grocery stores stock non-alcoholic cartons of eggnog during the holiday season, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy this festive treat.

Exploring Other Eggnog Creations

There’s virtually no end to what you can create with this official ingredient of Christmas. The super-rich, nutmeg-flavored cream makes a wonderful and festive addition to a myriad of recipes beyond just these delightful cookies. Consider using it to infuse holiday spirit into your breakfast with No-Yeast Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls or moist Eggnog Banana Bread Muffins. For a decadent brunch, try Baked Eggnog Pumpkin French Toast. Even your coffee can get a holiday makeover with eggnog iced coffee, turning an everyday drink into a seasonal delight.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Your Eggnog Cookies

To ensure your eggnog cookies remain as delicious as the day you baked them, proper storage is key. Whether you’re making them ahead of time or simply want to savor them for longer, here are the best ways to store and freeze your holiday treats:

Storing Baked Eggnog Cookies

Once baked and frosted, these Eggnog Cookies will maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor for up to 7 days. To keep them at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness and to prevent the frosting from sticking, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies if stacking them.

Freezing Unbaked Cookie Dough

Preparing cookie dough in advance is a fantastic time-saver during the busy holiday season. You can easily freeze these eggnog cookie dough balls. Simply scoop the dough into uniform balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper that fits in your freezer. Freeze until the dough balls are solid, typically 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the solid dough balls to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before preheating your oven and baking as directed. You might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Freezing Baked (Unfrosted) Cookies

If you prefer to bake the cookies ahead of time but want to frost them fresh, you can freeze the baked cookies without frosting. After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, ensuring they are not stacked too tightly to prevent breakage. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quicker thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, you can whip up a fresh batch of eggnog buttercream and frost them just before serving, making them taste freshly baked!

Eggnog Cookies Iced with Eggnog Buttercream

Yield:
3 dozen

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

For all you eggnog lovers out there, these Eggnog Cookies are a dream come true! A perfect choice for any holiday cookie exchange, these deliciously soft spice cookies infused with eggnog and spiked with a touch of rum are always a cookie tray favorite.

Ingredients

For Eggnog Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 scant teaspoon ground nutmeg (or freshly grated)
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened (1 1/2 sticks)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup full-fat eggnog
• 1-2 tablespoons spiced or dark rum (or 1/2-1 tablespoon rum extract for non-alcoholic)

For Eggnog Buttercream

• 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup full-fat eggnog (adjust as needed for consistency)
• 1-2 teaspoons spiced or dark rum (or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon rum extract)
• Optional: Additional ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients & Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Combine & Mix Dough: To the wet mixture, add the eggnog and rum (or rum extract). Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the reserved dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
4. Bake Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
5. Cool: Remove cookies immediately from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg while warm. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For Eggnog Buttercream

6. Prepare Buttercream: In a small mixing bowl, beat the powdered sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer until well blended and crumbly. Gradually add the eggnog and rum (or rum extract), continuing to mix until the icing is smooth and creamy. Adjust eggnog or powdered sugar as needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Frost & Serve: Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread or pipe the eggnog buttercream onto each cookie. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish if desired. Serve immediately or store.

Notes

• Storing Baked Cookies: Eggnog Cookies remain soft and fresh for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Freezing Unbaked Cookie Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze solid on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature before baking.
• Freezing Baked (Unfrosted) Cookies: Allow baked cookies to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then frost before serving.

Recommended Products

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• Aluminum Baker’s Half Sheet Pan
• Reynolds Cookie Baking Sheets Non-Stick Parchment Paper
• Pure Almond Extract
• KitchenAid Hand Mixer
• KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Stand Mixer
• Glass Bowl Set
• Cookie Scoop
• Cooling Racks
• Offset Spatula

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 36
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 147Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 58mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used.

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Originally posted December 2011. UPDATED December 2020. This post has been spiffed up with more information and improved pictures! No changes were made to the original delicious recipe.