Festive & Flavorful: Eggnog Cookies Recipes to Spice Up Your Holidays

Eggnog, that creamy, spiced holiday beverage, isn’t just for sipping by the fire. It’s a fantastic flavor base for a variety of baked goods, and eggnog cookies are a perfect example! These cookies capture the essence of the holidays in every bite, offering a warm, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist. This article will guide you through multiple eggnog cookie recipes, from classic to creative, ensuring you have the perfect treat for every occasion. We’ll cover detailed steps, helpful tips, and variations to personalize your eggnog cookie experience. So, preheat your ovens and get ready to bake some holiday magic!

## Why Eggnog Cookies Are the Perfect Holiday Treat

Eggnog cookies offer a unique combination of flavors and textures that make them ideal for the holiday season:

* **Warm Spices:** Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves are the hallmark spices of eggnog, and they impart a cozy, inviting aroma and taste to the cookies.
* **Creamy Richness:** Eggnog’s creamy base adds a moistness and richness to the cookies that other recipes can’t match.
* **Festive Flavor:** The distinct flavor of eggnog instantly evokes holiday memories and adds a touch of celebration to any gathering.
* **Versatility:** Eggnog cookies can be easily adapted to suit different preferences, from simple drop cookies to elaborately decorated sugar cookies.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** These cookies are a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, and neighbors. A beautifully packaged batch of eggnog cookies is sure to brighten anyone’s day.

## Recipe 1: Classic Eggnog Cookies

This recipe is a perfect starting point for your eggnog cookie journey. It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers a delightful eggnog flavor.

**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-12 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup eggnog
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Incorporate Eggnog:** Gradually add the eggnog, mixing until well combined. The batter may appear slightly curdled at this point, which is normal.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
6. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. **Drop Cookies onto Baking Sheets:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **For a stronger eggnog flavor:** Use a higher quality eggnog or add a teaspoon of rum extract to the batter.
* **Add chopped nuts:** Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to enhance the warm spice notes.
* **Glaze them:** Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple eggnog glaze (recipe below).

## Recipe 2: Eggnog Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These cookies are perfect for decorating and adding a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. The eggnog flavor is subtle but delightful, and the royal icing provides a smooth, glossy canvas for your creativity.

**Yields:** Approximately 36 cookies
**Prep time:** 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
**Cook time:** 8-10 minutes

**Ingredients (Cookies):**

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup eggnog
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Ingredients (Royal Icing):**

* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 3 tablespoons meringue powder
* 6-8 tablespoons warm water
* Food coloring (gel or paste)

**Instructions (Cookies):**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Egg, Eggnog, and Vanilla:** Beat in the egg, then stir in the eggnog and vanilla extract.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Chill the Dough:** Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
6. **Preheat and Roll Out Dough:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. **Cut Out Cookies:** Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should be pale in color.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Instructions (Royal Icing):**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
2. **Add Water:** Gradually add the warm water, starting with 6 tablespoons, and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Gradually increase the speed to medium and beat for 5-7 minutes, or until the icing is smooth, glossy, and forms stiff peaks.
3. **Adjust Consistency:** If the icing is too thick, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
4. **Color the Icing:** Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to achieve desired shades. Mix well.
5. **Decorate Cookies:** Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with desired tips and decorate the cooled cookies.
6. **Dry:** Let the decorated cookies dry completely, uncovered, for several hours or overnight, before stacking or packaging.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Prevent Spreading:** Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading during baking.
* **Royal Icing Consistency:** Adjust the consistency of the royal icing to suit your decorating needs. Thicker icing is ideal for outlining, while thinner icing is better for flooding.
* **Decorating Ideas:** Use a variety of piping techniques, sprinkles, edible glitter, and other decorations to create unique and festive designs.
* **Flavor Variations:** Add a few drops of almond extract or lemon extract to the cookie dough for a different flavor profile.

## Recipe 3: Eggnog Snickerdoodles

This recipe combines the classic cinnamon-sugar coating of snickerdoodles with the warm spices of eggnog, creating a truly irresistible cookie.

**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 8-10 minutes

**Ingredients (Cookies):

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup eggnog
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Ingredients (Cinnamon-Sugar Coating):

* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Eggs, Eggnog, and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the eggnog and vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Combine Coating Ingredients:** In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the coating.
7. **Roll Dough into Balls:** Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
8. **Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:** Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it evenly.
9. **Place on Baking Sheets:** Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
10. **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
11. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Tartness:** The cream of tartar is essential for the signature tangy flavor and chewy texture of snickerdoodles. Don’t skip it!
* **Even Coating:** Make sure the cookies are evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a consistent flavor and appearance.
* **Soft Centers:** Avoid overbaking the cookies to maintain their soft and chewy centers.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of warmth.

## Recipe 4: Eggnog Shortbread Cookies

For a delicate and buttery treat, try these eggnog shortbread cookies. They’re simple to make and offer a subtle yet satisfying eggnog flavor.

**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep time:** 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
**Cook time:** 12-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup eggnog
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Add Eggnog:** Gradually add the eggnog, mixing until well combined.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Chill the Dough:** Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
6. **Preheat and Roll Out Dough:** Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. **Cut Out Cookies:** Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should be pale in color.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):** Once the cookies are cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Cold Butter:** Using cold butter (but still pliable) is crucial for achieving the crumbly texture of shortbread.
* **Minimal Mixing:** Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
* **Piercing the Dough:** Before baking, prick the cookies all over with a fork to prevent them from puffing up.
* **Flavor Enhancements:** Add a few drops of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different flavor profile.

## Recipe 5: Eggnog Crinkle Cookies

These festive cookies are known for their crackled tops and soft, chewy interiors. The eggnog flavor adds a warm and comforting touch.

**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep time:** 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
**Cook time:** 10-12 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup eggnog
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Powdered sugar, for coating

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Add Eggs, Eggnog, and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the eggnog and vanilla extract.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Chill the Dough:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
6. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. **Roll Dough into Balls:** Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
8. **Coat with Powdered Sugar:** Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating it generously. Make sure the balls are completely covered.
9. **Place on Baking Sheets:** Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
10. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. The centers may still appear slightly soft.
11. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Chilling is Key:** Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the signature crinkled appearance. Don’t skip this step!
* **Generous Coating:** Make sure the cookies are generously coated with powdered sugar to create a distinct contrast between the dark cracks and the white coating.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Avoid overbaking the cookies to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of warmth.

## Eggnog Glaze Recipe

This simple eggnog glaze is the perfect finishing touch for many of the cookie recipes mentioned above. It adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the eggnog flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons eggnog
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth.
2. **Adjust Consistency:** Add more eggnog, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to adhere to the cookies.
3. **Drizzle or Dip:** Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies or dip the cookies into the glaze.
4. **Let Set:** Let the glaze set completely before stacking or packaging the cookies.

## Tips for Baking Perfect Eggnog Cookies

* **Use High-Quality Eggnog:** The flavor of your eggnog cookies will depend heavily on the quality of the eggnog you use. Choose a brand you enjoy drinking on its own.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough (When Required):** Some recipes require chilling the dough to prevent spreading and achieve the desired texture. Don’t skip this step!
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* **Bake Evenly:** Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the cookies to cool completely before glazing, decorating, or packaging.
* **Storage:** Store eggnog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.

## Creative Variations and Add-Ins

* **Chocolate Chips:** Stir in chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) for a decadent twist.
* **Dried Cranberries:** Add dried cranberries for a tart and festive flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** Incorporate orange zest for a bright and citrusy note.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a mocha-inspired flavor.
* **Rum Extract:** Enhance the rum flavor of eggnog by adding a teaspoon of rum extract.
* **Spiced Nuts:** Top the cookies with spiced nuts before baking for added crunch and flavor.

## Serving and Presentation Ideas

* **Cookie Platter:** Arrange a variety of eggnog cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings.
* **Gift Baskets:** Include eggnog cookies in gift baskets for friends, family, and neighbors.
* **Cookie Exchange:** Participate in a cookie exchange and share your delicious eggnog creations.
* **Warm with Coffee or Tea:** Serve eggnog cookies warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
* **Pair with Eggnog:** Of course, you can’t go wrong with pairing eggnog cookies with a glass of eggnog!

## Conclusion

Eggnog cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. With a variety of recipes and endless possibilities for customization, you can create the perfect batch of cookies to share with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some festive and flavorful eggnog cookies that will become a cherished tradition for years to come. Happy Baking!