The Story Behind the Recipe
Some holiday recipes feel like little hugs baked right into the dough — soft, warm, spiced, and full of nostalgic comfort. The Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting are exactly that kind of recipe — the kind that fills your home with the scent of Christmas and wraps your heart in sweetness.
These cookies didn’t start as a planned recipe. They were born out of a cozy December day when I had leftover eggnog sitting in the fridge after a family movie night. The house was peaceful, the Christmas tree lights were twinkling softly, and soft holiday music played in the background. I opened the fridge, saw the eggnog, and something inside whispered,
“Why not turn this into a holiday cookie?”
Eggnog had already been warming our winter nights — in lattes, in French toast, in mugs topped with whipped cream. But in cookies? That felt like a new kind of magic.
I pulled out my mixing bowl, creamed the butter and sugar, and added a splash of eggnog. Suddenly the kitchen filled with the warm aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet holiday comfort. As the dough came together, soft and pale and beautifully scented, I could already imagine how irresistibly tender these cookies would be.
But the magic truly happened after the first batch came out of the oven — golden, soft, thick, and smelling like Christmas morning. When I took the first bite, it was everything I hoped: pillowy, cozy, spiced, and gently sweet.
Something was still missing though…
A perfect cookie deserves a perfect frosting.
So I whisked together powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, nutmeg, and yes — more eggnog. The frosting turned silky, creamy, and deliciously festive. When I spread it over the warm cookies, it melted just slightly into the top, creating the most perfect sugary holiday glaze.
By the time my family walked into the kitchen, the tray was full of frosted, sparkling cookies that looked like little bites of Christmas heaven.
And let me tell you — it took about five minutes for half the tray to disappear.
From that moment, these Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting became a must-bake every December. They appear on our cookie platters, dessert tables, holiday gift boxes, Christmas Eve plates, and every little moment in between when we crave something warm and nostalgic.
They taste like childhood.
They taste like family gathered together.
They taste like the softest, sweetest parts of the holidays.
And now, this recipe is all yours — to bring the same joy, warmth, and Christmas magic into your home.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
There are so many Christmas cookies out there, but these Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting shine in their own magical way.
Here’s why they’re unforgettable:
1. Soft, Pillowy Texture
These cookies bake up incredibly tender — almost like little holiday cloud cookies.
2. Real Eggnog Flavor
Eggnog in both the cookie dough and the frosting makes the flavor rich, cozy, and authentically festive.
3. Sweet Holiday Spices
Nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla — everything that makes Christmas smell wonderful.
4. Extra Creamy Frosting
The eggnog frosting is silky, smooth, and downright addicting.
5. Perfect for Gifting
They pack beautifully in cookie boxes and holiday tins.
6. Kid-Friendly & Loved by Adults
Sweet enough for kids, nostalgic enough for adults.
7. Beautiful for Cookie Platters
Frosted tops with a sprinkle of nutmeg look like edible Christmas snow.
8. Taste Like Classic Holiday Comfort
One bite and you instantly feel the warmth of the season.
9. Easy to Make in Big Batches
Perfect for parties, potlucks, and cookie exchanges.
These Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting are everything you love about Christmas — soft, sweet, warm, spiced, and made with love.
Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor
To make these delicious holiday cookies, you only need cozy, simple ingredients — things you probably already have in your kitchen during Christmas season.
For the Cookies:
Butter
For richness and that classic soft cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps the cookies stay tender.
Brown Sugar (optional)
For a hint of caramel warmth.
Egg
Gives structure and softness.
Eggnog
The star ingredient — gives moisture, richness, and holiday flavor.
Vanilla Extract
Adds depth and sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour
The perfect base for soft, pillowy cookies.
Baking Powder
Helps the cookies rise beautifully.
Nutmeg & Cinnamon
Warm, cozy spices that make every bite taste like Christmas.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Creamy Eggnog Frosting:
Powdered Sugar
Gives the frosting its light, smooth sweetness.
Butter
Makes the frosting creamy and rich.
Eggnog
Adds flavor and turns the frosting silky smooth.
Vanilla Extract
Soft warmth for perfect holiday flavor.
Nutmeg (for sprinkling)
A finishing touch that brings classic eggnog charm.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Baking Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting feels like creating little bites of Christmas joy. The aroma alone fills your home with holiday warmth and sweetness. Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy.
This step builds the soft, tender texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in your egg and vanilla extract until combined.
The mixture will become smooth and light — a perfect base for the eggnog.
Step 3: Mix in the Eggnog
Pour in the eggnog and blend until the mixture becomes silky.
Right here, the cozy holiday aroma of your Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting begins.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
The dough will be soft, slightly sticky, and beautifully fragrant.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Helpful)
Chill for 20–30 minutes if you want thicker, puffier cookies.
This helps the Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting stay soft and thick.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Leave space between cookies — they spread gently.
Step 8: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look soft.
Do not overbake — softness is key.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool fully on a wire rack before frosting.
Warm cookies will melt the frosting, creating a glaze — which is delicious too.
How to Make the Creamy Eggnog Frosting
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Whip softened butter until creamy and smooth.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggnog
Pour in a small splash of eggnog to thin the frosting and deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Stir in vanilla for warmth and sweetness.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency
Add more powdered sugar for thicker frosting
or more eggnog for a silkier spread.
Step 6: Frost the Cookies
Spread a generous layer on each cooled cookie.
Step 7: Top with Nutmeg
Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg for that perfect holiday finishing touch.
Your Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting are now ready — soft, creamy, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible.
Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With
These cookies shine on their own, but pair beautifully with cozy winter moments:
Christmas Movie Nights
Sweet, soft cookies paired with a warm blanket — perfection.
Holiday Cookie Boxes
Add them to gift baskets or cookie tins; they look extra festive.
Winter Brunch
Serve alongside coffee, hot cocoa, or a creamy eggnog latte.
Christmas Eve Dessert Table
These cookies fit perfectly among pies, cakes, and holiday treats.
After-School Treat for Kids
Soft cookies + a glass of milk = childhood joy.
Holiday Parties
Arrange on a platter with cinnamon sticks and cranberries.
With Coffee or Tea
The spices pair beautifully with warm drinks.
Wherever you serve them, the Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting bring joy, warmth, and beautiful holiday flavor.
Customization & Variations
There are so many fun ways to personalize your Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting. Here are some delicious options:
Spiced Eggnog Cookies
Add extra nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice for deeper warmth.
Eggnog Snickerdoodle Style
Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Eggnog Sandwich Cookies
Spread frosting between two cookies for a decadent holiday treat.
White Chocolate Eggnog Cookies
Add white chocolate chips to the dough.
Cranberry Eggnog Cookies
Mix in dried cranberries for a festive fruity twist.
Eggnog Glaze Instead of Frosting
Thin the frosting with more eggnog for a shiny glaze.
Rum-Flavored Cookies
Add rum extract to mimic classic eggnog flavor.
Sprinkles on Top
Add holiday sprinkles to the frosting for extra cheer.
Brown Butter Version
Brown the butter before mixing for a nutty, richer flavor.
Each variation keeps the cozy heart of the Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting while adding your own festive flair.
Storing & Reheating
Room Temperature
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Refrigeration
They last up to 5–6 days in the fridge if you want to keep them extra fresh.
Freezing Cookies
Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.
Thaw, then frost fresh.
Freezing Frosted Cookies
Freeze individually on a baking sheet, then store in layers separated by parchment.
Reheating
Not necessary — these cookies are meant to be enjoyed soft and cool.
For best flavor, enjoy your Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting fresh within a few days.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)
Each cozy cookie offers:
• Sweet holiday spices from cinnamon and nutmeg
• Creaminess from butter and eggnog
• A soft, pillowy cookie texture
• A silky frosting that melts in your mouth
• The comforting flavor of classic eggnog in every bite
These cookies truly taste like Christmas wrapped in sugar and spice.
Reader Q&A – 17 Common Questions & Answers
1. Can I make the Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cookies a day in advance and frost them the next day for the freshest flavor.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze, then store in a zip bag for up to 2 months.
3. Can I freeze the frosted cookies?
Yes — freeze them on a tray first, then store them layered between parchment so the frosting doesn’t smudge.
4. Can I use homemade eggnog?
100% yes. Homemade eggnog makes these cookies extra rich and flavorful.
5. Can I make these cookies without eggnog?
You can substitute with heavy cream + a little nutmeg, but the true flavor comes from real eggnog.
6. Can I turn this into a drop cookie without chilling?
Yes — the cookies may spread slightly more, but they’ll still be soft and delicious.
7. How do I keep the frosting from melting?
Let the cookies cool completely before frosting. Warm cookies melt frosting quickly.
8. Can I make these cookies crisp instead of soft?
Bake an extra 2–3 minutes for a slightly crispier edge, though they’re meant to be tender.
9. What can I add for extra holiday flavor?
More nutmeg, rum extract, cinnamon, or a pinch of cloves.
10. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes — white chocolate chips work beautifully with eggnog flavor.
11. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
12. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — this recipe scales perfectly for big holiday batches.
13. Can I make these into sandwich cookies?
Definitely! Spread frosting between two cookies for a decadent holiday treat.
14. Can I use a glaze instead of frosting?
Yes — thin the frosting with more eggnog for a shiny eggnog glaze.
15. Can I store these at room temperature?
Yes, for 2–3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep in the fridge.
16. Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes! Kids love sprinkling the nutmeg and spreading the frosting.
17. What if my dough is too sticky?
Chill for 20–30 minutes to firm it up before scooping.
Final Thoughts
The Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting are everything cozy, sweet, and nostalgic about the holidays — wrapped into soft, pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Each bite is filled with warm spices, creamy eggnog richness, and that magical Christmas comfort we crave every winter.
These cookies belong on every holiday dessert table — next to gingerbread, sugar cookies, candy canes, and all the sweet treats that make Christmas feel special. Whether you enjoy them with hot cocoa, share them with guests, package them into gift boxes, or save a few for a quiet moment by the fireplace, they always bring joy.
I hope these Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting become one of your go-to holiday traditions — a recipe you look forward to making every year, a cookie that fills your home with warmth, and a treat that brings smiles to everyone who tastes them.
🍽️ Tried This Recipe?
If you made these Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Eggnog Frosting, I’d love to hear about it!
Your cookie photos, cozy baking moments, and Christmas memories always brighten my day.
And don’t forget —
🎄 Follow me on Pinterest at Mamacooksdinner 🎄
for more holiday cookies, festive treats, and warm winter recipes that make the season magical.
Let’s keep baking, sharing, and creating sweet holiday memories together. ❤️✨
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Hi, I’m Sayan, the creator behind Mamacooksdinner.com. I’m passionate about making home cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, my goal is to help you create delicious meals with simple ingredients.