Dessert

Eggnog Cookies Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

These soft, spiced Eggnog Cookies bring the warm, comforting flavors of classic eggnog into a delightful holiday treat. Perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or enjoying with a cup of cocoa, they offer a subtle nutmeg spice and a rich, buttery texture.

A white plate holds a neat stack of round cookies, about ten in total, each cookie light golden in color with a slightly cracked surface. The top of each cookie is sprinkled with coarse white sugar and a dusting of fine brown spice, adding texture and detail. The cookies are arranged in two layers, with some overlapping others, giving a cozy, homemade feel. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with soft, warm bokeh lights glowing in the blurred background, and red holiday ornaments adding a festive touch in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup eggnog

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to form the cookie dough.
Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top of the dough before baking.
Use homemade eggnog if possible for a richer, more authentic flavor.
To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy eggnog alternative.
If you prefer a stronger nutmeg flavor, increase the ground nutmeg to 1 1/2 teaspoons.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary but can be done briefly in a microwave or oven to soften.

How to Serve

A stack of round, light golden cookies topped with coarse sugar and tiny brown specks sits on a white plate with a subtle gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The cookies have a slightly cracked top texture and are arranged casually in a small pile, some overlapping each other. In the softly blurred background, warm yellow fairy lights create a cozy glow alongside two red Christmas ornaments, enhancing the festive feel of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a substitute for eggnog in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute eggnog with milk or a milk alternative mixed with a pinch of nutmeg and vanilla extract to mimic the flavor, but the classic eggnog taste is what makes these cookies special.

How do I keep my cookies soft?

Be careful not to overbake the cookies; remove them from the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Cooling on the baking sheet helps them set gently and stay soft inside.