Name: Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup dark brown sugar packed; 2 extra-large eggs at room temperature; 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon rum extract; ¾ cup eggnog; ½ cup salted sweet cream butter at room temperature; 3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup eggnog; Ground nutmeg optional garnish

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, nostalgic warmth of the holidays wrapped up in a cookie — and that’s exactly what the Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe delivers. Soft, spiced, and topped with a luscious eggnog-infused frosting, these cookies are the perfect festive treat to bake and share.

The image shows several round, light brown cookies on a white plate with parchment paper. Each cookie is topped with one thick, swirled layer of creamy white frosting with a smooth and fluffy texture. Light sprinkles of cinnamon or spice powder are scattered over the frosting, adding small dark brown specks. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a blurred bowl and more cookies in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I baked these Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting — the whole kitchen smelled like Christmas. The blend of warm spices and creamy frosting feels like a hug in cookie form, and I promise you’ll find yourself craving a second (or third) before they’re even cool.

Perfect holiday flavors: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog come together beautifully for that classic festive taste.
Soft, tender texture: The cookies stay moist and chewy, thanks to the rich eggnog-infused dough.
Easy creamy frosting: The frosting is not only delicious but easy to pipe or spread, making these cookies picture-perfect.
Great for gatherings: They make fabulous homemade gifts or party treats that everyone will rave about.

A woman's hand is holding a cookie with one bite taken out of it, showing a soft, light brown inside with a slightly crumbly texture; on top of the cookie is a thick layer of creamy white frosting, swirled and topped with a light dusting of fine brown spice. In the background, there are several cookies arranged closely together, all topped with swirled white frosting. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with a white bowl and a wooden stick blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on ingredients that bring warmth and moisture, plus a combo of spices and extracts to build that distinct eggnog flavor. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl holding creamy off-white eggnog, two uncracked extra-large brown eggs, a neat pile of dark brown packed sugar, a neat pile of granulated white sugar, a rectangular slab of salted sweet cream butter, a small white bowl with warm golden ground nutmeg powder, a small white bowl with light brown ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with white baking powder, and a small white bowl with coarse white salt, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure but keeps them tender when measured right.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, pillowy bite.
Ground nutmeg and cinnamon: These spices create that signature eggnog warmth without overpowering.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spice flavors.
Salted sweet cream butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Granulated and dark brown sugar: The brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and adds depth with its molasses notes.
Extra-large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla and rum extracts: Vanilla rounds out the sweetness; rum extract gives that authentic holiday spirit kick.
Eggnog: The star of the show, it moisturizes the dough and infuses cookies with creamy, seasonal flavor.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Gives creamy smoothness and sweetness without graininess.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe to suit different moods and occasions. It’s versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with add-ins or extracts.

Variation: I sometimes swap rum extract for a teaspoon of bourbon for a slightly boozier, more grown-up flavor — it’s a subtle but delightful twist.
Dairy-free option: Using vegan butter and non-dairy eggnog works well if you have dietary restrictions.
Spice it up: Throw in a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth, especially if you love a more complex spice profile.
Make them festive: Add crushed candy canes on the frosting or colored sugar sprinkles to amp up that holiday cheer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Whisk your dry ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This makes sure your spices and leavening are evenly distributed — so every cookie gets that lovely flavor punch!

Step 2: Cream butter and sugars

Using your stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened salted butter for about 30 to 45 seconds. Then add both the granulated and dark brown sugars. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 1 to 1½ minutes. This step is key for that tender crumb and balanced sweetness.

Step 3: Add eggs and extracts

Lower the mixer speed to medium-low, then add the eggs one at a time. Mixing each fully before adding the next will prevent any streaks of egg white or yolk — nobody likes weird yellow patches in cookies! After that, add the vanilla and rum extract and mix just to combine.

Step 4: Alternate adding dry and eggnog ingredients

Here’s a trick I swear by: Add your flour mixture and eggnog to the wet ingredients alternately, starting and ending with the dry. Add about a cup of flour mixture, then half the eggnog, repeat, and finish with flour. Mixing gently just until combined keeps the dough tender and prevents overworking.

Step 5: Chill the dough

Cover your dough and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. I’ve found chilling not only firms the dough for easier scooping but also deepens the eggnog flavor — so don’t skip this step!

Step 6: Scoop and bake

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Use about a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out dough balls 2 inches apart — they’ll spread a little but you want them to keep their shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden (not brown). Let them cool a couple minutes on the cookie sheet before moving to a rack.

Step 7: Make the creamy eggnog frosting

Beat your softened butter on medium speed for 45 seconds to a minute until smooth. Then lower the speed to medium-low and gradually add powdered sugar alternating with eggnog, mixing until smooth and creamy. This frosting is divine — silky but with enough stability to pipe.

Step 8: Frost and garnish

Spoon your frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (I use Wilton 1M) or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe generous swirls atop each cooled cookie. Finish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg — it adds a beautiful aroma and a hint of spice that takes these cookies over the top.

Top Tip

From baking these cookies multiple times each holiday season, I’ve picked up a few tricks that'll help you nail this recipe with ease and flavor.

Chill the dough properly: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It stops spreading and intensifies the eggnog flavor beautifully.
Don’t overmix: Once you start adding flour, mix just until combined — overmixing makes tough cookies, which nobody wants.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are room temp. It helps create a smooth dough and perfect texture.
Use fresh spices: Freshly ground nutmeg and cinnamon give a noticeable flavor boost compared to old, dusty spices.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my Eggnog Cookies with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg — it’s subtle but makes a world of difference in aroma and presentation. Sometimes, I’ll try tiny sprinkles of edible gold or pearl dust for holiday parties, which add a little sparkle and glam.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of rich hot chocolate, mulled cider, or even your favorite spiced latte. I’ve served them alongside a cheese and charcuterie board during holiday gatherings — their sweet, spiced nature balances savory snacks beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gift-giving, I like stacking these cookies in pretty clear boxes tied with rustic twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary. For parties, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with festive decorations like holly leaves or cinnamon sticks to up your hosting game.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cookie texture soft. They stay delicious for up to 5 days this way, so no rush on eating them all at once.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works great! I freeze them unfrosted on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw overnight in the fridge and frost freshly for that just-baked vibe.

Reheating

If you want a fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop the cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It softens the cookie but don’t microwave too long or the frosting melts away. Enjoy immediately for best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought eggnog, or should I make my own?

Store-bought eggnog is perfectly fine and much easier during busy holidays. Just pick a good-quality brand, and if you prefer boozy cookies, you can add a splash of your favorite rum or bourbon. Homemade eggnog works too for an extra-special touch.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill your dough for at least an hour before baking, and use parchment paper or silicone mats on your baking sheets. Also, measure your flour carefully—too little flour can cause excessive spreading.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting on the cookies?

I recommend using a disposable piping bag fitted with a star tip (like Wilton 1M) for pretty swirls. If you don’t have a piping bag, a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off works wonderfully too. Apply gentle, steady pressure for smooth, even frosting.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe feels like a little holiday magic you can bake at home. I love sharing them with friends and family because they bring that perfect mix of festive nostalgia and homemade love. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every soft, spiced, creamy bite just as much as I do.