Eggnog cookies are the perfect holiday treat, capturing the essence of the season in every bite. With the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog, a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a smooth, decadent cream cheese glaze, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or as a sweet gift, this recipe brings the comforting taste of eggnog into a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie form. Easy to make and bursting with festive flavors, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the warm, spicy notes of the holiday season.

The dough comes together quickly, and the cookies bake to a soft, fluffy texture that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy glaze. The combination of eggnog, vanilla, and spices will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of the holidays, making them the ideal choice for seasonal celebrations. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or as a gift wrapped up with care, these Eggnog Cookies will bring joy to anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Holiday Flavor

The eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a festive flavor profile that’s perfect for Christmas or any winter holiday. It’s like enjoying a glass of eggnog, but in cookie form!

2. Easy to Make

This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal effort required. If you’re new to baking or looking for a stress-free treat, these cookies are a great choice.

3. Delicious Creamy Glaze

The cream cheese glaze adds an indulgent, smooth finish to the cookies, making each bite even more irresistible. It’s the perfect topping to enhance the flavor.

4. Soft and Fluffy Texture

These cookies have a light, fluffy texture thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients. They’re soft but sturdy, making them ideal for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

5. Great for Gifting

These cookies make a thoughtful and delicious holiday gift. Pack them in festive boxes or bags for friends and family, and watch their faces light up with the joy of homemade goodness.

Ingredients

Eggnog
Pure vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Pinch of nutmeg

Variations

Spiced Eggnog Cookies: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra spice and flavor, giving your cookies an even more aromatic holiday vibe.
Chocolate Eggnog Cookies: Stir in some mini chocolate chips or chunks to add a chocolatey twist to your eggnog cookies.
Eggnog Sandwich Cookies: Make these cookies even more indulgent by sandwiching the cream cheese glaze between two cookies for a delightful treat.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free eggnog and swap the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative to make these cookies dairy-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggnog, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the dough is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out small balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each ball, as the cookies will spread slightly while baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should remain soft but set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the creamy eggnog glaze over the top of each cookie. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free glaze.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft in the center, so be careful not to overbake them. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Flour Measurement: For accurate results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much flour, which can lead to dense cookies.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find the dough too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour before scooping and baking.

How to Serve

Eggnog cookies are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. Serve them on a festive platter as part of a holiday dessert spread, or enjoy them as a sweet treat while gathering with family and friends. For extra flair, garnish the cookies with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the glaze is fully set before stacking the cookies to prevent it from smearing.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for later enjoyment. To freeze, arrange the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Reheating

To warm the cookies, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. The glaze does not need to be reheated, as it will remain soft and creamy.

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FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of richness and flavor. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler cookie.

2. Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Yes, store-bought eggnog works just as well as homemade eggnog in this recipe.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

For a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the flour blend’s instructions for any additional adjustments needed.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should have golden edges and a soft center. A light touch to the center should leave an indentation, but it shouldn’t be too soft or gooey.

5. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake the dough from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter for the glaze?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in the glaze if needed, although butter adds a richer flavor.

7. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, the cookies will stay fresh for about 4-5 days at room temperature.

8. Can I add more spices to the dough?

Absolutely! If you love spices, feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger, allspice, or cloves for extra holiday flavor.

9. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just whisk it again before using.

10. Can I use a different type of cheese for the glaze?

While cream cheese is the best option for a smooth, creamy glaze, you could try mascarpone or ricotta cheese, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Eggnog cookies with a creamy glaze are a delightful holiday treat that brings the cozy flavors of eggnog into a delicious cookie form. With a fluffy texture, festive spices, and a smooth cream cheese glaze, these cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or as a gift for loved ones. Easy to make and full of flavor, these eggnog cookies are sure to be a holiday favorite for years to come. Enjoy the holiday magic with each bite!