Name: Eggnog Cookies with 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 something utterly magical about bite-sized treats that bring the cozy flavors of the season together in one delicious mouthful. This Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe captures that holiday spirit perfectly, with soft, spiced cookies and rich, creamy frosting that taste like Christmas on a plate.

The image shows a close-up of several cookies arranged on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each cookie has one layer of light brown, round, soft-looking base with a smooth texture. On top of this base, there is a thick layer of creamy white frosting, piped in a swirling rose pattern with smooth, velvety texture and slight peaks. The frosting is sprinkled with a light dusting of brown spice powder, adding a touch of contrast. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the cookies in the foreground. 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 Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, every holiday season I look forward to these Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe more than any other treat. The way the warm spices blend with the creamy frosting feels like the ultimate festive indulgence, and it’s easier to make than you might think!

Classic holiday flavors: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and rum extract infuse each cookie with festive cheer.
Soft, tender texture: Thanks to the addition of eggnog, the cookies stay moist and chewy, never dry.
Rich, fluffy frosting: The eggnog frosting on top adds just the right sweetness and brings the whole cookie together.
Perfect for gifting: These cookies look as good as they taste, making them a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.

A close-up shows a woman's hand holding half of a soft light brown cookie with a visible crumb texture. On top of the cookie is a thick layer of smooth white frosting piped with swirls, sprinkled lightly with small dark specks. In the background, more cookies with the same frosting design sit on a white marbled surface, and blurred containers with light cream contents are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays a crucial role here, from the spices that bring warmth to the rich eggnog that keeps the cookies moist. And the frosting? It’s the creamy cherry on top that makes these cookies festive and fun to eat. Here’s a closer look at why we use each one.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown sugar packed, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of eggnog, two whole extra-large brown eggs with clean shells, a few sticks of salted sweet cream butter, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla and rum extract mixed together, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic 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: Gives structure to your cookies without being too dense or cakey.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them soft and tender.
Ground nutmeg & cinnamon: Classic warming spices that give those unmistakable eggnog-inspired flavors.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Salted sweet cream butter: Provides richness and flavor; room temperature ensures smooth mixing.
Granulated and dark brown sugar: A combo that adds sweetness plus a bit of chewiness from the molasses in brown sugar.
Extra-large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s tender crumb.
Vanilla and rum extract: The rum extract gives that signature eggnog note; vanilla deepens the flavor.
Eggnog: The star of the show, bringing moisture, spice, and a festive touch.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a smooth, creamy texture that’s ideal for spreading or piping.
Ground nutmeg (optional garnish): Adds a pretty and aromatic finish to your frosted cookies.

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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 experimenting with this Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe, especially when it comes to the frosting and flavor accents. Feel free to play around with extracts or spices to dial the flavor up or down based on your taste buds.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the rum extract for a splash of bourbon or brandy—adds a nice adult twist! If you prefer non-alcoholic, vanilla alone works beautifully.
Dietary tweaks: I've tried these with gluten-free flour blends — just keep an eye on the texture as it can vary slightly.
Extra spices: If you love spicy, a pinch of ground cloves or ginger in the dough adds warmth without overpowering the classic eggnog notes.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients to Infuse Warmth

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents, so your cookies bake perfectly spiced and light. I like using fresh nutmeg when I have it—it’s a small step but the flavor difference is noticeable!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter for about 30-45 seconds until smooth. Then add granulated and brown sugar and continue beating for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. This aerates the butter and sugar, setting the stage for tender cookies with just the right chew. Don’t rush this step—it makes a big difference.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts Carefully

Lower your mixer speed and add eggs one at a time. Mix just long enough to avoid any streaks of egg white or yolk—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Then stir in your vanilla and rum extracts, which are what really bring out that iconic eggnog flavor.

Step 4: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Eggnog

Add the flour mixture and eggnog alternately, one cup of flour mixture then some eggnog, mixing until just combined each time. This alternating method helps maintain a tender dough that’s not overworked. Chill the dough for at least an hour so the flavors meld and it’s easier to scoop.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a 1½-tablespoon scoop for evenly sized cookies, placing them about 2 inches apart because they spread a bit. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers look set but soft. Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Step 6: Whip Up the Eggnog Frosting

Cream the softened butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar and eggnog alternately, mixing until silky smooth. This creates a luscious frosting that’s firm enough to pipe but melts in your mouth. I love using a star tip for a festive swirled look, but you can spread it on with a knife too.

Step 7: Frost, Garnish, and Enjoy

Pipe or spread frosting on the cooled cookies, then sprinkle a dusting of fresh ground nutmeg for that final, aromatic touch that screams holiday. Now sit back and watch how fast these disappear!

Top Tip

I’ve made these cookies multiple seasons now, and little tweaks have saved me from pitfalls. Here’s what I’ve learned so you can nail this recipe like a pro on your first try.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temp to avoid lumps in the dough and frosting.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
Chill the Dough: I swear by chilling for an hour or more—it intensifies flavor and prevents excessive spreading.
Watch Your Oven: They can go from perfect to overdone quickly; pull them when edges are golden, centers still soft.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love a simple dusting of freshly grated nutmeg over the frosting—adds that extra holiday aroma and just enough texture. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped toasted pecans or a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce for a special touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a warm mug of spiced cider or classic eggnog to match the flavors. I’ve also served them with a platter of mixed holiday cheeses and fresh fruit for parties—everyone loves the contrast of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I arrange them in decorative tins layered with parchment paper and tied with festive ribbons. For parties, I’ve piped the frosting in pretty rosettes and added edible gold dust to show off how elegant these little cookies can be.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To keep the frosting from getting sticky, separate layers with parchment paper. Before serving leftovers, I let them rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to get that soft, fresh-baked feel back.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I’ve frozen both frosted and unfrosted cookies for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to avoid condensation on your frosting.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up chilled leftovers, I pop unfrosted cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to warm them just right. For frosted ones, warming is best done gently at room temperature to keep the frosting intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the fridge overnight. It actually intensifies the eggnog flavor and makes for easier scooping the next day.

Can I substitute homemade eggnog?

Definitely. If you prefer homemade eggnog or can’t find store-bought, it’s a perfect swap. Just make sure your homemade version isn’t too watery to keep the dough texture right.

How do I get the frosting just right?

Beat the butter until fluffy before adding powdered sugar and eggnog gradually. This prevents lumps and helps you achieve that smooth, pipe-friendly consistency every time.

Can I use extracts other than rum?

Yes! While rum extract gives that classic eggnog taste, vanilla or even almond extract make great alternatives. Just adjust based on your preference and keep the amount moderate to avoid overpowering the flavors.

Final Thoughts

I have to admit, these Eggnog Cookies with Frosting Recipe have become my go-to holiday treat and a little tradition in my kitchen. I love sharing them with friends—because nothing says “festive” quite like cookie dough speckled with nutmeg, a kiss of rum, and a swirl of creamy frosting on top. You’re going to love the cozy vibe these bring, whether you’re gifting them, serving at a party, or just sneaking a few while no one’s looking. Give it a try and watch these little bites bring big smiles!