Name: Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 1 cup eggnog; 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 3 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1/3 cup eggnog

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 55 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the kind of holiday treat that wraps up all those cozy, festive flavors in a perfect little bite, you’re going to adore this Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Icing Recipe. These cookies capture the spirit of eggnog in a tender, spiced cookie, topped with a luscious, smooth icing that’s just dreamy. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll be a new holiday favorite you’ll want to bake (and eat) all season long.

💚

Why This Recipe Works

Rich Flavor Fusion: Eggnog brings a warm, nutmeg-kissed milkiness that perfectly complements buttery cookie dough.
Soft Yet Slightly Crisp Texture: Chilling the dough rolls overnight ensures cookies bake up tender with just enough snap around the edges.
Decadent Icing Balance: The creamy icing made with eggnog ties everything together with sweet, smooth richness without overpowering.
Large Batch Friendly: The dough makes four logs that chill well, meaning you’re set for gatherings or gift-giving with plenty of cookies to share.

Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Icing, holiday eggnog cookies, festive eggnog cookie recipe, Christmas treats with eggnog, easy holiday cookie recipes - The image shows six round cookies placed evenly on a large white plate with subtle speckles. Each cookie is golden brown in color with a smooth dollop of creamy, light beige frosting spread on top, covering the center portion of the cookie. The plate is set on a soft beige cloth over a white marbled surface, and in the background, several more frosted cookies rest on a metal cooling rack. The scene is bright with soft, natural lighting highlighting the texture of both the cookies and the frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a starring role to build these classic holiday cookies that feel familiar but a little elevated. Eggnog is the secret star, bringing that seasonal flavor without needing extra spices beyond the nutmeg. Let me walk you through the must-haves and why you’ll want to choose them carefully.

Butter: Softened butter helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; don’t skimp on quality because it truly shines in the flavor.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens and helps with that perfect cookie structure when creamed with butter.
Eggnog: Use your favorite eggnog here—homemade or store-bought—as it infuses that unmistakable creamy, spiced flavor directly into your dough and icing.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie, providing just the right amount of structure to hold these softer cookies together.
Baking soda: This leavening agent reacts subtly, helping your cookies spread just enough and rise softly.
Ground nutmeg: The light dusting of nutmeg amps up the warm, eggnog-like spice without competing with the flavor.
Confectioners’ sugar: Essential for creating a smooth, sweet icing that’s easy to spread and sets beautifully.

📝

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

One of the things I love most about this Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Icing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your taste or what you have on hand. Whether you want to ramp up the spice, try a different icing, or make it dairy-free, you’ve got options!

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon and cloves to the dough for an extra warm holiday vibe—it’s nothing short of magical.
Dairy-free swap: I’ve successfully swapped the butter and eggnog for plant-based alternatives and still got fantastic results—perfect if you’re catering to dietary needs.
Texture tweak: If you like your cookies a bit crunchier, bake them for a minute or two longer, just keep an eye so they don’t get too tough.

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

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

This step is key to getting that light, tender texture in your cookies. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and beat the softened butter with sugar for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which makes the dough lighter. Don’t rush it—taking the time here pays off.

Step 2: Beat in the Eggnog

Slowly add in your eggnog, beating just enough to combine. The eggnog adds moisture and that holiday spice naturally, so it’s an essential step. Be sure your eggnog is cold or fridge-temperature—it helps keep the dough from getting too soft before baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Into Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and ground nutmeg. Gradually add this mixture into your wet batter to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution of spices. Mix just until everything comes together to prevent tough cookies.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough Rolls Overnight

Divide your dough into four equal parts and roll each into a 10-inch log. Wrap each tightly in waxed paper and refrigerate overnight. Trust me, this resting time is non-negotiable—it lets the flavors marry and firms up the dough for easier slicing and better cookie texture.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F. When ready, unwrap a roll and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Lay them an inch apart on ungreased baking sheets—no need to grease here, or they can spread too much. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just set. Cool completely on wire racks before icing.

Step 6: Prepare Your Creamy Icing

While the cookies cool, beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar and eggnog until you get a smooth, spreadable icing. It should be creamy but not runny—adjust with extra sugar or eggnog as needed to get just the right consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy!

Spread or pipe the creamy icing on cooled cookies. I love using an offset spatula for a thin, even layer or a piping bag if I want a neater look. Once iced, give them a few minutes for the icing to set, then dive in or store in an airtight container.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Overnight chilling is crucial for flavor development and easier slicing—I’ve tried skipping this, and the cookies turned out a bit flat and messy.
Use Fresh Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds a brighter, more noticeable spice than pre-ground; it really makes these cookies sing.
Test Bake One Cookie First: I always bake a single test cookie to check for spread and texture before baking the full batch—that little step saves a lot of disappointment.
Perfect Icing Consistency: If your icing is too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too stiff, add eggnog in tiny splashes. This balance makes spreading easier and prevents messes.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle just a pinch of extra ground nutmeg or a light dusting of cinnamon over the icing—nothing fancy, but it adds a little festive touch and aroma when serving. Sometimes I add a few rainbow-colored sugar crystals for the kids, which always brightens the platter.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a warm mug of real eggnog (does that sound redundant? Maybe, but it’s heavenly!). I also like to serve them alongside fresh fruit or a cheese board when hosting holiday gatherings—surprising combo, but guests love it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the iced cookies on a festive platter garnished with holly leaves or small sprigs of rosemary for a wintery look. Wrapping a few up as gifts with a cinnamon stick tied in ribbon makes for a charming, edible present that friends and family always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If it’s warm or humid, a cool spot in your kitchen or the fridge can help preserve the icing’s glossy finish while keeping the cookies soft.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil—when thawed overnight in the fridge, they slice and bake just like fresh. You can also freeze baked cookies without icing in airtight containers or bags. For best results, add the icing after thawing.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftover cookies, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15) works wonders without drying them out. Just avoid heating iced cookies too long or the icing can get sticky or melt altogether.

FAQs

Can I use almond or soy milk instead of eggnog in this Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Icing Recipe?

Yes! While traditional eggnog gives the best authentic flavor, you can substitute with almond, soy, or any nut milk. To mimic the spice, you might want to add a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little sweetener to the milk before mixing into your dough and icing.
Can I make the dough ahead without baking right away?

Absolutely. This recipe is designed for chilling the dough logs overnight, but you can freeze the dough wrapped tightly for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.
How do I prevent the icing from getting too runny?

The icing consistency depends a lot on how much eggnog you add. If your icing is too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar a tablespoon at a time. Start with less eggnog and add only as much as needed to reach a spreadable texture.
Do these Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Icing Recipe cookies keep well?

Yes! Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, but I recommend adding the icing fresh after thawing.

Final Thoughts

Making this Eggnog Cookies with Creamy Icing Recipe feels like a warm holiday hug every time I bake it. The ease of prepping dough ahead, the nostalgic aroma filling my kitchen, and the crowd-pleasing taste make it my go-to treat for holiday gatherings. I promise once you try these, they’ll be a staple for you too—perfect for gifting, sharing, or just treating yourself. Now, grab your mixing bowls and give these a whirl—you won’t regret it!