Eggnog Cookies are similar to a snickerdoodle cookie with a creamy nutmeg eggnog glaze. These eggnog snickerdoodles are beautiful on a holiday cookie tray and absolutely delicious!
This post was originally posted in December 2019 but has been updated for content.
Note: that links to products you find in this post are Amazon affiliate links which means I do make a small amount of money when you click and make purchases.
Every year I make holiday cookie trays to share with family and friends and I always like to mix up the classics with some unique new recipes.
These delicious eggnog cookies are the perfect finishing touch to add to your holiday dessert table or Christmas cookie tray. They are truly one of the best eggnog desserts around!
They go perfectly for parties with a pomegranate mimosa, homemade cranberry bars, polar bear paw print cookies and chocolate orange cake.
This eggnog cookie recipe has a classic snickerdoodle base, with just a touch of creamy eggnog for a luxurious texture and extra punch of holiday nutmeg spice.
The glaze is super simple and it adds the perfect touch of sweetness against the nutmeg and really takes these cookies to the next level!
If you enjoy cooking with this festive holiday beverage, then you will LOVE all my recipes with eggnog!! Check out my eggnog cupcakes and eggnog waffles, eggnog pancakes, and eggnog french toast! But if you'd rather drink it, then here's my traditional eggnog recipe that I make every year.
Before we talk about how to make these cookies, let's cover some basic Eggnog 101.
What is Eggnog?
Eggnog is made from raw eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. It may sound weird, but it's absolutely delicious! It reminds me of melted ice cream with a bit of spice. It's creamy, dreamy, and delicious!
For this recipe, you can buy store-bought or easily make your own following my eggnog recipe!
What is the Best Storebought Eggnog?
Southern Comfort Egg Nog is hands down my favorite store brand.
After doing a bit of research for you guys, I found that these are also very well-liked and popular brands:
- Trader Joes: People say this version has a light spice profile and texture. They also have a light version and an almond nog that's perfect for dairy-free or vegans!
- Organic Valley: I tried this one after reading raving reviews and it did not disappoint!
- C.F. Burger Creamery Deluxe Old Fashion Eggnog: This one is the first one I fell in love with! It's very delicate and smooth.
Ingredients You Need
The list of eggnog cookies ingredients is fairly simple and straightforward using basic baking ingredients plus eggnog.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works great!
- Baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar: Work together to help the cookies rise.
- Nutmeg and cinnamon: Classic Christmas flavors to make these fit the season.
- Butter: Adds flavor, adds richness, and makes everything hold together.
- Vanilla: Just a hint to round all the flavors.
- Sugar: The recipe is going to use brown sugar, powdered sugar, and regular granulated sugar.
- Eggs: Binds everything together and adds some flavor to the cookies.
- Eggnog: You can use storebought or make your own!
Equipment
This recipe requires some basic baking tools in order to prepare.
How to Make Easy Eggnog Cookies
Making this eggnog cookies recipe is super simple! You are going to start by gathering all your ingredients. Don't preheat your oven just yet, because these cookies are going to need a bit of chill time.
- After you gather all your ingredients together, make the topping first. Combine the nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar and set it aside for later.
- Next, prepare the dry ingredients for the cookie base by mixing together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set this aside as well.
- Get a large bowl and combine the room temperature butter with the sugar and vanilla. Use an electric mixer on low until everything is nice and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and eggnog and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
- When everything is nice and smooth, you are going to slowly add the flour mixture. For this part, you want to use a wooden spoon rather than an electric mixer. Stir just until everything is well incorporated.
- Now for the fun part! Using a one-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into one-inch cookie dough balls. Next, dip each ball in the cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg topping mix.
- Place the cookie dough balls on a plate or a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. You will want to chill them for about an hour before baking.
- When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. If chilled on a plate, transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies for about 8 minutes or until the edges start to turn slightly brown. Do not overcook. Cool completely before applying the glaze.
- To glaze the cookies, combine the powdered sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add the eggnog, adjusting the amount until you reach your desired consistency. Using a spoon or a piping bag, lightly drizzle the glaze over the cookies and allow to set completely before serving.
How to Serve Eggnog Christmas Cookies
- Beverages: This cookie tastes great with a glass of cold eggnog or milk! But you can also pair them with your favorite winter hot cocoa, a cup of coffee, or a holiday hot cocktail such as mulled wine or a pomegranate mimosa.
- Holiday desserts: These cookies make the perfect addition to a holiday dessert tray for parties! You can also serve some chocolate dipped pineapple, peanut butter balls, and strawberry cheesecake cookies.
- Gifts: Pack up these cookies and give them away to family and friends for the holidays.
Expert Tips
Here are just a few tips to follow to ensure you end up with the best eggnog cookies.
- Chill time: These cookies cook up better after chilling in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows time for the flavors to develop and prevents them from spreading out too much on the tray.
- Add icing to cooled cookies: The cookies must be fully cooled before icing.
- Use a cookie scoop: This makes for even-sized cookies which look better but also cook more evenly. If you don't have one, a tablespoon measure works well too!
- Make ahead: Yes, simply roll out the cookie dough balls ahead of time and store in the freezer. Make sure you thaw slightly in the fridge before baking.
- Best shape: Lightly push down on each ball before baking.
- Less eggnog flavor: Omit the eggnog in the glaze and use regular milk for a more subtle eggnog flavor, coming just from the cookie.
FAQs
Yes, while my favorite way to enjoy eggnog is sipping it by the fire on a cold winter day, it can be used for MUCH more than simply sipping.
You can substitute eggnog for milk in practically any recipe! I especially love eggnog desserts and also love eggnog breakfast recipes! Some of my favorites are cupcakes, pancakes, French toast, and waffles.
You don't have to make anything fancy with it. I also love using it as creamer in my coffee during the month of December! Yum!
If you have a little extra time, you should give making your own a try! Plus making your own means you can enjoy it any time of year since the stores only carry it around the holidays.
To make eggnog you basically slowly warm some milk and vanilla on the stove in a medium saucepan. Next, prep the eggs by beating them with the sugar for a good five minutes. When it's mixed pour the egg mixture into the warm milk and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 degrees. Finish it off by adding the heavy cream and straining the eggnog in a fine mesh strainer. It's super easy!
For all the ingredients, measurements and detailed instructions check out my recipe for making eggnog.
More Dessert Ideas
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Eggnog Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 3 ¾ cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup eggnog
Cooking Coating
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup eggnog
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
Make Cookies
- Make the cookie coating first, set aside.
- Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, salt, and cream of tartar. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream room temperature butter and vanilla extract together. Add sugar and mix until fluffy. Add eggs and eggnog and mix well.
- Stir in dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop out 1-inch balls and shape into balls using your hands.Roll each cookie dough ball through the sugar coating mixture and place on a plate or cookie sheet.Place cooking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover cookie sheet with parchment paper and place 6-8 cookies on a cookie sheet at a time bake 8-10 minutes. Allow 5-10 minutes to cool before removing them from the baking sheet. Drizzle with glaze when cookies are completely cool.
Glaze
- Mix powdered sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon together. Add eggnog and stir together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set up until dry.
Notes
- Chill time: These cookies cook up better after chilling in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows time for the flavors to develop and prevents them from spreading out too much on the tray.
- Add icing to cooled cookies: The cookies must be fully cooled before icing.
- Use a cookie scoop: This makes for even-sized cookies which look better but also cook more evenly. If you don't have one, a tablespoon measure works well too!
- Make ahead: Yes, simply roll out the cookie dough balls ahead of time and store in the freezer. Make sure you thaw slightly in the fridge before baking.
- Best shape: Lightly push down on each ball before baking.
- Less eggnog flavor: Omit the eggnog in the glaze and use regular milk for a more subtle eggnog flavor, coming just from the cookie.
Lisa Killian says
Yum! I love eggnog cookies and these look amazing!
Liz says
These Eggnog Cookies look incredible! I'll be adding them to my Christmas baking list for sure!
Rose says
I love eggnog desserts and look forward to making these cookies for the holidays.
Lizet Bowen says
Mmm. I love all your eggnog recipes! Last year I made eggnog fudge. I can't wait to add these cookies to our holiday cooking.
Liz says
These look amazing. I can't wait to make these for my family this year.
Alexandra says
These are incredibly delicious and make for a wonderful festive baked treat.
Justine says
I swapped the butter and eggnog for vegan, and replaced the egg with a flax egg. They turned out super moist and delicious!
Oscar says
I am a huge fan of eggnog so I am saving this recipe for the upcoming holiday season. Can't wait to make these cookies. Thank you.
Amy Liu Dong says
It looks easy and delicious!
Such a perfect treat to make for the kids this weekend.