There’s nothing quite like the smell of eggnog cookies baking in the oven to make the holidays feel extra special. This eggnog cookies recipe holiday indulgence has been my secret weapon for cookie swaps and cozy winter nights ever since my sister-in-law first shared it with me years ago. I remember thinking “Eggnog…in a cookie?” at first, but one bite of these soft, chewy treats with their warm spice and rich flavor convinced me instantly.
What makes these cookies so magical is how they capture all the festive flavors of eggnog – the creamy sweetness, the nutmeg warmth, that little hint of boozy depth – in perfect cookie form. They’ve got this melt-in-your-mouth texture that practically begs for a mug of hot cocoa or spiced cider alongside them. Every December, my kids start asking “When are you making the eggnog cookies?” because to them, it just isn’t the holidays without them.
These aren’t just any holiday cookies – they’re little bites of Christmas cheer. The recipe comes together so easily, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable holiday aroma that’ll have everyone hovering by the oven. Trust me, once you try this eggnog cookies recipe holiday indulgence, it’ll become your new seasonal tradition too.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cookies Recipe Holiday Indulgence
These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re downright magical. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to holiday treat year after year:
- Instant holiday vibes: The warm spices and rich eggnog flavor make every bite feel like Christmas in cookie form. One whiff of these baking, and suddenly it’s the coziest winter afternoon.
- Perfectly soft texture: These stay wonderfully chewy for days (if they last that long!) thanks to the eggnog keeping them moist.
- Easy to make: No fancy techniques here—just mix, drop, and bake. You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes when unexpected guests drop by.
- Total crowd-pleaser: I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t go crazy for these. They disappear faster than I can make them at holiday parties!
Seriously, this eggnog cookies recipe holiday indulgence is like baking pure holiday joy into every bite. If you are looking for other quick holiday baking ideas, check out this air fryer cranberry orange scones recipe.
Ingredients for Eggnog Cookies Recipe Holiday Indulgence
Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic! Here’s exactly what you’ll need for these festive treats:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tsp baking powder (fresh is best!)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (leave out for 30 minutes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (press it into the measuring cup)
- 1 large egg (room temperature blends better)
- 1/2 cup eggnog (the real stuff, not low-fat)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp rum extract (optional but adds depth)
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No rum extract? Use 1 tsp extra vanilla instead. For a non-alcoholic version, try butterscotch or caramel extract. Dairy-free? Any store-bought vegan eggnog works beautifully—just shake well before measuring. Out of fresh nutmeg? Pre-ground works fine, but use a light hand as it’s more potent. And if you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of cardamom adds wonderful warmth to these holiday cookies! Nutmeg is a key spice in many traditional holiday recipes; you can read more about the history of nutmeg history here.
How to Make Eggnog Cookies Recipe Holiday Indulgence
Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s exactly how I make these eggnog cookies recipe holiday indulgence treats that disappear faster than Santa’s milk and cookies:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this gives the oven time to get nice and even while you mix everything. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper (trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking).
In a medium bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients—the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. I like to whisk for about 15 seconds to make sure those spices are perfectly distributed.
Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy—about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. Scrape down the sides, then beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Pour in the eggnog, vanilla, and rum extract (if using), and mix just until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until no flour streaks remain. The dough will be soft but manageable.
Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes—you want the edges just barely golden but the centers still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes (they’ll finish setting up), then transfer to a wire rack. For more easy baking inspiration, try these air fryer pumpkin muffins recipe.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
My secret weapons? Always use parchment paper—it prevents bottoms from browning too fast. Watch carefully after 10 minutes; overbaking kills the chewiness. And for extra holiday magic, sprinkle cookies with fresh nutmeg right when they come out of the oven!
Storing & Serving Your Eggnog Cookies
These cookies stay wonderfully soft for days when stored right. I always use an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll keep fresh for up to 5 days this way. For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months (though they rarely last that long in my house!). My favorite way to serve them? Still slightly warm from the oven with a steaming mug of coffee or spiced cider—the perfect holiday pairing!
Eggnog Cookies Recipe Holiday Indulgence Nutritional Info
Let’s be real—these are holiday cookies meant for indulging! One cookie clocks in around 120 calories with that perfect balance of buttery richness and sweet spice. Keep in mind nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients (especially if you use homemade eggnog or different extracts). But honestly? During the holidays, I say savor every delicious bite!
FAQs About Eggnog Cookies
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about these holiday favorites! Let me answer the ones that come up most often:
Can I freeze these eggnog cookies? Absolutely! They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature when cravings strike.
What if I don’t have eggnog? No worries—mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/4 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp vanilla as a quick substitute. It won’t be identical, but still makes delicious festive cookies.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? Chilling the dough for 30 minutes fixes this! Also check your butter wasn’t too soft—you want it cool enough to hold a finger indent.
Can kids eat these with rum extract? The alcohol cooks off, but for school parties I skip it entirely. The vanilla and nutmeg still give plenty of holiday flavor.
Best way to gift these? I stack them in festive tins with parchment between layers—they ship well and make everyone feel special!
Share Your Holiday Indulgence
Nothing makes me happier than seeing your eggnog cookie creations! Snap a photo of your holiday baking adventures and tag me—I love seeing your festive cookie trays and creative garnishes. Leave a rating below if these become your new seasonal tradition too!
Print
3-Ingredient Eggnog Cookies Recipe Holiday Indulgence Magic
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious eggnog cookies perfect for holiday indulgence. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of festive flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp rum extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add egg, eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract (if using). Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cookies with nutmeg before baking.
- Use real eggnog for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: eggnog cookies, holiday cookies, festive dessert, Christmas cookies